The McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition was announced as a concept back in August, when it debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now, due to a positive response and demand, McLaren has decided to put the 12C GT Can-Am Edition into production.
As with the concept, the production version of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition is finished in a striking shade of McLaren Orange, which is a tribute to the cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, that were successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
McLaren GT, the specialist race-car manufacturing division of the McLaren Group, will produce just 30 examples of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. The Can-Am uses the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the road-going 12C supercar, but with unique engine calibration and optimised cooling system to boost power to 463 kW. There is a catch though, as the 12C GT Can-Am does not meet any racing regulations and is not road-worthy, placing it in the same league as a Ferrari FXX Evo or Pagani Zonda R.
An aggressive aerodynamics package has been derived from lessons learned in McLaren’s Formula 1 efforts. Downforce is increased up to 30 percent over the standard car. Further to the dramatic aero pack, detailing includes carbon fibre trim on the door mirrors, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges, which all help to distinguish the Can-Am from the 12C GT3 race car. A set of lightweight black satin-finished alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing rubber, promise plenty of grip and help reduce unsprung mass to around 1 200 kg.
The interior features race seats complete with six-point harnesses, together with a full FIA specification rollcage. An air conditioning system adds a touch of convenience to an otherwise race-focused cabin, that boasts a lightweight carbon fibre dashboard.
The price for such a toy? £375 000, but you can’t put a price on fun right?! See a full gallery, including interior photos, on our Facebook page.
