McLaren Solus GT

The intersection of fantasy and reality

PERFORMANCE AMPLIFIED

An extreme McLaren design concept born in the virtual racing world.Now made real. And ultra-rare. There will only ever be 25 Solus GTs. Rendered possible through McLaren’s position at the apex of motorsport, supercar and hypercar development – this is a pure expression of track driving focus and engagement. A single seater. With central closed cockpit and jet aircraft-style canopy. A ground-up design set free from the compromises of road and race regulations. The unique monocoque houses a naturally aspirated 5.2 litre V10 engine that revs beyond 10,000rpm and generates more than 840PS. In a ruthlessly pared down machine that weighs less than 1,000kg and generates 1,200kg of downforce. It’s as close to the experience and feel of driving a Formula 1 car as you can get.

Design

The radical exterior design of Solus GT is unswervingly faithful to its virtual inspiration. And to McLaren’s ‘everything for a reason’ design ethos. Carved by proven aerodynamic principles. Honed with Computational Fluid Dynamics [CFD] and exhaustive wind tunnel testing. The sense of fantasy transformed into reality is powerfully present in numerous features. The dramatic sliding glass canopy that arcs forward to allow access to the centrally positioned single seat. The aerodynamic pods that shroud each wheel. The epic front splitter that feeds air into ground-effect tunnels before it flows out through the rear diffuser. The motorsport-inspired intake above the cockpit feeding cool air into the engine. Solus GT blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality.

Engagement

Open the graceful canopy and step into the single seat interior. Each Solus GT owner experiences a personal seat fitting. This means the driving position is spot-on and fine-tuned thanks to the adjustable pedal box. Race ready. Beyond the Formula 1 inspired steering wheel, through the curving glass bubble, is a panoramic symmetrical 180-degree view of the track. Perfected by the central driving position. The sculpted wheel pods help the driver to position Solus GT with pinpoint accuracy.

The depth of ability and the sensory overload delivered by this Formula 1-style car for enthusiasts are such that McLaren has created a total ‘racing driver experience’. It starts with the individual seat fitting, but also includes an FIA-homologated race suit, helmet and HANS [head and neck safety] device, plus radio communication technology. We make sure that every second can be savoured.

Interior

The unique drama of driving Solus GT begins before the 5.2 Litre V10 engine is started. Entering the cockpit is a vivid experience in itself. A sliding canopy is opened using a finely engineered mechanical lever, and the whole design glides forward in a shallow arc to reveal the single seat cockpit. It’s more fighter jet than car. With cutting-edge safety innovations straight from motorsport, the canopy is reinforced by a halo-like structure. Driver safety is paramount.

Naturally, every last detail of the interior is focused on the driving experience. Taking you as close to the feel of Formula 1 as its possible to go. Built for extreme track performance, it’s a completely bespoke environment. The moulded seat is fitted with a 6-point harness and shaped using a process taken straight from the top level of motorsport. A phenolic resin-based system with micro-bead technology is used to shape a mould, from which each unique seat is then created. It’s the ultimate way to ensure complete comfort, even during the most intense track sessions.

Straight ahead is the carbon fibre steering wheel, which houses most of the primary controls and a TFT display. Everything you need in the heat of the moment is there at a glance or at your fingertips. A comprehensive heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is fitted to provide true comfort, lap after lap. Above the driver’s head are the ignition switches and a plumbed-in fire extinguisher. Here you’ll also see the rear view display that streams images in real time from a camera mounted on the roll hoop. This provides a clear, wide- angle view to allow traffic to pass on slow-down laps or while manoeuvring in the pit-lane.

Performance

The 5.2 litre V10 engine that powers Solus GT is unique. Its crank, capacity, air intake and exhaust system are all bespoke. There are barrel throttles for each individual cylinder – a technology that is strictly for track use and delivers razor-edge throttle response. The camshaft and ancillary systems are gear driven, so the engine is free from chains and belts. Many components are low-volume and machined. In keeping with its pure motorsport lineage, the engine is fixed directly to the monocoque – it’s a structural part of the chassis. This is an approach rarely seen in production cars, but in an extreme track racer it delivers vital strength and rigidity. And a rush of detailed feedback to the driver that means 100% engagement.

Configure Your Solus GT