Lanzante, the famous British company that fielded the F1 GTR that won overall at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, has developed a McLaren P1 GT which was earlier unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
The hybrid hypercar which is actually based on a P1 GTR track car that has undergone an extensive conversion to a road car, was commissioned by a Middle-Eastern customer, and was inspired by the iconic 1997 F1 GT 'Longtail' – the homologated road-going version of the GTR endurance race car.
There's little mistaking this for a regular P1, the as the more streamlined GT gains an all-new aerodynamic package, quad pipes exiting a more menacing diffuser, and a fixed rear wing mounted on a lengthened tail. In front, there’s a massive splitter and deeper intakes, while vents on the front fenders make it even more aggressive-looking. It’s also been finished in a shade of XP green which was the very same colour that was used on the original F1 GT Longtail. The colour scheme continues into the cabin, except now, tan complements the green for an interesting contrast.
While the GT is expected to have lost a significant amount of weight over the P1 GTR, Lanzante have yet to disclose any specifics in this regard. They have also not mentioned anything about the hypercar’s powertrain, but expect it to field a lightly modified version of the P1 GTR’s hybrid setup, which in standard trim combines a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with an electric motor good for around 735kw and a 350kph top speed.
Also worth a look: the McLaren unveils Artura Spider: A new era of open-top hybrid and the McLaren teases its 500kW plug-in hybrid Artura .
FAQ
Q: What does the McLaren P1 GT cost in South Africa?
The McLaren P1 GT is a one-off custom commission that's not officially for sale, but similar bespoke McLaren conversions typically start around R25 million and can easily push past R35 million depending on specifications.
Q: How much power does the McLaren P1 GT have?
The P1 GT uses a lightly modified version of the P1 GTR's hybrid system, producing around 735kW from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 and electric motor combination.
Q: Is the McLaren P1 GT road legal in South Africa?
Yes, unlike the track-only P1 GTR it's based on, the P1 GT has been extensively converted by Lanzante to meet road-going regulations and should be homologatable for South African roads.
Q: How fast is the McLaren P1 GT?
The P1 GT has an estimated top speed of 350kph, similar to the original P1, thanks to its 735kW hybrid powertrain and improved aerodynamics.
Q: How many McLaren P1 GTs were made?
Only one McLaren P1 GT exists as it was a bespoke commission by a Middle Eastern customer, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever built.
Should You Buy It?
The McLaren P1 GT isn't something you can simply walk into a dealership and buy, it's a one-off masterpiece that showcases what's possible when unlimited budget meets engineering excellence. At an estimated R35 million, this is purely trophy car territory for the ultra-wealthy who want the ultimate McLaren experience. For the rest of us mortals, the standard P1 at around R18 million is already ludicrous money, but if you've got the cash and connections to commission something this special from Lanzante, the P1 GT represents the absolute pinnacle of road-legal McLaren engineering. It's not a purchase, it's a statement.
