More power from 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 to provide overtaking boost to drivers
Wider tyres and revised suspension increases mechanical grip
New car coincides with new Pro category for Silver drivers
New McLaren Trophy Academy programme for talented young Pro category drivers with opportunity to join the McLaren Factory Driver programme
McLaren Motorsport has revealed the new Artura Trophy EVO, which is set to increase levels of performance and excitement in the McLaren Trophy from 2025 with additional levels of power, grip, and driver engagement, while a new Pro category and McLaren Trophy Academy Programme will bring additional energy to the championships.
The Artura Trophy EVO parallels the performance enhancements to the new Artura Spider and coupe with changes that have resulted in a more aggressive race car capable of faster lap times.
Eligible for entry to the McLaren Trophy championships from the 2025 season – which includes the new McLaren Trophy, America – the Artura Trophy EVO takes the unrestricted power of its predecessor to new levels. Drivers will now benefit from a ‘Push to Pass’ button that increases the 585PS available from the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine to 620PS. Deployment of this system will be regulated to increase strategy options available to the competitors.
The Artura Trophy EVO is easily distinguished from its predecessor by a more aggressive appearance designed to house wider tyres which will make the most of the additional power now available to the driver. In addition, aerodynamic styling includes a more prominent frontal area incorporating a modified front bumper and bonnet outlet to improve brake and engine cooling.
Wider wheelarches now house 285 section tyres at the front and 315 at the rear, with the front arches incorporating larger louvres to reduce front lift. The wider tyres (up from 265 and 305 section respectively) help transmit the additional power via new uprights controlled by 2-way adjustable dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, to offer teams a greater window of adjustability.
The addition of prominent buttress scoops improves cooling to the rear brakes, whilst new billet uprights generate better brake-feel for the driver as well as greater durability in close racing.
The changes to the Artura Trophy EVO are so extensive that new cars will be built from production line models, making this a bespoke racing car for the McLaren Trophy one-make championships. Customers of existing Artura GT4 or Artura Trophy cars will be able to upgrade their cars into the full Artura Trophy EVO specification.
The changes provide a marked increase in traction and stability and have been designed to give drivers greater confidence in the car, which along with the push-to-pass technology will offer drivers competing in the McLaren Trophy championships with even more exhilarating racing.
The more powerful and faster Artura Trophy EVO coincides with the introduction of a new Pro category to both championships. Open to Silver solo or Silver/Silver pairings, the Pro class aims to nurture professional drivers aiming for a career in GT racing. To assist in their progress, all McLaren Trophy Silver class drivers aged 26 or under will also automatically enrol into the McLaren Trophy Academy.
Designed to source and develop McLaren champions of the future, the McLaren Trophy Academy is a development programme that will host workshops during race weekends. These will be aimed at developing young drivers, sharing expertise from McLaren Motorsport to focus on driving skills, motorsport engineering and media training.
Membership of the McLaren Trophy Academy also provides a pathway to the McLaren Factory Driver programme; the champions of the Pro category in both Europe and America will automatically win a place at the annual McLaren Young Driver Shoot Out, the winner of which will be selected to become a McLaren Graduate and begin the process to become a McLaren Factory Driver.
Established with a European-based series in 2023, the McLaren Trophy expands to north America in its third season, running parallel championships in both continents. Open to novice and established drivers, it is designed to challenge amateur and professional racers and as a path to international GT racing, in which McLaren has expanded its presence with representation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA. This year Brendan Iribe, who made his racing debut in a McLaren one-make championship, fulfilled his ambition to race a McLaren GT3 EVO at Le Mans.
“The team at McLaren Motorsport has created a stunning car in the new Artura Trophy EVO, which was designed to build upon our existing McLaren Trophy product following feedback from teams and drivers. It looks spectacular and with the introduction of the new Pro category and McLaren Trophy Academy will add even more excitement to the championships. The car has also been developed to inspire confidence in drivers of all abilities, which will result in thrilling racing action.
With the new McLaren Trophy, America championship joining its existing European counterpart next year and McLaren returning to Le Mans, this is a very exciting time for us in GT racing and the opportunities for our drivers has never been better.”
Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO and Motorsport, McLaren Automotive
