The McLaren 720S GT3-X: A Track Day Car Like No Other
The name "GT3" is often associated with a set of rules and regulations that limit the power output of racing cars. However, McLaren's latest creation, the 720S GT3-X, takes this concept to a whole new level. This car is McLaren's idea of what a GT3 race car would be like if it was unleashed unshackled, allowed to go as fast as it possibly could. To achieve this, the FIA-sanctioned power-restricted 500 horsepower four-liter twin turbocharged V8 has been ditched in favor of a more powerful 710 brake horsepower unit with 740 bhp.
The major difference between the GT3-X and other track day cars is that it's designed to be used on racing circuits, not just any public road. The carbon tub has had to be modified to accept a new roll cage, which allows for the installation of a passenger seat. This means that the GT3-X can only be raced in approved events or used by its owners on designated racing tracks. As a result, it's been designed as a track day car, a very exclusive and fast track day car, and one that you can take a friend along or more likely an instructor.
The McLaren 720S GT3-X was put to the test on the Navarro circuit in Spain, where the driver was tasked with navigating the twists and turns of this challenging track. The result was nothing short of sensational, as the GT3-X proved itself to be a formidable machine capable of producing incredible speeds and forces. As the driver described, "it's like a different circuit," with the car exhibiting immense power and grip.
One of the most impressive features of the GT3-X is its braking capabilities. The 12-stage ABS system and maximum deceleration limits make it an incredibly safe and stable machine, even at high speeds. However, this also means that the driver must be extremely focused and concentrated in order to take full advantage of the car's capabilities. As one driver noted, "it's like a brain scrambler," with the need to constantly adjust brake pressure and speed in order to maintain control.
The GT3-X is also equipped with advanced traction control systems, including the Push-to-Pass system, which allows drivers to temporarily increase power output on straights. This feature adds an extra layer of complexity to the driving experience, as drivers must carefully manage their speed and braking points in order to maximize performance.
Despite its incredible capabilities, the GT3-X is not without its limitations. With only 15 units being produced, it's a very exclusive machine that comes with a price tag of $750,000. However, this is significantly less than other high-performance track day cars, making it an attractive option for those looking to experience the thrill of racing without breaking the bank.
Overall, the McLaren 720S GT3-X is a truly unique and exciting vehicle that offers an unparalleled driving experience. With its incredible power output, advanced technology, and exclusive design, it's an absolute must-see for any car enthusiast or track day enthusiast. Whether you're looking to take your driving skills to the next level or simply want to experience the thrill of racing without the risks, the GT3-X is sure to deliver.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis is a maclaren 720s gt3x pretty cool standing name isn't it pretty cool looking car in fact but what exactly is it well it's mclaren's idea of what a gt3 race car would be like if it was unleashed unshackled allowed to go as absolutely fast as it possibly could so that means the fia sanctioned power restricted 500 horsepower four liter twin turbocharged v8 has been ditched and in its place comes a 710 brake horsepower unit with 740 bhp when you use the push to pass system everything you see on the outside the arrow the wings the splitters that's pure gt3 car the major difference is inside where the carbon tub has had to be modified to accept a new roll cage so you can fit a passenger seat yep that's right a passenger seat you see by making all these changes they've made this car effectively ineligible to raise anywhere so instead it's been designed as a track day car a very exclusive very fast track day car and one that you can take a friend along or more likely an instructor so what's it like well they let us loose on the navarro track in spain and well it was pretty sensational as we'll find out so here we are at the navarre circuit in the 720s gtx 3 i'm going to try and talk you through a lap now but if i uh stop talking for a bit it's because it requires quite a lot of concentration for my tiny frame so effectively this is a gt3 car plus so we've got the monocoque from gt3 car all the aero but with more power so this car can't race anywhere but it can do all sorts of track days and it's unbelievable if i'm honest i'm having to concentrate quite hard to talk next to me i've got the very brave factory driver ewan hanky who's trying not to cry at right letters home to his mother now we're on slick tyres we've got traction control 12 stage abs max all sorts i'm leaving it well enough alone at the moment brakes are just incredible now we've been around here in 720f spider lt and this is just a completely different ball game it's like a different circuit obviously the power is immense you expect that with 750 horsepower with the push to pass which we can use on the straights but it's the braking and the arrow so through this fast kick where i was lifting in the road car just clap straight on the rakes i'm not doing this car justice you had took me around earlier and that was an eye opener so this is the brain scrambler the fast perth corner you literally don't lift i do and then you break and then lift off the rake and break harder and i'm still not breaking and changing down fast enough but that flows tiny mind this car limited units they're going to be some very lucky owners out there oh my word let's absolutely insane levels of grip the grip from the slick tyres i'm totally big very very nervous under the raking bushes oh my word i can keep going grounding this until the fuel runs out high performance road cars doesn't matter how many you drive getting a competition car and it's just next level people actually race these things and their brains don't get fried we'll do a little bit of a voiceover later i'll talk about the features of the car but for now justin i'll enjoy let's do as fast as laugh as i dare which will be about ten weeks slower than uh too deep way too deep all right let's concentrate hmm foreign um oh um um after a few laps in the mclaren you'll emerge exhausted it exhilarated it's a physical and hugely immersive driving experience if you've never sampled slicks or downfalls before the speeds and the forces involved will scramble your mind at first yet ultimately this is a hugely forgiving and rewarding driving experience one that encourages you to push faster and learn its limits yes there are question marks over whether it's really logical or sensible to develop a race car that well can't be raced but they're only building 15 of them and those lucky customers will have one of the most exciting intoxicating and thrilling track day weapons out there at 750 000 pounds yes it's not exactly cheap but it's hundreds of thousands less than the lamborghini azenza and the brabham bt-62 so if you're looking for the ultimate track day car well look no further than the very exciting sounding 720s gt3 x now if you've enjoyed this video don't forget to like subscribe and smash that notifications button so you never miss any great content from autocar thanks for watching and we'll see you soon\n"
