McLaren unveils MCL-HY GTR customer hypercar for Le Mans testing programme

McLaren has unveiled its most exclusive customer track programme yet with the introduction of the MCL-HY GTR, a race-derived hypercar offered through its World Endurance Championship testing programme.

McLaren says the latest GTR programme will give select clients access to a 'near-factory prototype experience' ahead of the brand’s 2027 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class and its 24 Hours of Le Mans campaign.

The MCL-HY GTR is based on McLaren’s new MCL-HY FIA Hypercar, which will compete in the 2027 WEC season under LMDh regulations. While the race car features a hybrid powertrain, the customer GTRs will ditch the hybrid system entirely in favour of a petrol-only powertrain.

Powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 race engine, the GTR will produce around 537kW. Thanks to the removal of the hybrid system, customer GTRs are expected to weigh in well under the 1030kg minimum weight required in WEC.

McLaren says this configuration delivers a more direct, analogue driving experience and simplifies ownership costs for customers.

The project also represents a rare joint effort between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive, with both divisions simultaneously working to develop the race car and customer variant. McLaren say MCL-HY GTR customers will gain access to factory development insights, testing programmes, and behind-the-scenes involvement as the team prepares for its 2027 debut.

Owners will also take part in a two-year, six-event global driving programme at major international circuits. Each event will be fully supported on an ‘arrive-and-drive’ basis, including professional driver coaching, dedicated pit crews and race engineering support, effectively replicating a scaled-down endurance racing team for private clients.

McLaren says the programme will offer an unprecedented level of access to prototype-level motorsport machinery, combining factory racing technology with a structured customer track experience.

After the testing schedule is complete, final deliveries of the MCL-HY GTR are scheduled to begin towards the end of 2027, shortly after McLaren’s hypercar debut in the World Endurance Championship.