Monthly Archives: March 2011

The Future is Orange

A week ago the world, well a very small part of it including me, witnessed the next step in the expansion of McLaren Automotive. The venue was the Stowe Circuit at Silverstone, the small step/giant leap was the first public showing of the McLaren MP4-12C GT3.

Somehow the embargo that McLaren requested was kept and this morning they sent out their release. This is what it said.

The first McLaren MP4-12C GT3 to be built by McLaren GT – a new company that brings together the expertise of the McLaren Group and CRS Racing – has successfully undertaken its debut tests at the MIRA proving ground facility and Silverstone Circuit in England.  McLaren GT has also appointed a new test driver to its team, 26-year-old Portuguese racing driver Álvaro Parente.

The initial shakedown tests undertaken with the 12C GT3, whereby new components are calibrated and bespoke aerodynamic body structures are appraised for the first time, will be followed by comprehensive tests scheduled throughout March and April at a number of FIA* certified circuits across Europe. News on the development programme, full driver line-up and planned competition for the 12C GT3 will be confirmed after these tests are completed.

MP4-12C GT3 development to focus on quality and performance

McLaren GT Project Manager Andrew Kirkaldy and McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin piloted the new 12C GT3 on its first outings. These real-world tests follow months of virtual testing in the McLaren Simulator at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, which is also used to develop the 12C production car and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars.

Andrew Kirkaldy said: “We have an extensive list of subjective and objective development targets set for the MP4-12C GT3.  In the first tests, the car is achieving excellent results in many areas including handling, powertrain and other aspects of dynamic performance.

“The 12C’s carbon chassis and aerodynamic efficiency mean we started with a lightweight, dynamically-optimised sports car. Those characteristics are fundamental to any race car.The car is around 100mm wider than the standard production car and features a new suspension system which we have tested in the McLaren Simulator. Having now experienced this new set-up in the 12C GT3 car, I’m delighted with the progress we are making.

“The McLaren GT team is working with Formula 1 technology suppliers, and several of the senior technical personnel involved in this project have vast experience in Formula 1. This is a unique advantage in developing a GT specification car.”

From 2012, McLaren Automotive and CRS Racing will supply and support a limited number of FIA GT3-compliant racing cars based on the McLaren 12C high-performance sports car for privateers.**

MP4-12C GT3: Technical specification outline

The 12C GT3 race car is based on a standard 12C. Developing the race car has required a team of engineers, technicians and test drivers from McLaren Group and CRS Racing to focus on several fundamental components.

The 12C GT3 is based on the McLaren carbon MonoCell chassis, which weighs just 75kg and is produced in a revolutionary one-piece mould. Race specification composite body panels and a fixed rear wing have been added to the GT3 car.

The same 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 as in the production car on which it is based will be used in the 12C GT3, tuned to race specification. A bespoke paddle-shift system operating an all-new Ricardo-designed gearbox developed specifically for racing will be fitted. This system eschews the 7-speed SSG dual-clutch Graziano transmission supplied in the standard 12C.

New electrical architecture is being supplied by McLaren Electronic Systems Limited, including electronic dash and data technologies. Bosch Motorsport will supply a new ABS system for the 12C GT3.  A new aerodynamics package has been developed by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations, incorporating a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

The new GT3 car will feature motorsport-specific braking and suspension components. These include bespoke callipers by Akebono, Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.  Due to regulations imposed by racing authorities, the 12C GT3 will not feature the road-going 12C’s ProActive Chassis Control System; negating the requirement for an anti-roll bar. Instead, the 12C GT3 will use a configuration comprising race-specific roll bars and dampers.

McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin said: “Those who have seen the new MP4-12C production car won’t be surprised to learn that immense attention to detail has been applied in developing the GT3 version. Quality is a watchword. We know that our potential customers will expect McLaren GT to deliver a competitive car right out of the box and, starting now with a programme covering aerodynamics development and durability testing, we are determined to do just that.

“The McLaren GT team is committed to achieving unprecedented levels of performance, also guaranteeing the levels of quality, reliability and durability with which we expect to delight future race teams entering competitions with the 12C GT3.”

