The dominance of GT cars can be measured based on how it performed on the race track. But of course, there is a big difference when it is time to hit the roads. There are specifications and legislations that make a car legal or illegal. The McLaren F1, designed by McLaren Automotive, is a sports car that can hit the road and the race track. In 1998, the McLaren F1 topped a speed of 231 miles per hour (372 kilometers per hour). If that is not surprising enough, the McLaren F1 has the record for the fastest road car in the world at that time. This feat was accomplished while the McLaren F1 was still using a rev limiter.
The McLaren F1 was designed by Gordon Murray together with Ron Dennis. One of the most noticeable things about the McLaren F1 was its extra seat. The McLaren F1 utilized a three-seat design, never before seen to any GT car. According to the designers, the seats were designed to maximize visibility. This was all part of experiencing the McLaren F1.
For most critics, the McLaren F1 is a race car first, and a road car second. This means that the design was primarily made to defeat and outperform other cars on the race track. The McLaren F1 has an engine placement that leans towards a track orientation. This means that it is not a convenient location for a road car. The aim of designing the McLaren F1 was to create an ultimate road car. The manufacturer tried to get the best performance and thrill for its users based on the available technologies of that time.
Race Experiences
A lot of critics thought that the main purpose of the McLaren F1 was to perform in races. Despite being lightweight, and having a powerful engine common for race cars, the main goal for the McLaren F1 was to become a road car.
However, the McLaren F1 gained notoriety in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was able to defeat other prototype vehicles, and through the years, the McLaren F1 became the basis for other supercars on the race track.
Design History
Under the guidance of Gordon Murray, it was no secret what he had in mind. The design was basic. The McLaren F1 needs to be light while carrying a powerful engine. Using carbon fiber technology as well as other expensive materials such as gold, magnesium, and Kevlar; the McLaren F1 became a pioneer in car manufacturing. The McLaren F1 was the first production vehicle to implement a carbon fiber chassis.
The initial plan of Gordon Murray to the McLaren F1 was to provide a Honda engine. The chief engineer and designer was a Honda fan. He was thinking of having a 4.5 L V12 or V14 engine placed inside the GT car. McLaren, on the other hand, refused to honor the idea. This was when the BMW engine was used for the McLaren F1.
The design of the GT car will not be complete without getting the best drag coefficient. The McLaren F1 has an aerodynamic design in which the downforce can be adjusted according to how the driver wants it. The average drag coefficient of the GT car is 0.32, which is better than the Bugatti Veyron.
Building cars for the road is a challenge. There are stricter rules to meet. From 1992 to the late 1990s, this GT car became the epitome of an ultimate road car. A classy design equipped with a powerful BMW engine, it was a dream of many GT car enthusiasts. Accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.2 seconds, who wouldn’t want this vehicle on their garage?