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McLaren highlights its motorsports pedigree with the 570S Sprint and GT4

Miles Branman
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McLaren has revealed two new versions of its 570S sports car that are designed exclusively for track duty.

Joining the 540C, 570GT, and 570S Sports Series models, the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint have been developed with McLaren’s motorsports division, McLaren GT, and CRS GT Limited.

The 570S GT4 will go straight to work in a season-long development program in the British GT championship, piloted by the Black Bull Ecurie Ecosse customer team. As for the 570S Sprint, the model won’t be limited by racing regulations but instead will be a purpose-built track car for enthusiasts. Should owners decide they want a more serious racing experience, the Sprint can be upgraded to GT4 specifications.

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“As with the road-going models to wear a McLaren badge, the 570S GT4 and 570S Sprint models are about being an engaging and exciting drive,” said Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer of McLaren. “The launch of the Sports Series has broadened the McLaren brand to a new audience, introducing technologies to the sports car market and to a new group of customers. The introduction of the 570S GT4 is doing the same in the motorsport world, and will bring the opportunity to own and race a McLaren — previously limited to a very small number of people — to a much wider group.”

Flewitt also mentioned that the idea to run the 570S GT4 in a racing season was intended for data collection and vehicle optimization to ensure that the finalized cars will be up to snuff.

The 570S GT4 shares the carbon-fiber MonoCell II chassis with the other Sports Series models, but this is the first time it has appeared in the GT4 category. Carbon fiber and aluminum bodywork is laid over a wider front and rear track to fit its magnesium alloy wheels and Pirelli racing tires. The GT4 also includes a FIA-spec roll cage, fire extinguisher, two-way adjustable motorsport dampers with coil-over sprints, and an air jack system.

The 3.8-liter twin turbocharged V8 engine is borrowed from the standard 570S, along with the seven-speed transmission. The setup is finished off with a unique aero kit with a GT4-spec rear wing, a larger front splitter, and an extra radiator beneath the new hood.

McLaren also announced that Ansar Ali will be appointed McLaren Automotive’s Motorsports Director and will be in charge of motorsports activities and strategy. “Motorsport is part of the lifeblood of the McLaren brand, and this role will be key to our long-term plans as we continue to expand the product range and customer appeal around the world,” added Flewitt.

The 570S GT4 will make its public debut at the British GT Championship on April 16. Going forward, it will be eligible for all GT4 homologated championships globally from the 2017 season, and is priced from £159,900, which equates to $226,423.

More information on the 570S Sprint, including pricing, will roll out in the coming weeks.

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Miles Branman
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