McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition concept to debut at Pebble beach

McLaren’s new race manufacturing arm, McLaren GT, is set to make its presence felt at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by rolling out its 12C Can-Am Edition racing concept. Based on the 12C GT3 race car, the one-off design study is finished in McLaren Orange and satin black, with its U.S. appearance marking the first time a 12C racing variant has ventured outside Europe.

As a concept car and therefore not subject to any of the regular racing regulations, the McLaren team was freed up in their attempt to create “the ultimate track car.” With the benefit of some engine calibration and an optimized cooling system, the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that is found in the 12C GT3 has been upped from a de-tuned 500 hp to 630 hp, making it the most powerful 12C variant ever shown.

The 12C Can-Am Edition concept also shares the same 75 kg (165 lb) carbon fiber MonoCell chassis used in both the 12C GT3 and the 12C road car and boasts an overall dry weight of 1,200 kg (2,645.5 lb). Carbon fiber can also be found on the side radiator vanes, wing mirrors and engine cover, as well as in various components of an optimized aerodynamic package.

This package includes carbon fiber front splitter, dive planes and rear wing, which is held in place by polished aluminum mounts. A carbon fiber diffuser is also fitted beneath the two-tone rear bumper to enhance the performance of the aerodynamic package, which McLaren says offers an increase in down-force of 30 percent.

The carbon fiber also extends to the vehicle’s interior with detailing throughout the cabin, across the dashboard and sill panels. There are two black race seats with six-point harnesses and the same steering wheel derived from Lewis Hamilton’s MP4-24 Formula 1 car that is found in the 12C GT3. A full race-specification rollcage and an integrated AC system, which is now mandatory in a growing number of race series, are also on board.

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