McLaren Automotive has announced two new track-dedicated models of the recently-launched Sports Series: the 570S GT4 and the 570S Sprint. Developed in conjunction with McLaren GT – the motorsport division of McLaren Automotive – and GT racing specialists, CRS GT Limited, the 570S GT4 will now enter an intensive season-long development programme in the British GT championship. McLaren GT and CRS GT Limited will work with recently confirmed customer team Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse, with the 570S GT4 competing in the full nine round calendar, including the famous Spa-Francorchamps. The programme will be a rigorous testing schedule in live race environments. The 570S Sprint, which will be revealed in the coming weeks, will be dedicated for private trackdays and is therefore unrestricted by racing regulations. However, 570S Sprint owners will be able to upgrade to GT4 specification. McLaren Automotive has also confirmed the appointment of Ansar Ali to the role of Motorsport Director. The newly-created role highlights a new focus on motorsport by McLaren Automotive where Ali will be responsible for on-going strategy and management of motorsport activities.
Commenting on the latest additions to the Sports Series, Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive explained:
‘As with road-going models wearing a McLaren badge, the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint models are about being an engaging and exciting drive. The launch of the Sports Series has broadened McLaren to a new audience, introducing technologies to the sports car market and to a new group of customers. The 570S GT4 is doing the same in the motorsport world, and will bring the opportunity to own and race a McLaren – previously limited to a very small number of people – to a much wider group. He added: ’I am extremely pleased to welcome Ansar to McLaren Automotive in such a key role. Motorsport is part of the lifeblood of McLaren, and this role will be key to our long-term plans.’
Ansar Ali, Motorsport Director, McLaren Automotive added: ‘I am extremely proud and honoured to be joining McLaren Automotive at such a pivotal time. Activities on track have played such a significant part in the history of making McLaren globally recognised. The opportunity to play a major part in shaping its future motorsport strategy is extremely exciting, and the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint models are an important initial step.’
‘The 570S GT4 marks a key development of McLaren as a player in the motorsport world, opening the opportunity to race to a much broader skill level of driver. The 650S GT3, which raced very successfully for the first time last year, is focused on drivability and made its performance envelope easier to access and exploit. Its race results speak for themselves. The 570S GT4 model will take this to the next level providing drivers with the confidence and feedback to push and exploit the boundaries of what the car can do.’
THE McLAREN 570S GT4
The track-only 570S GT4 shares the carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis architecture with the other models in the Sports Series. This marks the first time the technology has been made available in the GT4 category, and the race-derived material is of clear benefit with inherent strength and light weight. Driver protection is further enhanced with the addition of an FIA-approved rollcage and fire extinguisher system. Carbon fibre and aluminium are used for the reprofiled bodywork, which is formed over wider track both front and rear to accommodate centre-locking lightweight cast magnesium alloy wheels shod with slick Pirelli racing tyres. Two-way adjustable motorsport dampers with coil-over springs are fitted front and rear, and an on-board air jacking system is fitted as standard. With a pure focus on laptimes, the 570S GT4 features a unique aerodynamic package which includes a GT4-specification high level rear wing, mounted on aluminium pylons, a larger front splitter and reprofiled floor assembly. An additional front centre high temperature radiator sits below a GT3-inspired bonnet with radiator exit ducts. These upgrades have been designed to optimise the aerodynamic performance and cooling of the 570S GT4 to ensure it is able to perform in the harshest race conditions globally.
The McLaren designed and developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838TE engine is carried over from the road-going Sports Series model. The seven-speed seamless shift gearbox is also familiar to the other models in the range, transferring power to the track via the rear wheels. Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse will run one example of the 570S GT4 alongside the confirmed entry of the 650S GT3 with Factory Driver Rob Bell alongside Alaisdair McCaig. Driver details for the season will be announced shortly. The 570S GT4 will make its public development debut at the opening round of the British GT Championship at Brands Hatch, UK over the weekend 16-17 April. Going forward, it will be eligible for all GT4 homologated championships globally from the 2017 season. Further details for the 570S Sprint, including pricing, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
