Since 2016, the McLaren 570S GT4 has achieved victories around the world in sports car racing. He has also formed the backbone of the Pure McLaren GT Series. This is the car that has the hard work of replacing it in international motorsport, the Artura GT4.
As with the road car, the Race Car provides some useful advances over its predecessor in the Sports series. Built from the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight architecture, McLaren says this car is over 100kg lighter than the 570S equivalent. In addition, the V6 is said to be lighter and more responsive than the previous M838T V8; Add shorter gear ratios and a limited-slip mechanical differential (replacing the old brake-based assistance) and Artura seems to have all the bases covered in terms of being an even more competitive runner. Especially when the improvements made in the efficiency of the damping and cooling of the brakes are taken into account.
Then it becomes very interesting. Because when the road car is a hybrid (a 7.4 kWh battery that provides 95 hp and 19 miles of range), the rules currently do not allow hybrid cars. So this GT4, like the competition versions of the recent Honda NSX, has no batteries or engines, which means you get unadulterated V6 biturbo power. In the road car that produces 585 hp, although the power of this Artura will obviously depend on the rules of performance balance. Interestingly, too, the GT4 carries a seven-speed gearbox (with shorter ratios than the 570S) instead of the eight-speed road car; the production version uses the electric motor to reverse, but current sports car regulations stipulate that a reverse gear must be installed.
Elsewhere, the modifications are as expected for a GT4 racer. The brakes and traction control are now specific to motor sports, the fuel tank is a whopping 110 liters and the bodywork overhauls make the panels easy to change in case of damage: the part rear uses a “G-Pylon” spoiler design which means the rear can be removed. without disassembling the spoiler in case it sinks too much. The aerodynamic overhaul (see rear wing with seven angle adjustments, front splitter, dive planes and hood duct) is said to provide additional aerodynamic strength compared to the 570S, especially at the front.
The Artura also deploys a wider front tire, which should further aid tire grip and degradation. Inside, the steering wheel is borrowed from the 720S GT3, and the Artura has also been designed with endurance racing in mind: options include additional lights for night racing and a beverage system. If there is a GT4 race anywhere in the world, Artura should be eligible.
McLaren Motor Sports Director Ian Morgan said of the new car: “With a lighter weight, extremely precise handling characteristics and improved durability, as well as the advantages of packaging and efficiency and comprehensive service for the mechanics of the new V6 powertrain, the Artura GT4 will be setting new class standards, as we are already seeing through our extensive testing and development program. ” All this will sound like very good news for those who have tasted the success of the 570S. And a little less exciting for the rivals who will face Artura on the track in 2023 …
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