Geneva 2018: McLaren Senna GTR

Geneva 2018: McLaren Senna GTR

It is to be expected from McLaren, the brand is constantly stealing the spotlight with new cars. In Geneva McLaren is showing us the new Senna, and of course there is already a new track version, meet the Senna GTR. McLaren Automotive is to offer a track-only version of the new Ultimate Series McLaren Senna, limited to 75 copies worldwide.

Based around the same carbon fibre Monocage III structure as the McLaren Senna to ensure the core strength and rigidity needed for a top-flight track car, the McLaren Senna GTR will be similar in weight to the 1,198kg lightest dry total of the road-legal McLaren Senna. With more power and greater torque from the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine than the 800PS and 800Nm developed in the road car – horsepower will increase to at least 825PS – the car will be faster than the ‘standard’ model in a straight line. The additional benefit of a race-style transmission, revised double wishbone suspension and Pirelli slick tyres – together with up to 1,000kg of downforce – will ensure that the McLaren Senna GTR will also post the quickest McLaren circuit lap times outside Formula 1.

The ‘form follows function’ McLaren design philosophy that is at is strongest in the McLaren Senna provides – quite literally – the ideal platform for the McLaren Senna GTR. The car will have a wider track and new fenders front and rear, the changes to the carbon fibre body simplified by the fact that the fenders and other aerodynamic components have been designed as ‘clipped on’ to the cockpit structure, allowing relatively easy modification. The McLaren Senna GTR will also feature a new wheel design, developed specifically for circuit use.

The front splitter of the McLaren GTR Concept is larger than the road-car component and contributes to improved front aerodynamic performance, as does the rear diffuser which is both larger and extends further back. The rear deck is the lowest of any McLaren and aids both aerodynamic performance and cooling, as well as helping to optimise the performance of the active rear wing.

The design of the doors benefits aerodynamic efficiency, the outer skin being ‘pushed in’ as far as possible towards the centre of the car to better channel airflow. Unlike the road-legal McLaren Senna, the McLaren Senna GTR will feature a polycarbonate ‘ticket’ window.



Genève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTRGenève 2018: McLaren Senna GTR

Genève 2018: McLaren Senna GTR

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