McLaren Solus GT Styling Totally Dissected By Former P1 Designer

McLaren revealed the unconventional Solus GT this previous summer time. The one-seat, track-only race automotive seems in contrast to some other mannequin from the automaker, making it the proper candidate for Frank Stephenson, the previous Ferrari and McLaren designer, to interrupt down and dissect.

The automotive first appeared in Gran Turismo Sport just a few years in the past earlier than McLaren turned the digital design into an precise mannequin. The Solus did not change a lot, though McLaren needed to rework the cockpit structure. Nevertheless, there are a number of different styling parts Stephenson would rework.

The entrance view highlights the huge openings designed to channel air beneath the automobile. Nevertheless, it additionally reveals that the floating fenders aren’t actually floating, showcasing the struts that maintain them up – one thing Stephenson would tweak. He additionally takes problem with the slim cover, which throws off the automotive’s proportions from this angle. He’d widen the bottom or squish the highest of the cockpit cover to provide it a extra flowing look.

Alongside the aspect, Stephenson would work to cowl up the wheels. To him, the uncovered wheels antiquate the automotive’s in any other case futuristic design. The automotive’s rear is all enterprise, with large openings on the again permitting the underbody air to flee. Stephenson mentioned he would tweak the taillight design, giving it a slight arch to match the physique contours. He additionally notes how the underbody cavity hides the within of the wheels from view, including to its modern styling.

Past the design, the Solus GT contains a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine. It produces 829 horsepower (619 kilowatts) and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-meters ) of torque, which may ship the automotive to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 2.5 seconds. The automotive weighs lower than 2,205 kilos (1,000 kilograms), however its aero-focused physique can produce over 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg) of downforce.

McLaren will construct simply 25 Solus GT supercars, with the homeowners receiving a racing swimsuit, helmet, and HANS gadget. The Solus’ daring design is quite a bit to take a look at, however Stephenson’s eager eye picks out just a few hiccups within the automotive’s in any other case impeccable styling.