McLaren 1997
McLaren 1997
McLaren F1 GT ‘Longtail’ 1997
McLaren downn-load-photo-2008
The F1 GT was the last of the McLaren F1 line, developed to create the ultimate Grand Touring car celebrating McLaren's success on the race-track with the 97 GTR. The F1 GT generates downforce that matches the F1 LM but with lower drag due to extended front bodywork and a revised rear-deck profile.
Constructed, like the rest of the bodywork, from carbon fibre, the F1 GT’s tail is clearly its most remarkable feature – but it’s by no means the only modification that was made for the 1997 season. The nose was extended to provide further aerodynamic downforce; the wheel arches were flared over the larger 18-inch alloys; and to top it all off (quite literally), the roof-mounted snorkel was enlarged to feed the 6.1-litre V12 with air. Altogether, the GT is over 600mm (two feet) longer than a standard McLaren F1 road car, as well as being over 100mm (four inches) wider.
BMW S70/2 6.1-litre V12 engine, redesigned interior, upholstered in fine Connolly leather and Alcantara, the F1 GT set a new standard of luxury for Grand Touring cars.
3 cars made.
McLAREN F1 GT ROAD CAR - SPECIFICATION
Type Number S 70/2;
Cylinder Arrangement V12;
Cylinder Angle 60 degrees;
Power Output 461 / 627 kW / PS
@ 7500 rpm;
Max. Torque 651 / 480 Nm / lb.ft
@ 5600 rpm;
Engine Capacity 6064 / 369.9 cc / in 3
Valves/Cylinder 4;
Bore 86.0 / 3.38 mm / inches;
Stroke 87.0 / 3.42 mm / inches;
Compression Ratio 11.0:1;
Body
Length 4928 / 194.02 mm / inches;
Width 1920 / 75.59 mm / inches;
Height 1200 / 47.24 mm / inches;
Wheelbase 2718 / 107.01 mm / inches;
Front Overhang 1120 / 44.09 mm / inches;
Rear Overhang 1090 / 42.91 mm / inches;
Front Track 1620 / 63.78 mm / inches;
Rear Track 1582 / 62.28 mm / inches;
McLAREN Automotive 2008
McLaren F1 GTR
McLaren downn-load-photo-2008
To compete, Formula 1 knowledge and experience gained from the pinnacle of the sport were use to create the purest version of a true world-beater, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’.
For the 1997 season, the decision was made by McLaren to create an F1 GT road car to homologate a race version sharing the same basic form. The racer would be the ultimate evolution of the F1 GTR, with the focus on performance-optimised aerodynamics, increased downforce and significant weight reduction. And so while the F1 GT retained the same wheelbase as the original F1, the new bodywork meant it was a massive 641mm – or 25 inches – longer overall. Three McLaren F1 GT road cars were built, with the original ‘XP GT’ prototype still retained by McLaren, and two more purchased by customers, making it the rarest of all the F1s to wear number plates.
McLaren F1 GTR 1997
McLaren download photo 2009
F1 GTR 97
The GTR was delvoped to meet major regulation changes made for both the FIA GT Series and the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Weight reduction concentrated on the chassis and powertrain and throughout the car. The first development year the F1 GTR weighed 1050kg which was reduced to 1000kg for '96. The 75kg target weight reduction for '97 resulted in a car kerb weight of only 915kg.
McLaren F1 GTR 1997
McLaren download photo 2009
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