McLaren brings 2023 Solus GT from virtual to reality

Gran Turismo has brought PlayStation gamers racing from virtual to reality. Now a car takes center stage.

First known as the McLaren Ultimate Vision GT, the British manufacturer now calls the single-seat, track-only race car the Solus GT.

This once purely virtual creation has come to life as a concept car at this year's Monterey Car Week, with McLaren making 25 production versions. In fact, all examples have been spoken for, with deliveries beginning in 2023.

Weighing less than 1000kg, the Solus GT's body was designed to make over 1200kg of downforce thanks to ground-effect aerodynamics. Since it's a single-seater, the cockpit features essential controls and displays for the instruments, as well as a Formula-car-standard roll hoop and halo protection structure made from 3D-printed titanium.

The Solus GT is powered by a 5.2-liter, naturally-aspirated Judd V10 that revs up to 10,000 rpm, producing 829 PS and 650 Nm of torque. Like a Formula One car, the Solus GT's engine and its 7-speed sequential gearbox serve as a structural element of its chassis, together with pushrod dampers in the front and pull rods at the rear.

According to McLaren, the Solus GT is being developed to reach 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 320 km/h.

While pricing was not announced, rumors say the McLaren Solus GT costs north of USD 3.5 million. Owning a Solus GT entitles the owner to a full “racing driver experience”. That includes a seat molded to the owner's body shape, an FIA-approved racing suit, helmet, and a HANS device among others. In addition, there's also a driver coaching program from McLaren themselves, and access to prototype drive sessions where owners can offer input into the car's development.

Currently, the Solus GT is still in the track-testing phase. But once it's done, the 25 owners get access to special McLaren track events, plus all the necessary motorsport tools needed to take the Solus GT to other race tracks around the world.