Skip to main content

Massive news from Mercedes

Post a Comment

MP4-12C GT3 Tested

NEW MCLAREN MP4-12C GT3 BREAKS COVER TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE FIRST TESTS
  • MIRA and Silverstone in the UK selected for initial McLaren MP4-12C GT3 tests Championship-winning racing driver Álvaro Parente joins McLaren GT as test driver.
The first McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to be built by McLaren GT – a new company that brings together the expertise of the McLaren Group and CRS Racing – has successfully undertaken its debut tests at the MIRA proving ground facility and Silverstone Circuit in England. McLaren GT has also appointed a new test driver to its team, 26-year-old Portuguese racing driver Álvaro Parente.
The initial shakedown tests undertaken with the 12C GT3, whereby new components are calibrated and bespoke aerodynamic body structures are appraised for the first time, will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA* certified circuits across Europe. News on the development programme, full driver line-up and planned competition for the 12C GT3 will be confirmed after these tests are completed.


MP4-12C GT3 development to focus on quality and performance
McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin piloted the new 12C GT3 on its first outings. These real-world tests follow months of virtual testing in the McLaren Simulator at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, which is also used to develop the 12C production car and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars.
Andrew Kirkaldy said: “We have an extensive list of subjective and objective development targets set for the MP4-12C GT3. In the first tests, the car is achieving excellent results in many areas including handling, powertrain and other aspects of dynamic performance.
“The 12C’s carbon chassis and aerodynamic efficiency mean we started with a lightweight, dynamically-optimised sports car. Those characteristics are fundamental to any race car.The car is around 100mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system which we have tested in the McLaren Simulator. Having now experienced this new set-up in the 12C GT3 car, I’m delighted with the progress we are making.
“The McLaren GT team is working with Formula 1 technology suppliers, and several of the senior technical personnel involved in this project have vast experience in Formula 1. This is a unique advantage in developing a GT specification car.”
From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers.**


MP4-12C GT3: Technical specification outline
The 12C GT3 race car is based on a standard 12C. Developing the race car has required a team of engineers, technicians and test drivers from McLaren Group and CRS Racing to focus on several fundamental components.
The 12C GT3 is based on the McLaren carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75kg and is produced in a revolutionary one-piece mould. Race specification composite body panels and a fixed rear wing have been added to the GT3 car.
The same 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 as in the production car on which it is based will be used in the 12C GT3, tuned to race specification. A bespoke paddle-shift system operating an all-new Ricardo-designed gearbox developed specifically for racing will be fitted. This system eschews the 7-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission supplied in the standard 12C.
New electrical architecture is being supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems Limited, including electronic dash and data technologies. Bosch Motorsport will supply a new ABS system for the 12C GT3. A new aerodynamics package has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.
The new GT3 car will feature motorsport-specific braking and suspension components. These include bespoke callipers by Akebono, Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Due to regulations imposed by racing authorities, the 12C GT3 will not feature the road-going 12C’s ProActive Chassis Control System; negating the requirement for an anti-roll bar. Instead, the 12C GT3 will use a configuration comprising race-specific roll bars and dampers.
McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin said: “Those who have seen the new MP4-12C production car won’t be surprised to learn that immense attention to detail has been applied in developing the GT3 version. Quality is a watchword. We know that our potential customers will expect McLaren GT to deliver a competitive car right out of the box and, starting now with a programme covering aerodynamics development and durability testing, we are determined to do just that.
“The McLaren GT team is committed to achieving unprecedented levels of performance, also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future race teams entering competitions with the 12C GT3.”
Álvaro Parente signs for McLaren GT
Álvaro Parente, a 26-year old racing driver from Portugal, is today announced as the first new professional racing driver to join the McLaren GT race team. McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin are leading the development of the 12C GT3, and in total six test drivers will be in the team by the middle of 2011.
Álvaro Parente said: “It is a great honour to be selected to drive with the McLaren GT team. Since receiving an invitation to join the team by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh, I have been made to feel like an important part of the team and I hope to give valuable feedback in developing the car. I have always dreamt of racing a McLaren!”

