Goodwood Festival of Speed this year is like McLaren’s backyard. They have a bunch of new debuts at the show and a large number of cars on display. This is one of the debuts, the McLaren 650S GT3; a new race car built by McLaren GT which is the motorsport arm of the company.
McLaren 650S GT3 replaces the 12C GT3 as the official representative of the British automaker in the motorsport scene. But they are not abandoning the teams running the 12C. In fact, McLaren is offering an upgrade for 12C GT3 owners including all the technical goodies of the 650S model.
Apart from obvious styling and aerodynamic differences, 650S GT3 has advantages over the 12C in terms of suspension geometry, electronics, and cockpit. The engine in the new car is the same the old one, but better cooling improves its performance on the race track.
The 650 also comes with a new electronic power management system, McLaren GT bespoke composite seat shell, Air Jack system, FIA roll cage, unique McLaren GT composite steering wheel incorporating key driver switch controls and map settings, adjustable pedal box and ‘ATLAS’ data system.
Other notable technical features of the McLaren 650S GT3 include the double wishbone adjustable suspension, 18-inch wheels, Motorsport ‘bag tank’ system with 125L capacity, and adjustable rear wing.