McLaren unveils MP4-12C GT3

The concept phase of the new MP4-12C GT3 race car began in the McLaren simulator in 2010. Like McLaren Formula 1 cars and the 12C road car, on which the 12C GT3 is based, the simulator has played a vital role in defining the GT3’s engineering requirements and technical specification. More recently, the 12C GT3 tested at FIA certified circuits and is producing race ready performance.

Following a test programme at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, Mark Vinnels, McLaren GT Programme Director said: “We defined the power, weight and downforce targets of the 12C GT3 using the simulator, and the set-up selected for the simulated GT3 car felt near-identical to the cars we tested for the first time in Navarra. The McLaren simulator is just one example of how we are preparing to deliver a GT3 car that is the most driveable, reliable and efficient car on the grid.”

The new MP4-12C GT3 will undergo a rigorous development and testing programme over the 2011 race season before 20 cars are delivered to privateer teams for racing in 2012.  McLaren Group Chief Executive Officer Martin Whitmarsh will reveal the full technical specification, development programme, driver line-up and race plans for the 12C GT3 at a press conference at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England on 04 May 2011.