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cute girl drifting in rally car unfastened

121 comments
More

The 9th Dream Car from the Top 10: GM-X Stiletto

When we think of dream cars, our minds often race to sleek designs, innovative technology, and that unmistakable feeling of pure, unbridled passion. The GM-X Stiletto encapsulates all of these elements and more, making it a worthy contender in our top ten list. Ranked at number nine, this concept car from 1964 remains a beacon of automotive ingenuity and a symbol of a bygone era that continues to inspire. A Journey Back to the Jet Age To fully appreciate the GM-X Stiletto, we must travel back to the 1950s and '60s, a time when America was captivated by the future. The jet-age was in full swing, and cars were designed with a sense of bold optimism. Under the visionary leadership of Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, General Motors created vehicles that mimicked the sleek lines and advanced technologies of jet aircraft. The GM-X Stiletto, born in 1964, was a product of this era's boundless imagination. The Visionary Design The GM-X Stiletto was first unveiled at the 1964-1965 World’s...
Post a Comment
More

【中継】日産モータースポーツファンイベント

28 comments
More

10 Newest Cars and SUVs by South Korean Manufacturers (2025-2026 Lineup ...

Post a Comment
More

Chevrolet Concept Cars: Ten Of Our Favorites

Most celebrations of Chevrolet's centennial surround the automaker's production vehicles. Why not? After all, this is the brand that birthed legends like the Bel Air, Corvette, and Camaro, among others. Those vehicles are certainly worth celebrating, but we can't help but wonder: what about the Chevrolet cars that never saw a production line? We've scoured through the history books (and our memory banks) to pick out ten of our all-time favorites.
Post a Comment
More

Bass And Boobs + Skirt Trick & Can Trick

39 comments
More

Aventador S | The design draws inspiration from predators and aeronautics

As much as the Aventador is the car most entitled to represent the Lamborghini brand values, the Aventador S is the expression of the Lamborghini flagship par excellence, embodying the utmost synergy between design and engineering in pure Lamborghini style. The “S” has existed for 50 years The first Lamborghini S model was launched 50 years ago to represent the evolution of already revered icons. In fact, the further development of the Miura into a more improved version dates back to 1968, followed by Islero, Countach and Urraco. When the Aventador reaped this legacy and decided to surpass itself, the Aventador S was born. The design draws inspiration from predators and aeronautics The Aventador S presents pure refinement of the iconic design that remains true to the Lamborghini DNA, enhancing its mix of dynamism, refinement and aggressiveness. The sharp lines and surfaces of the front end evoke images of a shark fin, transmitting the same force and elegance when d...
Post a Comment
More

1985 Audi Sport Quattro: The Group B Homologation Special

In Austria in 1980, just a year after four-wheel drive cars became eligible to compete in the WRC, Audi debuted the first Quattro rally car and forever changed the sport. Over the next half of the decade (and onwards, if you count the Pikes Peak specials), these Audis would be subjected to a period of rapid iterative evolution that led to the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro models that helped define the infamously fast and dangerous era of Group B rallying. The relatively lax nature of the Group B regulations gave rise to a number of downright ferocious cars from Audi’s competitors (most notable being Lancia and Peugeot), and while it was not the most successful nor technologically advanced of these top tier cars by the end of the Group B era, the Sport Quattro is a worthy poster child for the lot of them—being first to the punch has its advantages. The advent of the Group B class provided manufacturers with practically every leeway imaginable given they adhered to a basic s...
Post a Comment
More

Chevrolet Racing Claims 14 Championships in 2013

Post a Comment
More

INFINITI QX50: A luxury crossover with world-first technologies and an all-new platform

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  The new 2019 QX50 is the most compelling INFINITI to date. Based on an entirely new platform, the new QX50 is a mid-size crossover with world-first technologies, standout design and unrivaled interior space. " The 2019 QX50 is the most important vehicle we have ever launched, and it embodies everything the brand stands for: beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance.  As a luxury, mid-size crossover, it's the right vehicle at the right time in one of the world's fastest growing segments." Christian Meunier, INFINITI Global Division Vice President VC-Turbo – the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine The VC-Turbo engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, transforming on demand. A breakthrough in combustion engine design, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency. It combines the power of a 2...
Post a Comment
More

Labels

Show more