V10 Hypercar Aces Climb in 45.34s
The McLaren Solus GT triumphed in the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed Timed Shootout. Despite Saturday’s activities being axed for the first time in three decades, the one-seater hypercar still managed to record its victory on Sunday.
The German racecar driver, Marvin Kirchhofer, steered the Solus GT along the Duke of Richmond’s path with extraordinary speed: he completed its length in an astonishing 45.34 seconds.
Though insufficient to place the Solus GT amongst the top 10 speediest runs of all-time, it is considered as the third quickest manufacturing car, close after the Nio EP9 electric superbike at 44.32 seconds, nevertheless rather far from the standing record holder – the McMurtry Speirling fan motor car at 39.08 seconds.
The phrase “production vehicle” is used loosely in reference to the Solus GT and the Nio EP9, as these cars are not legal for use on public roads.
Ahead of the Solus GT’s Sunday circuit, it ascended the rise multiple times to astound the onlookers with its stupendous V10 motor.
Video documentation of Sunday’s record-breaking effort is above, with on-board visuals situated at the end of this article. Both clips display how the track-precise Solus GT responds to various driving conditions due to its rigorous suspension system and its ability to maneuver quickly.
Evidently, the aerodynamic factors on this automobile are not only for mere appearances. Its multiple modified components provide a total of 2645 pounds of downforce on its weight of 2,205 lbs. Consequently, the Solus GT is a vehicle with the theoretical capacity to cruise upside-down.
For those not in the know, the Solus GT’s 5.2-litre Judd V10 race engine produces an astonishing 829HP and 479 lb-ft of torque, enabling the one-man hypercar to sprint from 0-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. On top of that, it also revs higher than 10k rpm, making it the perfect vehicle for a day out on the track.
No more than twenty-five McLaren Solus GTs will ever be brought into existence. Vesselment of the vehicles is anticipated in late 2023. But, this auto cannot simply be acquired in a shop, because to procure one you must be accepted onto a separate roster. It appears that McLaren sent a special invitation to people already possessing their greatest and most celebrated automobiles.
Every owner shall acquire a FIA-certified racing suit, crash helmet, and HANS system (Head And Neck Stabilization), in addition to a driver-enrichment educational program illuminating them on how to evade striking the wall.
