McLaren launches one-make series for unrestricted Artura racer
McLaren’s latest answer to ‘Super Trofeo’ and ‘Ferrari Challenge’ is here, with a new racecar and a series in which to race it. This is the Artura Trophy, a hopped-up race version of McLaren’s new V6 supercar based on the GT4 but with a healthy extra dose of downforce and power unrestricted by regulations and the Balance of Performance limitations.
With the full 585PS (430kW) whack the new 120-degree twin-turbo V6 is capable of, in combination with a new high-downforce wing and extra aero at the nose, the Artura Trophy should be capable of lap times close to that of the 720S GT3. Of course, as it’s based on the GT4 racer, it still does without the hybrid electric assistance of the road car.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the new Artura Trophy car in action,” said Ian Morgan, McLaren’s Director of Motorsport.
“From my experience in both motorsport and at McLaren I genuinely believe that this is a great race car and a massive step on from anything we’ve ever produced before for this type of championship. There’s nothing that exists currently to offer the same prospect to aspiring or professional and amateur GT drivers and already we’ve had huge interest in both the new car and the championship.”
Per the 570S Trophy that came before it, independent teams will run the cars, while teams that already have the predecessor will also be eligible. As much a luxury experience as it is a taste of racing, the paddock environment is said to be ‘relaxed and sociable’. The McLaren Concierge service will handle hotel bookings and transfers on the behalf of competitors.
McLaren Trophy will piggyback on the Fanatec GT World Challenge as it travels the continent, with drivers and teams sharing bills with top-billing GT drivers and teams. The 50-minute races will even be streamed. The 2023 season will run from 2nd June to 1st October, with visits to Paul Ricard, Misano, Spa, Hockenheim and Barcelona.
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