Sponsored by Mecum Auctions – McLaren’s answer to the competition in the FIA’s internationally popular GT3 series came in the form of the MP4-12C GT Sprint, a product of a team of McLaren engineers, designers and test drivers with years of Formula 1 and GT racing experience.
Beginning with the stock carbon-fiber MonoCell, McLaren aerodynamicists employed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element (FE) analysis to reshape the 12C’s body panels and ducting, while working in the factory F1 Simulator to maximize their effectiveness. The resulting new aero package incorporates a new front splitter, corner winglets, door blade, rear wing, diffuser, front and rear cooling ducts, and louvers in the front fenders.
Protected by McLaren’s GT Sprint engine oil system, the 3.8L twin-turbo V-8 and its 7-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission are managed by recalibrated controls that balance output with the suspension, which was likewise reprogrammed and modified with GT Sprint-specific spring rates. Behind the 12C GT Sprint’s Pirelli P-Zero tires and 19-inch aluminum center-lock wheels, the stock carbon-fiber disc brakes were dispensed in favor of steel vented rotors clamped by 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.
The interior reflects the car’s purpose, with Alcantara upper surfaces to cut glare and vast swaths of exposed carbon fiber elsewhere, including the floor, lower dash and door panels. A carbon-spoked, Alcantara-wrapped, non-airbag steering wheel and GT3 Motorsport digital instrument display sit in place of the road car’s components. Well-padded black carbon-composite racing seats provide excellent support in concert with a six-point driver-side safety harness. Air conditioning provides ample cool airflow in the cockpit’s close environment, and an FIA-spec GT3 roll cage and onboard fire extinguisher afford maximum protection.
Also following GT3 practice are a data acquisition system, air jacks and a racing-spec fuel bladder with quick-fill connectors. Finished in McLaren Orange with black vinyl wrap accents, this limited-run FIA GT3-spec racer is a must-have for the McLaren aficionado.
THIS CAR WILL BE AUCTIONED OFF AT THE MECUM KISSIMMEE 2020 EVENT (JANUARY 2-12) AS LOT S133.
Presented by Mecum Auction
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