# McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2011–2014)

- Source: https://racingcarnetwork.com/wiki/mclaren-12c-gt3/
- Publisher: Racing Car Network (racingcarnetwork.com), the race car marketplace
- Type: car · Brand: McLaren
- Discipline: gt-racing
- Series: gt3
- Era: 2010s
- Last updated: 2026-11-06

The MP4-12C GT3 was McLaren's first customer GT3 car, built with CRS Racing on the carbon MonoCell of the 12C road car. It raced from 2011 to 2014 before the 650S GT3 replaced it. Today it suits track-day owners, club racers and collectors who accept thin factory support and a small production run.

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | McLaren M838T 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, race calibration [0][9] |
| Power | About 493 bhp (500 PS) as homologated, set by ECU and balance of performance [0][9] |
| Rev Limit | 7,500 rpm in GT3 trim, per a 2012 dealer listing [12] |
| Gearbox | Six-speed sequential with paddle shift, developed with Ricardo; RM Sotheby's describes it as Xtrac-built [0][9] |
| Chassis | Carbon-fibre MonoCell from the road car with bespoke carbon body panels [0][12] |
| Electronics | McLaren Electronic Systems TAG-400 ECU [2][15] |
| Brakes | Akebono was the brake supplier at launch [2] |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm [15] |
| Years | 2011 (development) to 2014; replaced by the 650S GT3 for 2015 [2][8] |
| Class | FIA GT3 |
| Built | 25 customer cars delivered for 2012; total output including later cars not confirmed [4][9] |

## History

McLaren announced a GT3 programme for the MP4-12C in December 2010, with CRS Racing as partner [2]. The joint venture traded as McLaren GT. CRS built, sold and supported the cars from Leicestershire. Testing began in March 2011 at MIRA and Silverstone, followed by Navarra and Portimão [2]. McLaren used several Formula 1 suppliers, including Akebono, Mobil 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, Ricardo and Michelin [2].

The engine stayed close to the road car's M838T but ran a GT3 calibration of about 493 bhp [0]. Ricardo developed a six-speed sequential gearbox about 80 kg lighter than the road car's seven-speed unit [0]. The car raced at Spa in British GT and the Spa 24 Hours in July 2011 [2]. A revised car at Goodwood that month gained a front radiator and a gearbox cooler on the rear deck [1].

The first 20 cars sold out at £310,000 before the 2012 season [2]. McLaren GT eventually delivered 25 cars to teams racing in seven championships [4]. One team boss admitted reliability had been a problem, though he said it was under control by late 2012 [4]. Teams also cited electrical faults early in 2012 [7]. The first wins came at Navarra in May 2012, in the FIA GT1 World Championship [3].

For 2013 McLaren revised the ECU, electrics, dampers and aero, and added a ducted bonnet for hot races [5]. The car was now offered worldwide, including to collectors, at £325,000 [5]. A track-only Can-Am Edition with up to 630 hp followed [6]. In 2014 McLaren launched the 650S GT3 as a new homologation and offered 12C owners an upgrade package [7][8].

## Palmarès

The car's first wins came in May 2012, when Hexis Racing took both FIA GT1 World Championship races at Navarra [3]. At the 2012 Spa 24 Hours the Von Ryan car took Pro-Am pole and finished ninth overall [13]. Only two of the nine 12C GT3s finished. Motor Sport recorded a Hexis one-two in Moscow and a Lapidus win in the Barcelona 24 Hours that year [4]. McLaren customer teams claimed 38 podiums in 2012, about half of them wins [17]. By 2013 the car raced in Blancpain Endurance, FIA GT, British GT, GT Open, Super GT and Asian series [17].

## What to check before you buy

Identify the build: 2012 car, MY13 car, factory-updated car or 650S conversion: Electrical, ECU, aero and cooling changes for 2013 address the early faults; a 650S upgrade changes gearbox and bodywork. Ask for logged engine and gearbox hours since the last rebuild, and who did the work: Sellers of these cars log hours since a refresh; one converted car showed 91.57 hours since a factory engine and gearbox refresh. Read the ECU calibration and boost settings: Homologated GT3 cars ran about 493 bhp; Can-Am and some private calibrations run far more and are not race-legal. Get the full spares inventory in writing: Spares packages carry real value; one 2019 auction car came with spares valued at over $75,000. Check race history for accidents through results archives and team records: Attrition in long races was high; at the 2012 Spa 24 Hours only two of nine 12C GT3s finished. Confirm ownership papers and import status: Both RM Sotheby's 2019 cars were sold on a bill of sale only, with no title. If the car has Can-Am or show history, ask for the conversion records: Chassis 025 was shown at Pebble Beach in Can-Am form and converted back to GT3 a month later.

