McLaren is preparing to launch a limited-edition, track-only hypercar derived directly from its upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) racecar. Dubbed “Project: Endurance,” the vehicle is designed to offer serious drivers a high-performance experience while prioritizing ease of maintenance and usability – a significant departure from typical high-end track machines.
Simplifying Complexity for the Customer
The key difference between the race and customer versions lies in the powertrain. While the WEC racer will adhere to LMDh regulations, including a mandatory hybrid system delivering around 500kW (680ps) under competition-balancing rules, the customer car will rely solely on a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine. This choice isn’t about compromise; it’s about practicality. Removing the hybrid system drops 150kg of weight and dramatically reduces maintenance costs, making the car more accessible for regular track use outside of McLaren’s official programs. The stripped-down V6 is estimated to produce roughly 545kW (740ps), surpassing the hybrid racer’s output, which is limited by BoP mandates.
Accessibility and Safety Enhancements
Beyond the engine, McLaren is making deliberate choices to broaden appeal. Both versions share the same gearbox, suspension, and braking system, but the racecar uses a brake-by-wire system, while the customer version will retain a conventional anti-lock braking system (ABS). This is a conscious decision to enhance safety and usability for amateur drivers who may not have experience with advanced brake control systems.
The Legacy of the F1 GTR
Project: Endurance marks a return to McLaren’s roots, representing the first track-only model since the legendary F1 GTR in 1995 that is directly derived from a real race car. The P1 GTR and Senna GTR were not raced, making this vehicle a direct continuation of a historic lineage. This connection, coupled with a planned two-year customer experience program, is expected to draw significant interest from buyers who value both performance and heritage.
“Owning that piece of history, having the opportunity to have a hypercar in its most recent format that can win Le Mans outright is a pretty pretty compelling argument,” stated McLaren’s head of HyperTrack Cars, Neil Underwood.
This focus on historical connection and comprehensive support sets Project: Endurance apart from McLaren’s recent track offerings, like the Solus GT, which was built without the constraints of racing regulations. The upcoming hypercar isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about delivering a fully integrated experience that bridges the gap between the racetrack and the enthusiast driver.
The launch of Project: Endurance in late 2027, with track programs beginning in 2028, will solidify McLaren’s position at the forefront of high-performance customer racing. The combination of race-bred engineering and user-friendly design promises to make this hypercar a formidable contender in the exclusive world of track-day weaponry.
