McLaren’s hybrid supercar is running … without the hybrid beat.
The Artura GT4 Speed will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival, and features a non-hybrid version of the turbocharged V6 engine from the road car.
McLaren says the Artura GT4 is 100kg lighter than its predecessor, the 570S GT4, and says the new V6 engine delivers better throttle response and fuel economy than the later-featured twin-turbo V8.
Why isn’t the Artura GT4 a hybrid? According to McLaren, the FIA GT4 rules do not allow this.
The space previously occupied by batteries now has a 110L fuel cell and racing accessories. Losing an e-motor and battery reduces the weight of a road car by 130 kg, which is beneficial for the track.
The track is powered by a seven-speed transmission instead of the eight-speeder used in road cars. Where the road car uses its electric motor for reverse, the GT4 regulation requires a physical reverse gear.
A Bosch ECU is at hand to allow the FIA to adjust to engine outputs based on the Balance of Performance for a specific race weekend.
As you might expect, the GT4 has a race-ready aerodynamics package titled a new rear wing. McLaren said it was mounted directly on the chassis, allowing teams to dismantle the rear bodywork without forcing the wing to disassemble.
Inside, the Artura GT4 has a snatch-out cabin with all the safety kits required by GT4 regulations. The driver sits in a fixed bucket seat, and is confronted with a steering wheel lifted from the 720S GT3.
McLaren says the new car’s carbon tub tolerance makes it easier to implement driver changes quickly at events.
GT4 customer racing teams are available for purchase. It will compete with BMW M4 GT4, Toyota GR Supra GT4, Mercedes-AMG GT4, and Audi R8 LMS GT4.
These cars are slower than the GT3 Racer, and the design and aerodynamics are closely related to the road cars that make up their base. These are also meant to be cheaper to run than full-fat GT3 racers.
More: Everything McLaren Artura