## Did you know

- The steering wheel design was taken from the MP4-24 Formula 1 car [0].
- Chassis 025 served as the launch car for the Can-Am Edition at Pebble Beach in 2012, then went back to GT3 form [9].
- The Ricardo-developed race gearbox was about 80 kg lighter than the road car's seven-speed unit [0].

## Frequently asked questions

**Is a 12C GT3 still eligible for GT3 racing?** Its homologation dates from 2012 to 2014, and current GT3 grids use newer cars. Some historic and club series accept older GT3s, but rules vary. Masters Endurance Legends, for example, lists a 2015–2019 window for GT3 cars. Ask each organiser in writing before you buy for a specific series.

**What is the difference between a 2012 car and an MY13 car?** The 2013 car has a refreshed ECU and electrical system, new aero for tyre wear, revised dampers and a ducted bonnet for heat. Those changes target the electrical and cooling problems teams reported in 2012. Ask whether a 2012 car received the updates and request paperwork.

**Can I upgrade a 12C GT3 to 650S GT3 specification?** McLaren offered existing owners an upgrade package when the 650S GT3 launched in 2014. One seller quotes £150,000 for a conversion completed by McLaren GT. The 650S package also brings a newer gearbox. Check that any conversion was done by the factory and is documented.

**Is a Can-Am Edition the same as a GT3?** No. The Can-Am Edition is based on the GT3 but runs an unrestricted calibration of up to 630 hp. It also has a bigger wing and air conditioning. It was built for track days only and was not homologated for racing.

**Who supplies parts for these cars now?** Support originally came through McLaren GT and CRS Racing. A current factory parts programme for the 12C GT3 could not be confirmed. The engine is a version of the road-car M838T, but GT3 body, gearbox and electronics parts are specific. A large spares package is worth a lot.

## Sources

- McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racing car: new pictures and video — https://www.evo.co.uk/mclaren/mp4-12c/11712/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-racing-car-new-pictures-and-video
- Revised MP4-12C GT3 racer shown at Goodwood — https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonheads/revised-mp4-12c-gt3-racer-shown-at-goodwood/23878
- McLaren GT announces first customers for new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 — https://www.racecar.com/news/43622/motorsport/mclaren-gt-announces-first-customers-for-new-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3
- Hexis Racing claims momentous double victory with new 12C GT3 — https://www.racecar.com/news/49287/motorsport/hexis-racing-claims-momentous-double-victory-with-new-12c-gt3
- Where the customer comes first — https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-2012/78/where-the-customer-comes-first/
- Official: 2013 McLaren 12C GT3 — https://gtspirit.com/2013/01/22/official-2013-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/
- McLaren GT confirms production plans for limited-run 12C GT Can-Am Edition — https://gtspirit.com/2012/11/17/mclaren-gt-confirms-production-plans-for-limited-run-12c-gt-can-am-edition/
- Kirkaldy: McLaren 'We can fight for victory' — https://sportscar365.com/blancpain/bes/kirkaldy-mclaren-we-can-fight-for-victory/
- McLaren 650S GT3 revealed at Goodwood — https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/06/mclaren-650s-gt3-race-car-revealed.html
- 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (Lot 3079, Fort Lauderdale 2019) — https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/fl19/lots/r0184-2012-mclaren-mp412c-gt3/
- 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (Lot 3049A, Auburn Fall 2019) — https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/af19/lots/r0598-2012-mclaren-mp412c-gt3/
- 2013 McLaren 650S GT3 (ex 12C GT3 Can-Am) listing — https://www.p1groupe.com/inventory/2013-mclaren--650s-gt3
- For Sale: McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Racer — https://gtspirit.com/2012/11/18/for-sale-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3-racer/
- Pole and a double finish for 12C GT3 at the gruelling Total 24 Hrs of Spa — https://www.racecar.com/news/51243/motorsport/pole-and-a-double-finish-for-12c-gt3-at-the-gruelling-total-24-hrs-of-spa
- Masters Endurance Legends — https://mastershistoricracing.com/en/race-serie/masters-endurance-legends-1/
- McLaren MP4-12C GT3 chassis 004 — https://taylorandcrawley.com/current-stock/mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3/
- 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 — https://lbilimited.com/offerings/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-gt3
- Enhanced 12C GT3 continues winning streak as the European GT season gears up for 2013 — https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2013/03/29/070662-enhanced-12c-gt3-continues-winning-streak-as-european-gt-season.html

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