Mad Mike's Insane New Drift Beast: A Rotary-Powered $3.2M McLaren P1 GTR
When you think of the ultimate in automotive madness, Mad Mike Whiddett is a name that comes to mind. Known for his penchant for rotary engines and tire-smoking antics, Mike has taken on many daring projects. But his latest venture might be his most outrageous yet—a rotary-swapped McLaren P1 GTR, a hypercar that already carried a price tag north of $3.2 million. This collaboration with the engineering wizards at Lanzante is set to debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it's turning heads even before it hits the tarmac.
A Meeting of Minds
It all began at last year's Goodwood Festival, where Mike struck up a conversation with Lanzante. In no time, a casual discussion morphed into a full-blown plan to transform one of their precious hypercars into a drift machine. The clock started ticking with a tight 100-day schedule from the car's delivery to Mike's shop to its Goodwood debut. So far, the journey's early stages have been chronicled on Mike's YouTube channel, with many more updates promised.
The Herculean Effort
As you can imagine, converting a hybrid track-only McLaren P1 GTR into a rotary-powered drift monster is no small feat. The original drivetrain has been cast aside in favor of a turbocharged four-rotor engine mated to an X-trac sequential gearbox. Nearly the entire car required re-wiring, a task made possible with a Haltec standalone car management system. Given these significant modifications, it's safe to say very little of the original McLaren remains.
The Weight Factor
Without the hybrid system or the original V8, the car will likely shed a significant amount of weight. Considering the factory-fresh P1 GTR weighed in at 3,175 pounds, Mike’s custom creation is bound to be lighter. However, while it may be lighter, don't expect the rotary engine to match the original 986 horsepower output of the stock McLaren. That said, the reduction in weight can compensate in other performance metrics, particularly in the car's drift capabilities.
The Unveiling
With a name as bold as MADMAC, expectations are sky-high. While it’s unlikely this new beast will match the track performance of a traditional McLaren P1 GTR, its prowess on the drift circuit is almost a given. Imagine the precision engineering of a McLaren combined with the chaotic energy of a four-rotor engine and the control of a seasoned drifter like Mad Mike. It's a recipe for something unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
As the countdown to Goodwood 2024 continues, the automotive world is buzzing with anticipation. Can Mad Mike's rotary-powered McLaren P1 GTR live up to the hype? It's certain to make an impression, pushing the boundaries of what a hypercar can do when reimagined for drifting. Whether you're a fan of rotary engines, McLaren's elegance, or simply love high-octane excitement, this project is something you don’t want to miss. Stay tuned as this incredible build unfolds.