Mclaren MP4-12C Can Am Specification

In 2012  McLaren created a race car based on the MP4-12C known as the McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition. Pictured is a 12c Can Am looked after by SBR since 2012. Although the car was not intended to race, it made an appearance in the British GT Cup 2021 & 2022 winning the GTO class.

Here are some details about this track/race car:

Introduction and Purpose

– The McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition was introduced in 2012 as a limited-production track-only race car. It was inspired by the McLaren Can-Am racing cars of the 1960s, which competed in the Can-Am Challenge Cup series.

Design and Engineering

– The 12C GT Can-Am Edition featured an aggressive and aerodynamically optimized design with an enlarged rear wing, extended front splitter, and revised bodywork for improved downforce. The car utilized a lightweight carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, similar to the road-going MP4-12C, but with additional strengthening for racing purposes. The race car was powered by a modified version of the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in the MP4-12C, producing over 600 horsepower.

Racing Specifications

– The 12C GT Can-Am Edition was not homologated for any specific racing series. Instead, it was designed as a track-exclusive car for private racing teams and enthusiasts. It featured a six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, racing suspension, and high-performance brakes. The Can Am  had no restrictions on power output, allowing private teams to tune and modify the engine for optimal performance. The car was the unrestricted version of its little brother the MP4-12C GT3.

Limited Production

– McLaren produced a limited number of 12C GT Can-Am Edition race cars. Only 30 units were built, making it a highly exclusive and sought-after model among collectors and racing enthusiasts. The car pictured above, which is still looked after by SBR Engineering, is Chassis 001!

Racing Legacy

– While the 12C GT Can-Am Edition was not homologated for any specific racing series, it participated in various track events, including exhibition races and customer track days. The car demonstrated impressive performance and served as a showcase for McLaren’s engineering capabilities and racing heritage. The success and positive reception of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition influenced the development of subsequent track-focused McLaren models, such as the McLaren P1 GTR and the McLaren Senna GTR.

In summary, the McLaren 12C GT Can-Am Edition was a limited-production track-only race car based on the MP4-12C. It paid homage to McLaren’s historical success in the Can-Am racing series. While it was not designed for a specific racing championship, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition showcased McLaren’s dedication to high-performance racing cars and provided an exhilarating and exclusive track experience for private racing teams and enthusiasts.