For those unfamiliar, Lanzante is the outfit that campaigned the original McLaren F1 GTR to such great success at Le Mans back in 1995. Following the 28 examples of the F1 GTR, McLaren built another six examples of the F1 LM, kept one and sold the other five – each based on the GTR’s specs but modified for road use. Now Lanzante has unearthed that playbook again with the release of the new McLaren P1 LM.
Among the steps Lanzante took in transforming the P1 GTR to road spec involved retuning the hybrid powertrain to keep the output at 986 horsepower while running on 99-octane pump gas and at higher temperatures. The automaker saved a good 130 pounds compared to the GTR by ditching the onboard air-jacking system, fitting polycarbonate windows, refabricating the exhaust and cat pipes out of lightweight Inconel and the bolts out of titanium. It even insulated the engine bay in gold leaf – just like the original F1.
Lanzante also fitted an exposed carbon-fiber roof, new rolling stock and steering wheel (replete with switchgear like a modern grand prix racer’s). It trimmed the interior in Alcantara, and mounted a bigger front splitter and rear wing to increase downforce by 40 percent.
The result ought to make for one frighteningly extreme ride, likely to be capable of embarrassing just about anything else on the road or track. We’ll try not to be too tempted, though, as Lanzante – mirroring the original – will only make six examples and sell five: one in dark gray (like the prototype pictured) and another four in orange.
Given the extensive modifications and the $2 million or so McLaren charged for the P1 GTR in the first place, we don’t even want to know how much it would cost to put one in our driveway. We’ll be watching, though, to see it run up the hill at Goodwood tomorrow at the hands of McLaren factory driver (and former Indy 500 winner) Kenny Bräck, who’ll also set up each of the customer examples at the Nürburgring.
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Background
Lanzante Ltd. first became globally synonymous with the McLaren name when it ran the semi-works McLaren F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. 21 years later, Lanzante has created the McLaren P1 LM – its first limited production road car and a development of the most recent models to be produced within McLaren’s Ultimate Series.
Intended to be the quickest, rarest and last of the P1 variants, and delivered to Lanzante by McLaren Special Operations’ Bespoke division, the P1 LM is road legal yet offers even more performance than the McLaren P1™ GTR. So far an experimental prototype has been completed and it is this which will take to Goodwood’s Hill in Class 25 for Modern GT Racers with 1999 Indy 500 winner and McLaren test driver, Kenny Bräck, behind the wheel.
A further five production cars will be produced: one in dark grey like the prototype, the other four in orange. All are expected to be delivered to customers in January 2017.
Engine
The biggest change is to the engine hardware producing additional boost and hybrid power in order to maintain the McLaren P1™ GTR’s 1000PS (986bhp). This is achieved while still using 99-octane fuel.
The engine bay features gold plated heat shielding while the catalytic convertor pipes and exhaust headers are made using the exotic ‘super-alloy’ Inconel saving 4.5 kg. Furthermore, the charge coolers will be produced with even more efficient cores to maintain power at higher run temperatures.
Chassis
Wheels and tyres are unique to the P1 LM but the Race Active Chassis Control and major parts of the McLaren P1™ GTR are retained.
The LM will be 60kg lighter than even the McLaren P1™ GTR thanks to the removal of race parts such as the air-jack system, the use of lightweight seats from the McLaren F1 GTR, the Inconel exhaust and titanium tailpipes, lightweight fabricated charge coolers, Lexan windows, and the use of titanium bolts and fixings.
The final set up of the cars will be completed by Kenny Brack at the Nürburgring circuit.
Design
The advanced aerodynamics and styling of the McLaren P1™ GTR are largely carried over to the P1 LM but with increased aero from a modified rear wing, and larger front splitter and dive planes. Together the changes give a predicted increase in downforce of 40%.
The P1 LM is uniquely fitted with a fully exposed carbon fibre roof and additional panels. Other exterior changes include orange brake callipers on the orange examples and silver on the grey ones.
Interior
Exposed carbon fibre covers the entire dashboard, instrument cowl, seat backs, roof, door cards, centre console and even the floor mats. Air conditioning is included as standard.
Orange Alcantara ® is used for the seat inserts and door pulls on the orange cars, black on the grey examples. Five point seat belts are also fitted.
The Alcantara ® trimmed steering wheel is unique to the P1 LM and is a modified version of that used in the championship winning McLaren MP4/23 driven by Lewis Hamilton.
Additional Equipment
The P1 LM will be supplied by Lanzante Ltd. with a full tool kit including a torque wrench and wheel socket plus diagnostics tablet. Included, too, will be a tailored car cover and battery charging system. Owners will also be treated to a 1:8 scale model of their car and framed rendering.
