Gentlemen racers rejoice, for McLaren has just announced the new 720 S GT3 EVO customer racing car based on the 720S.

As the GT3 part of its name suggests, this vehicle was designed to compete in various GT3 classes across the globe. The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) created the GT3 standards and regulations in 2005 as a default for production car-based racing machines. These cars are homologated to compete in over 20 racing series across the globe.

The second part of its name (EVO) suggests that it is an evolution of the race car based on the now-discontinued McLaren 720S. The upgrades are subtle enough that a customer can buy an all-new car or upgrade a pre-2023 720S GT3X.

McLaren's customer racing car program has been a smash hit, as the 720S has been a front runner since its first race. But as with any racing program, upgrades are a vital part of the experience, and the upgrades made to the EVO stem from knowledge gained by the various teams fielding these vehicles.

The EVO's bodywork improvements include a new front bumper and splitter equipped with quick-release fasteners for quick removal and replacement. McLaren claims these updates make the car more aerodynamically efficient while improving downforce. The overall balance has shifted forwards, making the car more consistent and predictable in traffic. And by traffic, we mean racing in a bundle, not Interstate 405 in California.

A front hood gurney also helps with balance and provides additional engine cooling. The auxiliary lamps have been repositioned for better visibility in the dark during endurance events. Around the back, McLaren made the wing pylon mechanism easier to adjust, while the rear wing gurney is taller to aid downforce without upsetting overall balance.

Underneath, there's a brand-new set of TTX40 Ohlins 4-way adjustable dampers with high-frequency pistons and adjustable lengths. The upper wishbones at the front and rear have been replaced. The front wishbone is now adjustable to help with tire management, while the rear has improved geometry to suit upright changes. The uprights are new, and the front unit comes with a bolted brake caliper that will also decrease pit times. A new built-in track rod clevis makes the car more robust when the racers start rubbing. At the rear, the new uprights have improved geometry for increased tire strategy choices.

The brakes have closed face bells on all four corners to make the discs last longer.

"The McLaren 720S GT3 has been an incredible success in GT3 racing since its phenomenal debut four years ago, leading the Gulf 12 Hour race for several hours," said Ian Morgan, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive. "Since then, it has recorded many race wins and championships, most recently titles in the Asian Le Mans Series, IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, and GT World Challenge Europe last year and has begun 2023 with a podium in the Daytona 24 Hours. In that time, we've maintained a close relationship with our customer racing teams and have incorporated many of their recommendations into the new EVO package, improving consistency of performance and serviceability, which will ensure that the McLaren 720S will continue to set the pace in GT3 racing for many more years to come."