VIDEO: Autocar drives the McLaren F1 GTR ahead of P11's debut
Click the image above to view the video after the jump
Some guys have all the luck. Fresh off his adventure chasing a Lamborghini LP670-4 SV around Millbrook with a Corvette ZR1, Steve Sutcliffe is back in front of Autocar's cameras -- only this time he's driving a McLaren F1. And not just any old McLaren F1. No, Mr. Sutcliffe is driving a F1 GTR -- one of the McLaren Le Mans winning race cars converted back to street duty. Chassis number 10 owned by Pink Floyd's drummer and certified auto maniac Nick Mason, to be precise.
So, what's the difference between a regular F1 and a F1 GTR? Weight. About 400 pounds. The F1 GTR barely tips the scales at an unbelievable 2,068 pounds. That's Lotus Elise territory. Yet it still packs the mid-mounted 617 hp BMW M Power V12. And instead of the regular F1 gears, the GTR sports much shorter (i.e. quicker) gears, which has the "who cares?" effect of lowering the top speed from 240 mph to 180 mph.
Before you get ahead of yourself, listen to Sutcliffe run through the gears -- it sounds as if he's whipping the car. And if you're not smiling when he says, "There's a very small, red dot in the mirror," we don't know what's wrong with you. Pay special attention to Steve's facial expressions throughout the clip -- they tell the full story. Oh, and the video has something to do with the new McLaren P11's debut, but frankly, we don't care.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jim Dubois 11:50AM (9/03/2009)
I love this video!!!
IMO...This is the ultimate modern supercar!
Several years ago Speedchannel had a special on Gordan Murray and the McLaren Supercar.
The clip where they have Porsche C4S go head to head is so damn funny. Makes it look like a Yugo as the the McLaren just has blazing acceleration. lol
Nick Mason is a very LUCKY MAN!
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Art 11:51AM (9/03/2009)
those are some of the sexiest noises i've EVER heard
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Jim Dubois 11:53AM (9/03/2009)
That BMW V12 in McLaren makes Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche engine look like a go cart motor
HAHAHA!!!
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PaulPaul 12:01PM (9/03/2009)
mommy...
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innoc3nt 12:02PM (9/03/2009)
DROOL!
(Irrelevant to topic... does anyone know what car this is? Looks like 1970s-ish Alfa coupe but I can't find anything.)
i28.tinypic.com/2mcumbn.jpg
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James 1:22PM (9/03/2009)
It's a '60s MGB convertible :)
Chris O 1:14PM (9/03/2009)
Looks like an old MG or Triumph to me
innoc3nt 1:30PM (9/03/2009)
Thanks guys!
A little googling reveals that it's an MGB GT hardtop. :)
Venom 12:09PM (9/03/2009)
Damn...
That is pretty much as awesome a day as you can have.
That thing sounds incredible.
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Sofa King Fast! 12:12PM (9/03/2009)
Those downshifts sound amazing.
The driver sounds scared shitless.
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Mayoman 12:15PM (9/03/2009)
2,068 pounds and 617hp.
the Veyron may be faster, but this car is superiour in every single way.
It is the most amazing car ever made, and nothing will ever beat it.
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Redline 2:44PM (9/03/2009)
This specific car would probably accelerate head to head with the Veyron up to 180 easily.
N 12:15PM (9/03/2009)
why am i so poor?!
FML
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innoc3nt 12:19PM (9/03/2009)
My god, I still can't stop jizzing over the sound...
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Mike 12:32PM (9/03/2009)
'Add to Favorites'
I had goosebumps everywhere after hearing those throttle-blipped downshifts, woww :)
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revvo 7:12PM (9/03/2009)
you're not alone man....... when he first downshifted my face was "wut....."
campasini1 12:40PM (9/03/2009)
i love the expression on his face!!!
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Paxx 12:40PM (9/03/2009)
Oh my god that thing is wicked sounding. I will one day become a
billionaire and force one of the owners to sell me an F1. Don't care
if I have to spend on a full time mechanic team etc that's car porn
worthy of such money.
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M7 12:56PM (9/03/2009)
Ive seen the veyron loose against the normal road car in 1/4 mille drag...mabye against the LM edition the diference its more...and we are talking agains an 15 years old car and no turbo...that other big VW have 4 !!! what a pice of sh**t of an engine
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Franz 1:06PM (9/03/2009)
The greatest road car ever built. Period. That engine is nothing short of incredible.
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