McLaren revives its F1 GTR ethos with the track-only MCL-HY GTR

Imagine that around Spaghetti Junction!

For now, the roads of Birmingham are safe from this beast as it’s a track-only customer version of McLaren’s MCL-HY LMDh Hypercar that will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and Le Mans from 2027. It’s a revival of a McLaren tradition from when the company won Le Mans in 1995 with the F1 GTR, which you could also buy for the road. The GTR is produced through a partnership between McLaren Racing (which creates the F1 and WEC cars) and McLaren Automotive, offering a link between the two worlds.

Hasn’t Ferrari done that too?

Sort of. Maranello launched the 499P Modificata also as a track-only hyper-toy in 2023, with that car featuring the full hybrid system and internals. McLaren’s version is a bit more user friendly. While the GTR carries over the same carbon-fibre monocoque and 2.9-litre twin turbocharged V6 engine, it ditches the hybrid gubbins of the LMDh car and instead produces a raw 720bhp (up from the regulated 700bhp in WEC) in a package weighing around 1000kg. The seven-speed sequential gearbox remains, but fancy bits like brake-by-wire are replaced with good old ABS, more sophisticated traction control and various engine maps to tailor power delivery.

Not exactly low maintenance then?

Don’t expect to be rolling one into your garage anytime soon. McLaren’s vision is similar to Ferrari’s Corse Clienti concept, where the manufacturer looks after the car and simply takes it where you want to go. For the MCL-HY GTR, that involves a two-year track programme across six events. It promises professional driver coaches, dedicated technicians and factory engineers.

Sounds very high-end…

There’s more… McLaren will also personally invite all GTR owners-to-be (deliveries aren’t expected until late 2027) to enjoy unrivalled access to its 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours programme, including behind-the-scenes testing, pit access, VIP hospitality and access to key team personnel.

Now it sounds expensive

It will be. But it’s a “once in a generation ownership experience.” McLaren hasn’t announced pricing, presumably because ‘if you have to ask’… but considering Ferrari’s 499P Modificata costs around £4.6m you’d better get hunting behind the sofa.