McLaren presents the Solus GT limited to 25 units

 

McLaren surprisingly introduced a special new sports car inspired by LeMans race cars at Monterey Car Week. It's called Solus GT and features a cockpit gathered around the driver, closed and streamlined wheels and almost unique aerodynamics.

Only 25 will be produced and the first deliveries will begin in 2023. Rumors close to the company, but unofficial and unconfirmed, reveal that all examples have already been sold to selected customers.

Fast and stable

The Solus is powered by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine produced by Judd, which is capable of producing 829 hp and 650 Nm of torque up to a maximum of 10,000 rpm. Mounted in a central position, it is designed as a structural part of the chassis, just like in race cars. Although performance figures have not yet been revealed, the car is expected to be capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h.

The engine of this special supercar is mated to a seven-speed sequential gearbox inside an aluminum and magnesium housing, which is also a structural part of the chassis.

Light and technological

This new McLaren super sports car weighs less than 1,000 kg and its highly aerodynamic body is capable of producing a downforce of 1,200 kg at high speed. To achieve this, engineers installed special pods around the wheels, an active front splitter capable of sending air under the chassis to create a ground effect under the body, and special engine cooling radiators inside the rear wings. Finally, the suspension was built with double wishbones at both ends and special pushrods and tie rods at the rear.

The Solus' cabin can accommodate only one occupant, the driver, who can access the interior through the roof, which can slide back. Each one will be customized for each buyer, mainly because the company will work closely with the car's future driver during production to mold the seat and fixed cockpit position to his or her needs.

All 25 buyers will receive a full development experience, which will include a coaching program to learn how to drive on the track, an FIA-approved race suit, helmet and custom HANS device.