In June, the world was introduced to the latest racer from McLaren, the 650s GT3 when the company unveiled the model at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Car enthusiasts drooled at the features of the car and anticipated its abilities on the road. Now, they can see how it works in action by viewing the company’s recently uploaded YouTube video entitled “the Chase,” that is also available on the company’s website.
The Chase — First Action for the McLaren 650S GT3
Since its unveiling at the car show, the McLaren 650S GT3 has yet to see any action, nor to display its capabilities for audiences. With this new video, people can now witness the incredible performance potential of the racecar. The video follows the car as it speeds along a winding road through a forest, providing several examples of its ability to rev up to top speeds and expertly handle curves. The beauty of the car is almost matched by the beauty of the surrounding forest as it speeds through the trees. The video is given the tagline, “Catch it if you Can,” underscoring the incredible performance of this latest McLaren racecar.
The McLaren 650S GT3 Specs
The McLaren 650s GT3 builds on the quality performance of the previous model, the 12C GT3. That model won 51 races, three championship titles, and was part of 71 podiums, so the new version has big shoes to fill. McLaren believes that the enhancements to the model will make it an even faster and better car, potentially leading to even more wins. Now, car enthusiasts have the opportunity to judge some of the potential of the car themselves by watching “the Chase.”
The new model is made out of the same lightweight carbon fiber MonoCell chassis as the 650S with additional enhancements to allow it to excel on the track. It was given an aggressive carbon fiber splitter in the front in order to increase the down force. The front fascia has larger intakes in order to allow for more efficient cooling of the vehicle. There are also better-optimized air intakes in the sides. The rear has a large fixed carbon fiber wing with a large rear diffuser and reworked fascia.
The inside features a race seat that is FIA-approved and McLaren GT-developed. It has a six-point race harness with a digital dash directly in front of the driver seat with a specially modeled 650S GT3 steering wheel that was taken from the design of the McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 car.
The Performance Capabilities
The 650S GT3 has a powerful engine: a 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo ‘M838T’ engine that produces about 493 horsepower. This is about the same as the previous model, but it will use an all-new six-speed sequential motorsport transmission to help it fly around the racetrack.
The McLaren 650s GT3 does not just have stellar abilities to beat out the competition; it is also safe. McLaren put safety first when building the model. The carbon fiber MonoCell chassis provides a sound and safe body, and with an FIA-approved roll cage that is redesigned and lighter than in the previous model that will improve its speed while also protecting the driver in case of an accident.
There will only be about 15 versions of the McLaren 650S GT3 produced, and those with a 12C GT3 can upgrade their model. Now that the world has glimpsed the first action of the new McLaren racecar’s abilities, it will not be long before it hits the racetracks and leads to victories for its drivers. Until then, enthusiasts can enjoy watching “the Chase” and see how well the car moves.
photo credit: Reece Garside | Photography via photopin cc