What's the news?

The track-focused McLaren 12C GT Sprint has been teased a bit more this week as McLaren GT unveils further information about its new circuit-honed toy. Not only do we have new details about the engine, but McLaren has also given us an insight into the bodywork, structure and cabin of the new model.

Exterior

We already know that the GT Sprint is based on the standard 12C road car. We can also see that it has a new front bumper, a GT3-style bonnet, and louvres on the front wings; however, the massive rear spoiler and front splitter are in fact optional extras. A polycarbonate windscreen can be found on the options list, too. The GT Sprint also sits 40mm lower than the road-going version, and is kept off the ground by lightweight, 19-inch alloy wheels complete with centre-locking wheel nuts. The black alloys make a fitting contrast to the car's standard McLaren Orange paint finish; although the company says that buyers can specify any colour they like for an additional fee.

Interior

This being a track car, you would've expected McLaren to have removed everything from the cabin in order to save weight; and, well, it has. Once you've climbed over the FIA-spec roll cage and landed in the extremely low racing seat (complete with a six-point race harness) you find yourself looking at a very minimalist dashboard. The digital display has been taken straight from the GT3 racer and sits behind the sports steering wheel. An integrated fire extinguisher is also present should the worst happen. McLaren hasn't removed all creature comforts though, as the GT Sprint still has air conditioning.

Mechanicals

Power for the GT Sprint comes from the same 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the 12C road car; and it is connected to the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as well. Output sits at 625hp, but thanks to weight shedding and its aero tweaks, performance is sure to have improved... not that it was too shabby in the first place. Other new components include GT race-spec brakes, a central cooling radiator taken from the racer, bespoke oil and cooling systems and a reengineered Proactive Chassis Control (PCC) system that can be tailor-made to suit each individual driver.

Anything else?

The price for McLaren's new millionaire's plaything is £195,000 in standard specification; although with a few extras we'd expect this figure to grow much larger without too much effort. Orders can be placed at McLaren dealers worldwide or by contacting McLaren GT direct.