McLaren puts the ‘Sport’ in their ‘Sport Series’ by announcing two new racing versions of the 570S. Called McLaren 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint, these track machines will undergo a series a rigorous developmental tests this year in the British GT championship in the hands of customer team Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse.

Developed jointly by McLaren Automotive, McLaren GT, and CRS GT Limited, the two baby racers are designed with different purposes in mind. The McLaren 570S GT4 is a full-on racer fully compatible with the rules and regulations of the GT series. The Sprint, however, is built as a track toy, something to have fun with private track days. You can upgrade the Sprint to GT4 specification, though.

Both McLaren 570S GT4 and Sprint are based on the production model and share their carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis architecture with that car. But being track cars, they come with a number of exclusive stuff, such as FIA-approved rollcage and fire extinguisher system, centre-locking lightweight cast magnesium alloy wheels, slick Pirelli racing tires, two-way adjustable motorsport dampers, and onboard air jack. The engine is the same 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838TE unit we know and love, but its output is restricted for GT racing. The GT4 will cost from £159,900 when it launches in 2017.

Along with these cars, McLaren Automotive has also confirmed the appointment of Ansar Ali – the former Caterham director – to the role of Motorsport Director. He commented: ‘I am extremely proud and honoured to be joining McLaren Automotive at such a pivotal time. Activities on track have played such a significant part in the history of making McLaren globally recognised. The opportunity to play a major part in shaping its future motorsport strategy is extremely exciting, and the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint models are an important initial step.’