iRacing has been gunning to build up its collection of GT3 challengers over the past year, with the new Chevrolet Corvette C8.R and Ford Mustang GT3 machines making their virtual bows in the service for 2024 Season 3 in June.
With 2024 Season 4 finally here, it brings along yet another GT3 weapon for iRacers out there to enjoy. McLaren’s latest offering, the 720s GT3, finally makes its first appearance in the sim to allow the creaky old MP4-12c to head off to retirement.
For those tempted to trade the keys of their main GT3 for the new British beast, Coach Dave Academy decided to take an in-depth look into how the car ticks.
Introduction To The McLaren 720s GT3 EVO
The McLaren 720s GT3 EVO is the fourth car McLaren has built to GT3 regulations, after the MP4-12c, the 650s GT3, and the 720s GT3. The EVO version isn’t a million miles away from the first 720s variant, with McLaren going through the vehicle with a fine-tooth comb to eradicate any inherent issues reported by customers and professional drivers running it.
The British marque’s talented engineers redesigned the aerodynamics, suspension, and onboard systems to make it a more complete package. Their main goal was to bring a more neutral balance to the car, which makes it easier to drive for less experienced racers.
It made its track debut in 2023, where it has picked up the baton of its predecessor admirably. It currently races in pretty much all major series running GT3 cars, such as the World Endurance Championship, GT Challenge Europe, and the IMSA Sports Car Series.
As is the case with the other GT3 challengers available in iRacing, the 720s GT3 EVO is eligible to race in a variety of virtual arenas. Aside from the usual daily series like the IMSA iRacing Series, the GT3 Fanatec Challenge and the GT3 Sprint Series, it can also be found in special endurance events like the Spa 24 Hours, Daytona 24 Hours, and Indy 8 Hours.
The Basic Car Setup
GT3 cars are designed from the outset to be as neutral as possible so that amateur (AM) drivers can get the most out of them. While professional drivers (PRO) can deal with a peaky car that rotates faster, Ams will generally find it more difficult to cope and therefore will have to drop their lap times considerably to keep control.
The 720s GT3 had its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 mounted in the middle, which tends to make a car more unstable than one with its engine placed up front. Customers reported that the 720s could be a little too unstable on track, especially in traffic, so the EVO was designed to address this. A pair of turbos were utilized to boost the torque of the V8 through the rev range.
- The mid-engined layout means 720s GT3 is more stable than the rear-engined Porsche 911 GT3 R, but less so than front-engined vehicles
- Twin-turbo can make traction more of an issue than naturally aspirated cars, but good throttle control will eradicate any problems
Aerodynamics And Bodywork
The McLaren features a comprehensive aerodynamic package to produce enough downforce to keep up with its GT3 competition. This consists of an adjustable front splitter and rear spoiler, as well as a flat underbody. McLaren redesigned the aero package on the EVO to shift the aero balance forward compared to its forerunner, which was done to create a more neutral balance.
While making these changes, McLaren managed to add more pure downforce to the car. This improved the overall grip level, and therefore stability, at high speed even further, making it a solid step forward over the first-gen 720s.
Both the splitter and rear wing are adjustable within iRacing, allowing you to set the car up on a track-by-track basis. For those looking for a neutral balance when tweaking downforce levels, keep the aero balance value as close to 50% as possible.
- Aim to keep front and rear aero values closely matched, as the car balance and drag could be negatively affected by the car not being fully flat
- For high-speed cornering, aim for values lower than 50% to increase rotation, while values above incite less rotation
Need Some Setups?
Our iRacing Setup Subscription allows you to focus purely with your on-track performance no matter the car, including the new and fresh McLaren 720s GT3 EVO, with setups for all the main GT3 series and special events including IMSA, GT3 Sprint and more.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
Steering And Cornering
As it’s a mid-engined car, the McLaren 720s GT3 has more in common with the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan GT3, Audi R8 GT3 EVO II, and the Corvette GT3.R. Getting braking done in a straight line before the corner will help keep it stable once you turn towards the apex. The 720s GT3 has a healthy amount of rotation without feeling too scary, but overdo it and you’ll find it can bite.
Because of its mid-engine layout, the 720s GT3 is more susceptible to a sudden weight balance shift. It therefore isn’t as effective over curbs as its front-engine rivals, so using its superior rotation to carry more speed through the bend is a must to get the most from it.
- To help reduce oversteer, consider softening the rear anti-roll bars or suspension springs
- Rather than attacking kerbs, try to focus on trail braking effectively to carry more speed through the bend without unsettling the vehicle
- Coach Dave Academy’s Never Lift guide is an ultra-handy resource for those unable to correctly utilise trail braking
Power Delivery and Braking
As with all other GT3 racers, the McLaren 720s GT3 EVO comes with advanced Traction Control and ABS systems. These work as a safety net for the AM drivers to prevent them from spinning out under acceleration and locking the wheels up under braking. Getting your braking done in a straight line before turn-in is important, as turn-in too late and the weight transfer induced by its mid-engine layout will cause you to lose the rear, potentially costing you a large amount of time.
The 720s GT3 can be a little snappy at times in slower corners, which can take the weight off the rear tyres. This can make it easier to engage the TC, which will slow you down on the corner exit. Some good judgement and throttle control should prevent any issues, which is something you pick up with seat time.
The McLaren’s twin-turbo V8 means it is more susceptible to traction loss than the naturally aspirated Lamborghini, Audi or Chevy. McLaren has done with a good job smoothing out the torque curve, so the difference is barely noticeable when on track.
- Aim to lower TC and ABS settings as much as possible on a dry track, good throttle control is good enough to keep the rears under control. Dial it up the wetter/less grippy the track is
- Brake in a straight line to prevent sudden weight transfer causing snap-oversteer on corner entry
- Brake bias can help get the nose tucked in more effectively, but good driving technique is more important
- Make sure nose is fully past apex before easing back on power to prevent having to jump off throttle once more, which negatively affects exit speed
Final Thoughts
The McLaren 720s GT3 EVO certainly makes things more difficult for seasoned GT3 racers in iRacing. It’s another strong alternative to the other mid-engine offerings already available, though it features a unique sound thanks to its twin-turbo V8 engine.
The changes made by McLaren for the EVO version mean it enjoys a consistent aero balance in a variety of corners, one that remains constant even with the addition of dirty air. Its aggressive styling also makes it stand out from the rest of the GT3 crowd. Should you be able to get in the mirrors of your competitors, this characteristic could well help facilitate an easier overtake too.
If you need any track tips or help with adapting your driving style to vehicles with high levels of downforce, check out the Coach Dave Academy YouTube channel which features tutorials and guides from our skilled drivers.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
