Why Can-Am?
The McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is a rare and exclusive track-focused supercar designed to showcase McLaren’s racing heritage and engineering excellence. Unveiled as a concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this car pays tribute to McLaren’s Can-Am racing success in the 1960s and 1970s.
This particular car is Chassis 01, The first customer built MP4-12C Can-Am car of only 5 ever supplied, and the only one believed to be in its original Can-Am spec.
Performance and Power
At the heart of the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition lies a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Tuned specifically for track use, it delivers an impressive 630 horsepower, making it the most powerful version of the MP4-12C. The enhanced engine calibration, combined with optimised cooling systems, ensures consistent performance during high-demand track sessions.
Lightweight Construction
The car’s lightweight carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis forms the foundation of its remarkable performance. Weighing in at approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs), the Can-Am Edition is built to prioritise speed, agility, and precision.
Aerodynamics and Downforce
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the design of the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition. The car features a carbon-fiber front splitter, dive planes, and a large fixed rear wing. These enhancements generate up to 30% more downforce than the standard MP4-12C, ensuring superior stability and grip at high speeds.
Track-Optimised Features
The Can-Am Edition is equipped with racing-specific components, including forged lightweight alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli racing slick tires. Its braking system, developed by Akebono, provides exceptional stopping power, essential for the demands of circuit driving.
Interior and Safety
Inside, the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition offers a race-ready cockpit. Two lightweight black racing seats with six-point harnesses and a full race-specification roll cage emphasize its track-only nature. The steering wheel is derived from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology, ensuring precise control and feedback.
McLaren MP4-12C Can Am in 2021 with SBR
Exclusivity
As a limited-edition track car, the MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is not bound by road or racing regulations, allowing McLaren engineers to push the boundaries of performance and design. Its rarity and uncompromising focus on track performance make it a coveted collector’s item for enthusiasts and McLaren fans alike.
The McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Edition is a celebration of innovation, performance, and the brand’s illustrious motorsport legacy, embodying the thrill of pure racing in a modern supercar package.
SB Race Engineering and the MP4-12C
The Can-Am car is a GT3 McLaren that had more aero and power. With these improvements it made the car ineligible for FIA GT events. Our client purchased the car new, and it was never really his intention to race the car as a series or championship contender. It was to be a collection car that came out for a track event or invitation race. Due to the specifications of there car the owner decided in 2013 run the car in Zandvort in the Dutch SuperCar Challenge as an invitation car. It did two races and qualified P3 overall in a competitive grid. The car would have finished P2 if it wasn’t for some unfortunate driving from some of the other competitors.
Chassis 01 did not turn a wheel until 2021! We re-commissioned the car, as the Brabham BT62 we were campaigning in British GT Cup suffered the first of many engine failures, and we needed a “back Up” car to use. The Can-Am rolled out on the grid at Donington Park in September 2021. It Finished P3 in Class and P9 overall, Race two saw P5 Overall. A great effort from the Driver Paul Bailey given he had not driven the car at all since 2013 or even tested it at Donington! The car went on to finish the GT Cup Championship in the Brabham‘s absence, and secure Paul the GTO class championship win that year!
McLaren MP4-12C Can Am in 2022 with SBR
McLaren MP4-12C Can Am Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with unique calibration and optimized cooling |
| Power Output | Up to 630 hp (most powerful 12C derivative) |
| Dry Weight | Approximately 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) |
| Aerodynamics | Enhanced package with carbon fibre front splitter, dive planes, and a large rear wing, increasing downforce by 30% |
| Chassis | Carbon fibre MonoCell, same as the 12C road car |
| Braking System | Developed by Akebono, featuring highly efficient braking components |
| Wheels and Tires | Satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels with Pirelli racing slick tyres |
| Interior | Two black race seats with six-point harnesses, full race-specification roll cage, and a steering wheel derived from McLaren’s Formula 1 technology |
We will upload some in car from the Chassis 01, but in the meantime here is footage from EVO magazine’s track test.