1995 McLaren F1 GTR Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the McLaren F1 GTR ranges from 1820 mm to 1920 mm (71.7 inches to 75.6 inches). The increased width, especially with wider race-spec tires, boosts lateral grip and cornering ability, essential for track performance. This wider stance enhances stability, allowing the F1 GTR to maintain high speeds through corners with precision. Additionally, the wide body accommodates advanced cooling ducts and brakes, vital for endurance racing durability. The wider track improves overall handling dynamics compared to the road-going McLaren F1.

The McLaren F1 GTR's height ranges from 1090 mm to 1200 mm (42.9 inches to 47.2 inches), depending on the aerodynamic setup and racing modifications. The low height reduces the frontal area, minimizing air resistance and improving top speed performance. This low profile also lowers the center of gravity, crucial for sharp handling and stability during high-speed cornering. Maintaining such compact height is typical in race cars to optimize aerodynamics and ensure the car remains planted firmly on the track.

The curb weight of the McLaren F1 GTR varies between 915 kg and 1050 kg (2019 lbs to 2315 lbs), depending on specific racing configurations and components used. This relatively light weight is achieved through the extensive use of carbon fiber and lightweight materials, optimizing power-to-weight ratio. A lightweight chassis allows faster acceleration, better braking, and enhanced agility on the track. Managing low curb weight is essential in endurance racing, where efficiency and tire wear significantly influence performance.

The McLaren F1 GTR’s ride height ranges from 60 mm to 75 mm (2.4 inches to 3.0 inches), which is extremely low compared to conventional road cars. This low ground clearance reduces airflow under the car, enhancing downforce and aerodynamic grip. The lower center of gravity stabilizes the vehicle during rapid directional changes and high-speed cornering. Such limited clearance is feasible on race tracks but would be challenging for typical street driving due to uneven surfaces and speed bumps.

The McLaren F1 GTR is equipped with 18-inch rims designed specifically for racing. These large wheels allow fitting of wide, high-performance racing tires that provide superior grip, improved traction, and heat dissipation during intense driving sessions. The size also aids in brake cooling by allowing more airflow to the large disc brakes, essential for endurance racing. The wheels are lightweight alloys to further reduce unsprung mass, thereby enhancing handling responsiveness.

The McLaren F1 GTR’s dimensions, with a width up to 1920 mm (75.6 inches) and length reaching 4933 mm (194.1 inches), make it slightly larger than many sports cars but still close in size to typical supercars. Standard residential garages usually measure about 2400 mm (7.9 feet) in width and 4800 mm (15.7 feet) in length. Due to its length, especially in extended race setups, the F1 GTR may be a tight fit in some garages, requiring careful maneuvering. Additionally, its low height (minimum 1090 mm) means care must be taken with garage door clearance and ramps.

The McLaren F1 GTR, designed explicitly for racing, is a specialized evolution of the road-legal McLaren F1 supercar. While both share the iconic carbon fiber monocoque chassis and central driving position, the GTR features extensive aerodynamic modifications such as larger front splitters, rear wings, and diffusers for increased downforce. It also has a stripped-down interior focused on weight reduction, racing suspension, and more robust cooling systems to withstand endurance racing stresses. The GTR is narrower and heavier than the base road car due to added safety and racing equipment but delivers significantly enhanced track performance.

In the mid-1990s, the McLaren F1 GTR competed against iconic race cars such as the Porsche 911 GT1, Ferrari F40 LM, and Jaguar XJ220C. Compared to these, the F1 GTR excelled due to its innovative carbon fiber chassis and naturally aspirated V12 engine producing high power without turbo lag, offering linear power delivery. Its lightweight design and superior aerodynamic efficiency gave it excellent balance and thermal management during races. While competitors used turbocharged engines or more conventional chassis, the F1 GTR's unique engineering made it formidable in endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, emphasizing reliability, speed, and handling.

The McLaren F1 GTR is a legendary racing variant of the McLaren F1, produced from 1995 to 1997 for GT racing and endurance events. It achieved instant success by winning the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans in its debut race, a rare feat for a new car. Its combination of cutting-edge carbon fiber construction, a powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine, and superior aerodynamics made it one of the most dominant GT cars of its era. The F1 GTR helped cement McLaren's legacy not only in Formula 1 but also in sports car racing, embodying the pinnacle of 1990s automotive technology and design.