McLaren has revealed that they plan to create a new GT3 racing version of their MP4-12C supercar.

McLaren will work with UK-based CRS Racing to create a small number of cars for development with the aim of entering a few test races in 2011 before supplying cars to privateer entries in the 2012 FIA European GT3 series.

Team boss of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Martin Whitmarsh, said, “It was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendary history in global motorsport, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3 programme, and any future sports car projects that may evolve.”

McLaren also says that the MP4-12C’s one piece carbon chassis and high levels of downforce naturally lend themselves to a racing version and that it has been in the pipeline for a while.

This news comes 15 years after McLaren first won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the F1 GTR.

Source: CAR