McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am  16 | 08 | 2012

THIS IS THE most extreme version yet of the McLaren MP4-12C. Badged the McLaren 12C Can-Am edition racing concept, it will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours this weekend (see more official photos of the McLaren MP4-12C Can-Am Concept).

Based on the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car but, free from race regulations, the one-off track-focused concept is powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 which has been revised to develop 630bhp.

Weighing just 1200kg, and with tweaks to the engine calibration and cooling system, McLaren claims downforce has also been increased by 30% over the standard car.

The 12C Can-Am’s aero package includes a carbonfibre front splitter, rear diffuser, dive plane winglets and a rear wing supported by polished aluminium mounts.

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McLaren designers have also used carbonfibre for the wing mirrors, engine cover and side cooling vanes, which contrast with the McLaren Orange paint — a tribute to the cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme.

Exterior revisions are completed by black satin forged lightweight alloy wheels and Akebono brakes.

Race seats, six-point harnesses and a race-spec roll cage feature in the race-ready cabin.

Star though of the interior remains the steering wheel has been carried over from the GT3, with a shape and grip derived from Lewis Hamilton's F1 car.

McLaren upgrades £174k MP4-12C

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Jim McGill