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McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Photo Gallery
It?s a twin reveal for McLaren.
The McLaren MP4-12C will be presented to Australia today in Sydney – check back here later to see all the photos and video – and the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 team and racing program is unveiled in the UK.
The GT3 will be the first McLaren car built for FIA GT series racing since the F1 GTR’s last days in1997.
Based on the carbon chassis-based MP4-12C, the GT3 has been adapted for the track with F1 technology, with 20 cars homologated for GT3 racing next year.
Privateer buyers of the car will also be given access to the McLaren simulator programs.
McLaren Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh says turning the MP4-12C into a race car was a logical move.
“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,” Whitmarsh says.
“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.
“We have worked with CRS Racing to ensure the 12C’s design and development program is as close as possible to one McLaren Racing would employ in developing a Formula 1 car.
“The 12C GT3 will be supplied with the 12C’s carbon MonoCell and the same steering wheel design employed by Lewis Hamilton in his MP4-24 Formula 1 car.
“Plus, we are working closely with Formula 1 suppliers past and present: Akebono, Mobil 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, Ricardo and Michelin for example. This blend of road car and Formula 1 technology and experience will be a great advantage to anyone racing a 12C GT3 in 2012.”
