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McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car confirmed

Following recent spy photos and speculation, McLaren has confirmed it is preparing a GT3 category race car based on its all-new road weapon.


From 2012, McLaren will produce the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 with engineering assistance from British racing team CRS Racing.

Set for a limited production run, McLaren and CRS Racing will supply and support a small number of European-based private teams.

As part of the vehicle’s development, prototypes of the GT3 will compete in selected European GT races next year.

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, said given the 12C was always designed for high performance and to be easy to maintain, he believed the racing version would be an exciting prospect for GT3 teams.

“Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car,” Mr Whitmarsh said.

“We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.”

Fifteen years ago on debut at Le Mans, the McLaren F1 GTR finished first, third, fourth and fifth.

CRS Racing team principal, Andrew Kirkaldy, said the opportunity to work with McLaren was a rare one, and one the team was very excited about.

“Together, we aim to produce the highest quality GT car on the grid. The level of engineering experience at McLaren is unparalleled and this will be reflected in the 12C GT3,” Mr Kirkaldy said.

“One of the most important aspects of this programme will be customer service and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivalled experience.”

More details about McLaren’s MP4-12C GT3 will be announced in the new year.

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