McLaren’s story as a manufacturer was written in the world of motorsport. In fact, it took nearly 30 years after McLaren’s establishment for a road car to wear the name, and that was the groundbreaking, legendary F1, which simultaneously dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alongside the brand’s involvement in series like Formula 1 and IndyCar, endurance racing is a cornerstone in McLaren’s heritage, and the manufacturer is returning to it in a big way.
Earlier, McLaren announced the name of its upcoming top-class endurance racing hypercar, the MCL-HY, and that car has now been revealed, along with the MCL-HY GTR, the Project: Endurance track car for clients. The MCL-HY is set to race in the 2027 FIA WEC, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it’s part of McLaren’s ambitions to claim the coveted “Triple Crown” of motorsport as it has done before, dominating Le Mans, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500.
The test livery of the MCL-HY is inspired by the McLaren M6A, as founder Bruce McLaren wanted the car to compete in Le Mans as the M6GT, indicating McLaren’s longstanding heritage in sports car racing. Testing of the car on track will begin this month in preparation for the debut next season, as well as for the client track car.
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A twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid system powers the racing hypercar, delivering nearly 700 horsepower to the rear wheels. Meanwhile, the MCL-HY GTR represents a collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive, as it was developed with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that boasts roughly 720 horsepower, and without the hybrid system required for the LMDh race car.
MCL-HY GTR clients get a chance to be a part of McLaren’s new endurance racing journey, with access to the McLaren Racing WEC operation, and front row seats to the Le Mans challenge in 2027. Owners also get access to a two-year, six-event track driving program on iconic circuits, with professional driver coaching, a dedicated pit crew, and more. With deliveries of the MCL-HY GTR set to take place towards the end of 2027, and McLaren’s new MCL-HY hypercar revealed, a new chapter of McLaren’s rich motorsport history is being written.
Image Source: McLaren