 

As the car rolled out of the transporter I felt I was being teleported back to Jerez 1995 when the F1 GTR first raced in the BPR Series.

The Blancpain Endurance Series just shifted up another gear.

John Brooks, March 2011

Retro Rockets

Another month, another show, this time the Race Retro held at Stoneleigh Park. My good friend David Blumlein made a few laps of the halls and, as usual, spotted a few gems hidden in the shadows. He has kindly agreed to share them with us.

jb

1964 Elva GT 160

This is the third chassis of only three built. Designed by Trevor Fiore (Trevor Frost), the body was constructed by Carrozzeria Fissore in Turin. Power came from a mid-mounted BMW 2-litre, 4 cylinder engine.

1964 Elva GT 160

Richard Wrottesley used chassis no. 1 to run at Le Mans in 1965, having clocked 17th fastest in the April Test day.The car retired from the race with transmission problems after only 29 laps. It had also taken part that year’s Nürburgring 1000 km. event but again the transmission failed only completing 4 laps.

1964 Elva GT 160

The car on display at Race Retro had been an exhibit at the 1964 Turin Motor Show.

Bentley 4½-Litre

Bentley 4½-Litre

This is the car that normally lives in the Campbell Shed at Brooklands. It took part in the 1929 Double Twelve race at Brooklands in May, driven by its owner N. Holder and Sir Tim Birkin. Having fifnished 4th at the end of the first day, the Bentley retired after 18 hours of racing with back axle failure. The engine broke in the June Six Hour Race at Brooklands and the car non-started at the Irish Grand Prix.

Gemini Formula Junior Mk IV

Gemini Formula Junior Mk IV

This car was created by Graham Warner’s Chequered Flag organisation based in Chiswick. It was the most advanced design of any Formula Junior car, featuring inboard brakes, front and rear, and side-mounted radiators.

1967 Mini-Marcos GT 1.3

1967 Mini-Marcos GT 1.3

This car ran in the 1976 Targa Florio (race number 176), driven by Jan-Eric Andreasson and Johnny Lundberger; it retired on the first lap after an accident.

1989 Spice SE89P Group C

1989 Spice SE89P Group C

Chassis No. 002 with a 6.6 litre V-8 Pontiac engine and Hewland gearbox.

Pontiac V-8

The Spice raced between 1989 and 1991 in the IMSA GT Championship. Paul Newman drove the car twice in 1990.

1961 Jaguar E-Type SSN 300

1961 Jaguar E-Type SSN 300

Originally delivered as a demonstrator to Dumbuck garage, the Jaguar dealership run by the Stewart family. Jackie’s impressive performance with it at Charterhall in 1962 prompted David Murray to invite him to drive for Ecurie Ecosse. Subsequently the car was sold to Eric Liddell (father of the current racer Robin) who had many wins with it, including two at the very last Charterhall meeting in 1964.

1963 Lightweight E-Type 3.8 litre

1963 Lightweight E-Type 3.8 litre


This is the 9th of the 12 Lightweight E-Types made and was used by Peter Sucliffe during 1963-65. Wins were scored at Mallory park, Zolder and Montlhéry.

1935 Le Mans Austin Seven

1935 Le Mans Austin Seven

This beautifully restored car was one of four Austin Sevens that ran in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1935. It was privately entered by John Carr who shared the wheel with John Barbour; the other three cars were “works” entries. Only two of the Austin Sevens finished and this car proudly came home in 27th position, ahead of the sole surviving factory machine. It was the highest placed 750cc. car that year.

It was depicted in a pit setting reminding viewers that the little team was supported by Harry Ferguson’s Belfast Austin agency.

Images and words, copyright and courtesy of David Blumlein.

It’s Grim Up North London

One of the best bits about blogging is having the oppertunity to Big Up your mates.

One of the best photographers that I have encountered in the last 20 years or so is David Noels.

The Belgian has had stacks of editorial and corporate clients over the years, most notably General Motors.

He recently launched a blog and I recommend that you pay a visit to see his great work, like this

John Brooks, March 2011