If the McLaren MP4-12C weren’t track worthy already; here’s the GT Sprint

By Stephen Edelstein October 3, 2013

McLaren has taken the wraps off the latest version of its MP4-12C supercar. You’d better go get your helmet.

The 12C GT Sprint was developed by McLaren GT, the company’s racing arm, and is optimized for on-track performance, the company says.

To turn a 12C into a Sprint, McLaren stripped away unnecessary luxuries and added a few bits from its 12C GT3 racecar.

The Sprint sits 40mm closer to the ground and features aerodynamic enhancements like a new front bumper, GT3-derived hood, and rear spoiler. It rides on 19-inch center-lock wheels and Pirelli competition tires, stopped by upgrade brakes with “GT race specification” rotors.

To protect the driver, the Sprint gets the GT3’s FIA-approved roll cage, HANS-compatible racing seat, and six-point harness. A digital dash display, also from the racer, replaces the stock 12C’s gauges, and the cabin has been stripped of other equipment.

The GT3’s air jacking system is also included, just in case the neighbors aren’t convinced that this is a bona fide racecar.

What doesn’t change is the 12C’s 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, which makes the same 616 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque as it does in the regular 12C. The same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission handles shifting duties.

The Sprint also retains McLaren’s suite of driving tech, including brake steer, active airbrake, and a re-calibrated version of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control.

That all comes with a base price of 195,000 pounds, or about $315,958 at current exchange rates. McLaren dealers are taking orders now.

With its track-focused mission, the McLaren 12C GT Sprint should give anyone who’s put down a deposit on a Ferrari 458 Speciale something to think about.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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