This test might not be completely relevant to normal people, as far as the car matters. But it’s good to see how a racing version of a super car differs from the road going model. We’re talking about the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car. To find out, Autocar took one to the race track – obviously they couldn’t drive it on the road – to experience the full fury of the 12C without most of the electronic overlords that harness the road-going car. 

Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group Chief Executive Officer said: “McLaren has racing in its blood and it was a natural step to take our MP4-12C road car and turn it into the most reliable, efficient and easy to drive GT3 car. Every car on the grid will have its performance balanced by race rules, meaning our objective must be to select a technical specification that ensures any driver is able to access the 12C GT3’s performance limit with ease.

“We have worked with CRS Racing to ensure the 12C’s design and development programme is as close as possible to one McLaren Racing would employ in developing a Formula 1 car. The team at CRS is well qualified to shape decisions in this area as they have an outstanding record in racing GT3 cars, and understand what is required to be successful in that level of competitive motorsport.”