McLaren Solus GT

Bringing the virtual world to life

Without the canopy and fender covers, it looks almost like an F1 car. — The Solus GT was shown running for the first time in Japan. Without the canopy and fender covers, it would almost look like an F1 car. The V10 sound is far more beautiful than that of a modern F1.

This unrealistic car made its appearance at Monterey Car Week in 2022. Its design, which resembles a formula car with a cowl on top, is reminiscent of the cars driven by heroes in anime. This is because it is based on the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept car that appears in the game Gran Turismo Sport, and is a realization of a machine that McLaren had expressed in the virtual world.

The Solus GT made its Japanese debut at Fuji Speedway on November 9th, where the McLaren Track Day Japan 2024 was held. The black body and orange fenders are the same livery as the car that won the Goodwood Timed Shooting Final in 2023, so it is likely the same car (after all, only 25 units will be produced). The entire body is shaped like a mass of aerodynamics, and when viewed from behind, you can see the tunnel-like diffuser that connects to the front of the body. The car is a single-seater with one occupant, and the driver enters and exits by sliding the canopy forward. The scene truly seems to have come straight out of a virtual world.

Reminiscent of the F1 cars of the past

The carbon brake rotors are completely different in thickness from those on production vehicles, and the rear calipers are mounted lower. — [1]

The engine is a 5.2-liter V10, and does not use electric drive such as a motor. The power is 840 PS, torque is 650 Nm, and the weight is announced to be less than 1000 kg, so the power-to-weight ratio is an intimidating figure of almost 1 kg/PS. The transmission is equipped with a 7-speed sequential.

Blessed with clear skies, the Solarus GT circled the main course at Fuji Speedway, its sensual exhaust roaring. After lapping alongside the three Sennas, it revved up for one final lap. Its speed and sound were truly Formula One, reminiscent of F1 cars from the 1980s. The Solarus GT’s V10 engine produced a sound far more beautiful than that of today’s V6 F1 cars, which are bound by various regulations.

Embodying McLaren’s brand philosophy

After the run, the Solaris GT was displayed in the pit at Fuji Speedway. All 25 units produced have already been sold.

The fact that they were able to actually build such a car is a testament to the pride of McLaren, a brand that is closely tied to motorsports, including F1. Racing machines and production cars are two sides of the same coin. Seeing the Solus GT and the many production cars that gathered at this event, I was reminded of McLaren’s brand philosophy.

REPORT/Gensuke NAGATA

PHOTO/McLaren AUTOMOTIVE, GENROQ

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ January 2025 issue

McLaren Truck Day Japan 2024

A record 177 cars participated

McLaren Track Day Japan, where the Solaris GT raced, is an annual event held for McLaren owners. The 2024 event, which saw the largest number of participants to date (177 cars), was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s death, and his nephew, Bruno Senna, also took part, enjoying interaction with the owners.