And the version well-heeled civilians can buy makes even more power.
McLaren has made no secret of its plans to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the highest level next year, as the brand prepares to battle it out in the World Endurance Championship's hypercar class for the 2027 season. The company has also made clear that it won't just be racing pros who'll have the chance to climb behind the wheel of the car, as a track-day version for McLaren's favorite customers is being developed under the name of "Project: Endurance."
On Monday, McLaren unveiled the race and track duo like never before, complete with new details about both versions. Meet the McLaren MCL-HY Hypercar and the MCY-HL GTR.
The MCL-HY, destined for Le Mans and other endurance races next year, is showcased in a striking Papaya livery that the brand states is inspired by the McLaren M6A prototype from nearly 60 years ago. Testing is scheduled to begin this month, with factory driver Mikkel Jensen getting support from McLaren Driver Development Program drivers Gregoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor, along with United Autosports driver Ben Hanley.
Behind the driver's seat lies the heart of this beastly machine—though there are a couple of slight differences between the cars competing in France and the ones wealthy owners will drive around Thermal. Both models feature a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, but while the MCY-HL competition version pairs it with a hybrid system as required by the FIA for LMDh cars, the MCL-HY GTR for private owners foregoes the electrical assist.
View Price on AmazonDespite this, the Le Mans racer actually produces less power than its pure-internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling, with the race car generating 697 horsepower and the track version pumping out around 720 hp. The racer's minimum weight of 2,270 pounds is also above the dry weight of the GTR variant.
McLaren states the decision to omit the hybrid drive for the customer variant will simplify life for buyers by reducing complexity and streamlining ownership, though it's likely that feedback from potential purchasers also influenced this choice. Those lucky one-percenters who take home an MCL-HY GTR will also have the chance to enjoy a six-event track driving program spanning two years and multiple renowned circuits around the globe, complete with dedicated pit crew, engineering support, and professional driver coaching.
The customer car is anticipated to begin reaching owners by the end of 2027. By that summer, the automaker presumably hopes these buyers will be able to boast to fellow Sun Valley conference attendees, "Oh, yeah, I have that new Le Mans-winning McLaren arriving later this year."
Source: roadandtrack.com
