McLaren Solus GT: A 935kg V10 Powerhouse Hits COTA

Photo by: Greg Pajo

The McLaren Solus GT delivers 829bhp from a 935kg, V10 single-seater, blending extreme aerodynamics with exhilarating track performance at Circuit of the Americas.

The McLaren Solus GT, originally born as a concept in the *Gran Turismo* video game series, is now a reality—a V10-powered, 935kg single-seater made for the track. Unlike the quiet precision of the Ford GT MkIV’s development, the Solus GT’s debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) was accompanied by lavish hospitality, film crews, and iconic McLaren race cars. The event attracted McLaren’s most elite customers, all there to witness the Solus GT in action, a car that pushes the limits of what McLaren can achieve.

The Solus GT is a ground-up project with no ties to McLaren’s road or race cars, featuring a bespoke carbon-fiber chassis and a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine developed in partnership with Judd. The engine revs beyond 10,000 rpm, delivering 829bhp in Race mode, and has an aero package inspired by F1 and Le Mans prototype technology. It also boasts extreme aerodynamics, including a massive carbon-fiber splitter, adjustable rear wing, and sleek bodywork designed for high-speed performance.

The driving experience is just as exhilarating as the specs suggest. With Goodyear slick tires from an LMP2 car, the Solus GT delivers lightning-fast reactions, supreme agility, and a seven-speed sequential gearbox that shifts with precision. The car feels weightless and responsive, allowing drivers to brake later, turn in faster, and confidently harness its power.

Inside the cockpit, the driver is greeted by a central driving position, a panoramic view through the windscreen, and a steering wheel based on McLaren’s F1 cars. The V10 roars, but the vibrations are surprisingly smooth, making the experience less intimidating than it appears from the outside. The Solus GT is designed to be approachable, even for drivers looking to grow their skills on the track.

As a cutting-edge track car with no road-going counterpart, the McLaren Solus GT offers an unmatched combination of lightweight design, aerodynamic efficiency, and raw power—making it a true standout in the hypercar world.