The new P1 GTR is getting very close to production, with the style and design of the prototype shown in Pebble Beach now roaring around racetracks for hot-weather testing. And does it ever roar — The video below offers a quick glimpse into the P1 GTR test program – with the GTR sounding as loud as a top-fuel dragster as it makes a flying pass around 1:20-seconds below.

The P1 GTR program will function similar to Ferrari XX Corsa Clienti – with drivers enjoying numerous on-track driving sessions at global racetracks, and also participating in a one-make series like no other. Even without road softness like airbags and road legality, the P1 GTR will try to go above and beyond production quality for its intended use: flat-out on racetracks.

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Shakedown Testing

The McLaren P1 GTR to debut at Geneva

• Production-intent model to premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

• In excess of 700 PS per tonne power-to-weight ratio achieved through motorsport-derived weight-saving and powertrain optimisation

• Testing continues at global circuits in Europe and the Middle East

• High definition video shows the latest stages in the McLaren P1™GTR development programme at: http://youtu.be/4pDwmMruOtA

The development programme for the most powerful and most exclusive McLaren model to-date has been stepped up over the winter months, with the limited edition McLaren P1™ GTR being put through its paces across Europe and the Middle East. Ahead of the start of production later this year, and the launch of the bespoke Driver Programme, the track-only model will make its global debut in production form at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.

As testing continues, the McLaren P1™ GTR looks set to be one of the fastest to ever wear the famous McLaren ‘speed mark’. Through significant weight-saving measures and track-optimisation of the petrol-electric powertrain, McLaren P1™ GTR will boast a power-to-weight ratio increase in excess of 10 percent over the road-going model, to more than 700 PS per tonne. This has been achieved using motorsport-derived technology and expertise, with the track-only model completing thousands of kilometres of extreme testing at several UK and European locations, as well as a demanding testing schedule in the extreme heats of Bahrain and Qatar, with Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin at the wheel. These tests have pushed the performance of the car to its limits, and have been designed to further enhance cooling and aerodynamics over the design concept previewed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the summer of 2014.

The dedicated development programme will continue at the relentless pace over the coming months to further tune the performance, aerodynamics, driving dynamics and handling balance to ensure the McLaren P1™ GTR lives up to the iconic ‘GTR’ title, made famous by the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winner 20 years ago. In the coming weeks, the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme will get underway, with drivers invited to the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, UK to start the journey which will see them experience some of the world’s most iconic racing circuits behind the wheel of one of the most extreme limited-run track cars ever built.

The production-intent McLaren P1™ GTR will make its global debut on Stand 1240, Hall 1 at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show.

About McLaren Automotive:

McLaren Automotive is a British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports cars, located at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey.

Following the company’s global launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive launched the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider and followed this in 2013 with the limited-run McLaren P1™. In keeping with its plan to introduce a new model each year, the company recently unveiled the 650S Coupe and 650S Spider. The brand continues to expand, operating through a dedicated global network of retailers in every major automotive market.

McLaren Automotive Partners
To support the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative and highly acclaimed sports cars, McLaren Automotive has partnered with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology.  These include Akebono, AkzoNobel, ExxonMobil, Pirelli, SAP and TAG Heuer.

Designed for the track; Developed for the road

The connection between Formula 1 and road cars at McLaren is a natural process of experience, knowledge, principles and process transfer. Through the integration of 50 years of Formula 1™ racing expertise and knowledge, and over 20 years of heritage in producing landmark sports cars, McLaren Automotive designs, develops and builds a range of technologically advanced and groundbreaking high performance sports cars which are designed to be a no compromise drive on both road and track.

McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle production over the past 30 years, and since introducing a carbon chassis into racing and road cars with the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and 1993 McLaren F1 respectively, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.

Visit cars.mclaren.com for more details.