McLaren shows off its MP4-12C GT3 racer

McLaren GT, comprised of a partnership between the British company and CRS Racing, has unveiled its new GT3 race car based on the forthcoming MP4-12C sports car.

This is the first McLaren built for FIA GT racing since the F1 GTR took to the track before production ended in 1997.

"McLaren has racing in its blood, and it was a natural step to take our MP4-12C road car and turn it into the most reliable, efficient and easy-to-drive GT3 car," said Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren Group's chief executive officer. "Every car on the grid will have its performance balanced by race rules, meaning our objective must be to select a technical specification that ensures any driver is able to access the 12C GT3's performance limit with ease."

The McLaren GT3 will use the same twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 as the road car, but detuned to 493 hp to provide an "optimum power balance," according to McLaren. The car also has a Tag-400 engine control unit designed and built by McLaren Electronic Systems.

The MP4-12C GT3 boasts a racing transmission codeveloped with gearbox maker Ricardo, which helped build the original transmission for the MP4-12C. However, the race car gets a lighter six-speed unit rather than the road car's seven-speed setup.

McLaren Racing also developed a new GT3-specific aerodynamic package incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvers in the front fenders.

McLaren will deliver 20 cars to privateer race teams in 2012. The cost? About $510,000 at current exchange rates. The first showing of the new car took place at Spain's Circuito de Navarra. It will be followed by Magny-Cours in France and Silverstone in England. The company also expects to enter the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race this summer.

McLaren fans will have a good chance to check out the new car as it tackles the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 1-3.

By Jake Lingeman