McLaren Motorsport has announced key enhancements to the McLaren Trophy series next year, which will launch in North America, including the addition of a Pro class, a McLaren Trophy Academy program as well as the new Artura Trophy EVO car.
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.
The car will be eligible for entry into the new-f0r-2025 McLaren Trophy America series, which will run on SRO America weekends, as well as the existing European championship.
Drivers will now benefit from a ‘Push to Pass’ button that increases the 577 horsepower available from the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine to 612 horsepower. Deployment of this system will be regulated to increase strategy options available to the competitors.
The Artura Trophy EVO will also have wider tires and aerodynamic styling includes a more prominent frontal area incorporating a modified front bumper and hood outlet to improve brake and engine cooling.
Additionally, the car features new uprights controlled by two-way adjustable dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars, to offer teams a greater window of adjustability.
The addition of buttress scoops improves cooling to the rear brakes, while 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 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,” said McLaren Automotive director of MSO and motorsport Mick McDonagh.
“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 have never been better.”
The more powerful and faster Artura Trophy EVO coincides with the introduction of a new Pro category to both championships, which will be open to either Silver solo or Silver/Silver-graded pairings.
Additionally, all McLaren Trophy Silver class drivers aged 26 or under will also automatically enroll into the McLaren Trophy Academy.
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.
Both series are open to novice and established drivers.