McLaren Solus GT Sets Record at Goodwood Festival of Speed with Blistering Hill Climb Run
Last week, the limited-edition McLaren Solus GT supercar made its presence felt at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed. A new video released recently showcases the sheer power and performance of this track-only vehicle as it blazes through the famous hill climb.
Driven by acclaimed racing driver Marvin Kirchhöfer, the Solus GT set an incredible time of just 45.34 seconds, making it the fastest car of this year’s Festival of Speed in the UK. This achievement places the Solus GT among the fastest cars ever to tackle the hill climb at Goodwood. However, it fell short of beating the record set last year by the McMurtry Spéirling electric fan car, which completed the climb in a mind-blowing 39.08 seconds.
The Solus GT represents McLaren’s endeavor to bring its virtual vision to life. Inspired by the brand’s Ultimate Vision GT concept, which was developed exclusively for the “Gran Turismo” video game series, the Solus GT closely resembles its virtual counterpart. While the concept car had a futuristic driving position, with the driver lying flat on their stomach and arms stretched forward, the Solus GT features a more conventional seating arrangement, albeit with a higher roof.
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Significantly departing from the concept, McLaren swapped out the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 and four electric motors in favor of a ferocious, high-revving 5.2-liter V-10 engine. The sound emitted by this powerhouse resembles that of a classic Formula 1 engine. Incorporating barrel-driven throttles for each cylinder, a feature borrowed from motorsports, the engine is entirely gear-driven, eliminating the need for chains or belts for the camshaft and ancillary systems. With a peak power output of 829 hp attained at an astonishing 10,000 rpm, the Solus GT is a force to be reckoned with on the track.
To ensure exceptional handling, the Solus GT boasts aerodynamics meticulously fine-tuned for high downforce and employs cutting-edge F1-style suspension. While McLaren has withheld the final performance numbers, the automaker has promised owners an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, a top speed exceeding 200 mph, and track times that rival those of McLaren’s GT race cars.
With only 25 units scheduled for production, the Solus GT is a truly exclusive machine. Priced at approximately $4 million each, the fortunate few who secure a build slot will not only acquire a masterpiece of engineering but will also have the opportunity to participate in special track events organized by McLaren. The automaker will handle all the logistics, from transporting the car to and from the track, ensuring a seamless and exhilarating experience for owners.
Scheduled to commence deliveries later this year, the Solus GT embodies McLaren’s relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. This latest performance marvel represents a milestone in the brand’s prestigious history, combining technology, aerodynamics, and incredible power to deliver an unforgettable driving experience. As the Solus GT continues to make its mark on the automotive world, it solidifies McLaren’s legacy as a true pioneer in the industry.
