All posts in “720S”

McLaren 720S GT3X

We all know there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to road cars, but also purebred racecars have limits imposed on them, when McLaren Customer Racing created their 720S GT3, it had to comply with FIA GT3 regulations … but what would happen when you can create a track car with no limits?

Then you get the McLaren 720S GT3X, where the X comes with no motorsport restrictions whatsoever, this is a new, track-only car based on the 720S GT3, but she isn’t homologated for racing, the hand-built, 4.0-Liter V8 twin-turbo engine delivers 750PS in this ‘X’, while taking advantage of the chassis and aerodynamic characteristics of its latest-specification, race-winning 720S GT3 to optimize the owner’s driving enjoyment on circuits during track days for instance.

A six-speed sequential motorsport transmission is fitted to a bespoke M840T engine that comes with a blueprinted cylinder head, strengthened pistons, ‘Diamond Like Carbon’ (DLC) coating, add the lightweight performance exhaust system and the result is an overall weight of only 1,210kg (2,668lbs) for this stripped-down track car, with the ‘push-to-pass’ button on the steering wheel, an extra 30PS over the available 720PS boosts power to an impressive 750PS.

Development of the GT3X saw a focus on pure engineering, innovative aerodynamics, and efficient design, taking the car for many thousands of kilometers on tracks all over Europe and the Middle East. Without having to deal with regulations, the 720S GT3X is a true performance-optimized evolution of the bespoke GT3 racecar. The aerodynamically optimized body has been developed using ‘Computational Fluid Dynamics’ (CFD) combined with F1 wind tunnel testing.

On this new McLaren 720S GT3X the body gets hand-finished in metallic MSO Carbon Black paint, a pinstripe in heritage McLaren Orange (reminding is of the famous winning McLaren Formula 1 cars in the 1960s) is added to the lower edges of the ground-hugging body shape and the outer rim of the gloss black center-locking wheel rims, a really nice touch is the large ‘X’ on top of the canopy.

While there was no requirement to do this, McLaren did install an FIA-approved race seat made from carbon fiber and Kevlar, in the GT3X the pedals and steering wheel can be adjusted for the driver, and to share in the fun of taking a racecar around the track, there is an option to fit an extra safety-compliant passenger race seat complete with a six-point harness, McLaren even altered the roll cage to accommodate this second seat.

“Due to GT3 balance of performance requirements, the 720S GT3 car has to run with a considerably reduced power output than the road-going 720S Spider and Coupe variants. The brief for the GT3X project was to unleash the full potential of the 720S GT3 car using a massively increased power output to fully exploit the aerodynamics and chassis dynamics of the car. Additionally, the car is now able to carry passengers for the first time, thanks to the re-design of a new bespoke roll-cage and passenger seat installation. Brake cooling has also been improved to cope with the additional demands of increased speed and the mass of a passenger.

The 720S GT3X now offers a unique opportunity to experience a fully-fledged GT3 car. The lap time is significantly reduced from the GT3 benchmark through both the huge standard power increase and the additional 30bhp from the push-to-pass button. The end result is a car that offers a truly unique experience.”
Ian Morgan, Director, McLaren Customer Racing

Do keep in mind this amazing McLaren 720S GT3X can’t be ordered at a regular McLaren dealership, you will have to turn to one of only 11 official McLaren Motorsport Retailers worldwide, as part of the purchase and ownership package, McLaren Automotive can provide dedicated technical track support for each owner. This program is carried out by the customer support engineers from the in-house McLaren Customer Racing division – the team that has designed and developed the model alongside the 720S GT3 global customer race program.

March 18, 2021 / Comments Off on McLaren 720S GT3X
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SWAE McLaren 720S

If you’ve never heard of SWAE, don’t feel too bad, they are a new company located in the Rocky Mountains not far from Glacier National Park that just released images of their first tuning package, and it’s for the McLaren 720S, which isn’t too bad straight from the factory, but SWAE takes it to the next level, both in looks and in performance.

First, you notice there is something different about this SWAE McLaren 720, and it’s a widebody kit you are admiring, with a new front lip and intakes on the front fenders, the rear fenders are widened too, and a massive rear wing is added too. While most parts seem to be made from carbon fiber, SWAE took the 3D printing route for the struts on the rear wing, made from titanium.

Bespoke, 10-spoke SWAE wheels complete the look of this $500,000 McLaren 720S, and the best is yet to come … engine tuning that delivers over 900 hp to the rear wheels from the twin-turbocharged 4-Liter V8, keep in mind this could mean the SWAE tuned V8 comes with over 1,000 hp at the crank.

SWAE says this McLaren 720S is just a ‘proof-of-concept’ at the moment, showcasing what they can do when combining carbon fiber and 3D-printing technology to create a bespoke car for the discerning customer, chasing dreams at all costs.

“SWAE operates in a space beyond luxury-  enhancing each caliber of craftsmanship to create a sum greater than its parts,” said Rosie Wolkind, SWAE director of operations.

This new SWAE McLaren 720S Widebody was recently unveiled in Miami, but it isn’t clear if this specific car is for sale, or was built on commission for an existing customer, or if it’s just a demonstrator for SWAE … only time will tell.

March 2, 2021 / Comments Off on SWAE McLaren 720S
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McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection Celebrates Bruce McLaren’s Legacy

Only Three Cars Will be Made

To commemorate 50 years since Bruce McLaren secured the first Grand Prix victory for McLaren, the company will build a limited edition 720S Spa 68 Collection model. McLaren Brussels commissioned only three of the cars, and no more will be built. 

Built by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the cars get several special touches that identify them as part of the Spa Collection. All three of the cars will feature a Bespoke Anniversary Orange paint job to match the car that won the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

The seats have the racetrack outline embroidered on the headrests. The racetrack outline is also featured in front of the rear wheel arch. Carbon fiber sill covers feature the words “1st McLaren F1 victory Belgian Grand Prix 9th June 1968 – Bruce McLaren” on them. The ignition key also pays homage with bespoke keys painted in the same color as the rest of the car and “Spa 68” text. 

Additionally, the car features MSO five-spoke lightweight wheels painted satin black. This contrasts from the bright orange paint job. Inside, there’s McLaren Orange contrast stitching to give the car plenty of visual flare inside the cabin. From a performance standpoint, McLaren did not alter the cars.

Bruce McLaren’s win in 1968 was the start of McLaren’s motorsport history as a true contender. The win in 1968 was actually Bruce McLaren’s fourth Formula 1 victory, but it was the first in his own car with his fledgling team. That win set McLaren on the right track. Since then, the team would go on to win eight World Constructors’ Championships and 12 World Drivers’ Championships.

The Spa 68 Collection cars were available from McLaren Brussels. However, at the time of McLaren’s press release, two of them already had buyers. The third is likely to follow suit if it has not already. 

January 4, 2019 / Comments Off on McLaren 720S Spa 68 Collection Celebrates Bruce McLaren’s Legacy
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