Marvellous McLaren Can-Am concept debuts this weekend

Before the Paris Motor Show, there's another rather fabulous automotive event happening - the annual Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance Weekend.

It's on this weekend (see you all at the departure lounge tonight as we jet off to the States!) and McLaren will be debuting a concept car that befits such a special occasion. It's the McLaren 12C Can-Am Edition Racing Concept which proves that not only are McLaren car names staying long but they are remaining as potent as ever.

This beast is a track-only concept so you probably won't see one burning up the M1 any time soon, it weighs 1,200kg dry, its unique aerodynamics offer a 30% increase in downforce. This is thanks to a package that includes a carbon fibre front splitter, dive planes and wing at the rear of the car.

It shares the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the 12C road car and it is based on the 12C GT3 race car. Engine power is up to 630bhp via a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8. It comes to a stop with brakes developed by Akebono, which are set behind a set of black, satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels with Pirelli racing slick tyres.

Inside, there are two black racing sears with full six-point harnesses and a full race-spec rollcage. The steering wheel is the same as the 12C GT3 with a grip derived from none other than Lewis Hamilton's MP4-24 Formula One car. Carbon fibre continues inside with detailing on the dash and sill panels. Oh, and it's air conditioned.

For the purposes of being shown off in the States, it is finished in McLaren Orange and satin black with badge, side radiator vanes, wing mirrors and engine cover all in carbon fibre. It's a tribute to the cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, legendary racing drivers of the 1960s and 1970s.

Definitely one to check out if you are anywhere near Pebble Beach this weekend.


























By Georgia Lewis

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