The McLaren Solus GT, where the art of favoring an atmo V10 over hybrid engines

Since the mid-2010s, the video game Gran Turismo has collaborated with manufacturers to implement often crazy concept cars on PlayStation. But the reverse bridge, from virtual to reality, becomes possible thanks to McLaren, which presented the Solus GT this Friday, August 19.

La McLaren Solus GT is unlike any other McLaren sold in the last ten years, and that's to be expected. It largely incorporates the features of McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo, which gamers were able to use in Gran Turismo Sport on PS4 in 2017!

The driver enters the car via a sliding canopy incorporating a Formula 1-style halo cockpit protection device. The 5.2-liter V10 engine is incorporated into the vehicle chassis structure, the engine capacity is unique to the McLaren Solus GT. https://t.co/n6kUNfAfr6#McLaren pic.twitter.com/peF7ULKIkP

- McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) August 19

Compared to the virtual version, however, there are some differences. The choice of engine architecture will make purists smile: the Solus GT does not have a hybrid system or a turbo V8, but a good and melodious 10-liter naturally aspirated V5.2 developing more than 840 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque! A curious choice given the fashion favoring electricity. The V10 reaches a speed of more than 10 rpm, it may be necessary to provide hearing protection in the passenger compartment.

Engine responsiveness is enhanced by the use of throttle valves on each cylinder, a system specifically designed for circuit driving. The engine drive is carried out entirely by gears, with no chains or belts for the camshaft or auxiliary systems.

In addition to generous power and torque, the engine was also chosen for its structural qualities. For the first time in a McLaren production car, the engine is an integral part of the chassis. This design approach, which is standard practice in race car construction, optimizes weight reduction by removing the need for additional chassis and subframe structures behind the carbon fiber monocoque.

The McLaren Solus GT was originally a virtual concept, driven by millions in the Gran Turismo SPORT video game and now it's a reality. A naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine and seven-speed, sequential shift gearbox. https://t.co/n6kUNfAfr6#McLaren #McLarenSolusGT #SolusGT pic.twitter.com/PkvPXSQnB5

- McLaren Automotive (@McLarenAuto) August 19

Built in 25 units (they're all sold, sorry), the Solus GT weighs less than a ton thanks to the use of carbon and a monocoque around the centrally positioned driving cell. From certain angles, the hypercar is reminiscent of other extreme cars of the same genre, such as theAston Martin Valkyrie

“The McLaren Solus GT is the realization of an extreme McLaren concept originally created for the world of virtual racing, explains Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive. Designed without any constraints imposed by the highway code or racing regulations, but with the full range of McLaren skills to translate it into the real world, it embodies our pioneering spirit. »

This Solus GT is described according to the British manufacturer as the fastest McLaen on the circuit, excluding single-seaters, with performance worthy of competition: 320 km/h top speed and 0 to 100 km/h reached in 2'' 5. With such looks and features, no wonder it is strictly intended for track use.

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