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  3. Rotary-Swapped McLaren P1 GTR Drift Car Is Next-Level Crazy

Rotary-Swapped McLaren P1 GTR Drift Car Is Next-Level Crazy

17 Jul 2024
  • What makes the MadMac by Mad Mike and Lanzante such a remarkable feat in automotive engineering and customization?

Mad Mike Whiddett, renowned for his boundary-pushing automotive creations, has unleashed his latest masterpiece upon the world: the MadMac, a daring fusion of McLaren's hypercar prowess with the unmistakable roar of a rotary engine. This isn't your typical McLaren P1—it's an audacious drift machine that defies convention and electrifies the senses.

A New Kind of Beast

A New Kind of Beast

At its heart lies a bespoke creation by MadLab: a three-rotor 20B billet engine, turbocharged to deliver an astonishing 1,000 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. While purists may raise eyebrows at the thought of a rotary engine in a McLaren, Mad Mike and the team at Lanzante have crafted something truly extraordinary—an homage to automotive innovation and the spirit of relentless customization.

Debuting at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, the MadMac is not merely a vehicle but a statement of ingenuity and engineering prowess. Constructed in a mere 100 days, this drift-focused marvel features custom body panels inspired by the McLaren P1 GTR, enveloping a McLaren 650S GT3 chassis. Rocket Bunny's distinctive touch adds flair, transforming the MadMac into a formidable presence on both track and tarmac.

Reflecting on the project, Whiddett expressed both pride and challenge in equal measure: "MadMac represents one of the greatest feats in our journey. To conceive and complete a project of this magnitude in just 100 days is a testament to our team's dedication and passion." For enthusiasts and spectators alike, witnessing MadMac in action promises an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, blending high-octane performance with the artistry of controlled chaos.

Throughout his career, Mad Mike has redefined automotive boundaries, and the MadMac stands as a testament to his relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. As it roars down the Goodwood hillclimb, it not only captivates with its raw power but also challenges perceptions of what a hypercar can be.

In the realm where tradition meets innovation, Mad Mike's MadMac is a beacon of daring creativity—a reminder that true automotive passion knows no limits. As enthusiasts eagerly await its next conquest, one thing remains certain: the MadMac is not just a car; it's an embodiment of automotive artistry, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pursuit of adrenaline-fueled perfection.

Wael Nakhle

BY Wael Nakhle

Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.

Nissan Formula E Team announces long-term partnership with Petromin Corporation

15 Oct 2024
Nissan Formula E Team announces long-term partnership with Petromin Corporation

Nissan Formula E Team is excited to announce a four-year global partnership with Petromin Corporation, a leading mobility solutions provider in the Middle East. The partnership will be primarily focused on the company’s EV charging subsidiary, Electromin, as the business looks ahead to a wider adoption of electric mobility in the region.

Mercedes-AMG ONE breaks its own lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

12 Oct 2024
Mercedes-AMG ONE breaks its own lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The Mercedes-AMG ONE has been the fastest production car on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife since October 2022 and has been unrivalled ever since. The only rival is the ONE itself. Now Mercedes AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel has once again significantly improved the lap time he set. With an officially measured and notarised time of 6:29.090 minutes for the 20.832-kilometre track, the hypercar with Formula 1™ technology beat its own record for production vehicles by over five seconds. This makes the Mercedes AMG ONE the first road car to beat the magic mark of 6:30 minutes. It is also the only series hybrid hypercar to date to have taken on the world's most demanding racetrack and is the undisputed leader in the super-sports-car class. In order to achieve the lofty goals they had set for themselves, meticulous preparation was necessary. In addition, the track conditions had to be ideal in order to beat the 6:30 minute target. On September 23, 2024, at 6:56 p.m., on his third timed lap, Maro Engel achieved the new record. With temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius (air) and 20 degrees Celsius (asphalt), the legendary Nordschleife was dry throughout and offered perfect grip.

Like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on their Formula 1™ race weekends, Maro Engel also had to make the best possible use of the hybrid drive's electrical energy. This is particularly challenging, especially with a track length of more than 20 kilometres. Therefore, it is immensely important to use the right sections of the track to recuperate during braking phases and thus store energy in the batteries again.

To do this, Maro Engel utilised the AMG ONE's four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system and in some cases deliberately took his foot off the accelerator a little earlier than he normally would. In technical jargon, this is known as “lift and coast”. Preliminary tests in the driving simulator in Affalterbach and on the Nordschleife itself provided the necessary insights, which the team and driver were able to optimally implement for the record lap. In accordance with the specifications of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG, the vehicle was tested and documented by TÜV Rheinland to ensure that it was in standard condition. A notary confirmed that the record drive had been carried out correctly.

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 chases first major title in IMSA

12 Oct 2024
Aston Martin Vantage GT3 chases first major title in IMSA

The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 heads into this weekend’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA) finale – the Petit Le Mans 10-hour race at Road Atlanta – deep in the hunt for its first major title.

The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 has enjoyed a stellar debut season of international competition. The car recorded a historic victory in the centenary edition of the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa in June, a first for the British ultraluxury sportscar brand in the modern GT era. It also achieved Aston Martin’s first ever Autobacs Super GT class victory in Japan in the same month. As well as this, Vantage has clinched class wins in the FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA, the Nürburgring Langstrecken Series and ADAC GT Masters through the summer.