McLaren MP4-12C GT3 hits the racetrack – Click above to watch video after the jump
McLaren is clearly excited to test the racing version of its MP4-12C supercar. Called the MP4-12C GT3, this track-focused racer is equipped to do battle in the 2011 and 2012 GT3 championship series, and McLaren has just released a slew of videos that show off the car from all angles. This thing is perfectly equipped to make beautiful noises and hug the road like a tween meeting Justin Bieber.
One example of the GT3 will make its debut this year, however, McLaren reports that 20 cars are being prepared for the 2012 season. McLaren is also planning to bring the MP4-12C GT3 to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In the meantime, you can click past the jump for a handful of videos showing the car in action.
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McLaren MP4-12C GT3: McLaren GT unveils team and development program aiming to put 12C GT3 customers at the front of the grid
McLaren Automotive, McLaren Racing, McLaren Electronic Systems and McLaren Applied Technologies join forces with CRS Racing in development and support of new MP4-12C GT3
New MP4-12C GT3 specification features technology from Formula 1 team suppliers
McLaren GT plans to offer MP4-12C GT3 owners access to advanced McLaren Simulator programs from 2012
20 MP4-12C GT3 race cars homologated for GT3 racing in 2012
McLaren GT announces 2011 race schedule for new MP4-12C GT3 with special appearance planned for Goodwood Festival of Speed
Andrew Kirkaldy, Oliver Turvey and ÁlvaroParente to race the 12C GT3 in 2011 as McLaren GT prepares to deliver a race car of unrivalled quality to privateer teams in 2012
Chassis/body
McLaren carbon fiber MonoCell with aluminum front and rear frames and bespoke carbon body panels
Aerodynamics
Front and rear diffuser, front splitter, dive planes and adjustable rear wing.
Transmission
6 speed sequential using actuation via steering wheel mounted paddlesLimited slip differential with a range of ramps and adjustable pre-load.Wet sumpSintered clutch hydraulically operated
Driveshafts with tripod joints
Engine type
V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
Engine capacity3.8L
Bore x Stroke93 x 69.9
Max. Engine speed Limited to 7500rpm
Cylinder block Cast aluminum , 90 deg V angle, dry sump scavenge, Nikasil coated liners
Crankshaft Forged steel flat plane
Pistons Forged aluminum
Conrods Forged steel
Cylinder head Cast aluminum with plastic composite cam covers, inlet & exhaust variable cam timing
Valvetrain 32V with 40 deg variable cam timing on intake & exhaust. Low mass with sliding contact end pivoted pinger followers, single variable rate springs and hollow cast chilled iron camshafts
Intake system
Two water/air charge air coolers.
Plastic composite plenum.
Exhaust system
Cast stainless steel exhaust manifold with compact MHI fixed geometry turbo chargers.
970 deg C turbine inlet temperature.
Fuel system
Returnless fuel rail with twin fuel tank mounted pumps and twin spray injectors
Engine management
MESL TAG400 ECU & CIU 100Interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec control units
Wiring harness
Modular installation: Engine, chassis, fuel cell
Lubrication
MOBIL1: engine and transmission
Cooling
Air/water heat exchangers for engine water and charge air cooling combined with water/oil heat exchangers for engine, transmission & PAS.
Front axle
SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Rear axle
SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Front suspension
Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Rear suspension
Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Dampers
Coil over Multimatic dampers with DSSV technology with independent bump and rebound adjustment
Front brake system
Akebono 6 piston monoblock caliper378Ø x 36mm Iron ventilated disc
Rear brake system
Akebono 4 piston monoblock caliper355Ø x 32mm iron ventilated disc
Steering
Electro-hydraulic PAS
Wheels
Forged Aluminum
Front 12″ x 18″
Rear 13″ x 18″
MESL TPS system compatible
Cockpit electronics
Multifunction steering wheel with integrated driver display
Central switch panel with systems display screen
Steering wheel
Derived from MP4-24 Formula 1 wheel retaining integrated driver display, paddle shift and switches