With a one-seat configuration, screaming naturally-aspirated V10 engine, and a super-lightweight body, the Solus GT is the closest thing to a road-legal F1 car.
McLaren Automotive unveiled a V10 hypercar straight out of a video game, but unlike other similar concepts, the Solus GT will reach production. It’s a single-seat track-only beast in the latest no-rules category meant to rocket through any given track.
For many ‘Gran Turismo’ video game fanatics, the Solus GT might feel like a fantasy coming to life, but unfortunately, only a handful will be able to own it in real life. Still, it’s incredible to see an automaker developing a car in games first and then translating it into the real world.
And this wasn’t easy — making a car do all kinds of stuff in a video game is one thing but precisely realizing the concept in real life is another beast altogether. Unsurprisingly, the real-life Gran Turismo racer costs a whopping $3.6 million and is limited to 25 models, all already sold out and ready for delivery next year.
Since it comes from a video game, the Solus GT has quite a few wild features. For instance, you enter this hypercar via a forward sliding canopy to access the fighter-jet-like cockpit. Moreover, the seat is fixed as per the customer’s liking, while a unique steering wheel has a dash display loaded with all the necessary controls. A halo-style central spar, head protection on both sides, and a wide-angle camera for rear-view complete the interior.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the Solus GT is the powertrain. Unlike all of its other supercars/hypercars that feature turbocharged engines, here McLaren went with a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10. The automaker clearly wanted to resemble past F1 cars with V10 engines, which boasted perhaps the best sound.
The engine is a real gem — it produces an impressive 829 HP and 479 lb-ft of torque and boasts an incredible 10,000 rpm redline. The power goes to the rear wheels through a 7-speed sequential transmission with straight-cut gears and a lightweight carbon fiber clutch. On the track, these power figures enable the Solus GT to hit 60mph in under 2.5 seconds and reach over 200 mph.
Naturally, the design and build support the powertrain to achieve these numbers. For starters, the GT sits at a relatively super-lightweight 2,205lb (1,000 kg), thanks to the carbon-fiber monocoque and bodywork, along with 3D printed titanium components like the halo and the rollbar. But what’s mind-blowing is that the vehicle develops a stupendous 2,645lbs of downforce, greater than its overall weight.
McLaren achieved the astonishing number with a massive underbody diffuser, fixed rear wing, large front splitter, and motorsport-inspired air intake above the cockpit. Lastly, F1-inspired carbon fiber suspension and side pod-mounted radiators aid in cooling while reducing the front surface area.
“Engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren’s expertise to bring it to reality, it epitomizes our pioneering spirit,” said Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, at the Monterey Car Week, where the automaker showed the Solus GT to the public.
‘No rules’ means the Solus GT can’t enter official races, though McLaren will organize exclusive events for owners, where they can come together and race. I’d like front row tickets for such an event, would you?
Gallery: McLaren Solus GT
