The McLaren 720S is one of the most technologically advanced supercars on the planet, so it came as no surprise when the automaker announced it will be building a track-only GT3 racing variant to dominate race tracks this year. As the 2019 GT season approaches, the McLaren 720S GT3 is gearing up to make its Japanese track debut.

McLaren has confirmed it will enter a pair of 720S GT3s in Japan's Super GT300 and Super Taiku championships under the team name of "McLaren Customer Racing." Both cars will also compete in round four of the 2019 Intercontinental GT Challenge the Suzuka 10 Hours and will be adorned with an updated version of the pink racing livery used on the iconic F1 GTR that dominated the All-Japan Grand Touring Championship.

Legendary team owner Kazumichi Goh will once again return as team principal, and Hiroyoshi Donuma will return as chief engineer. "I am extremely proud to confirm that McLaren Customer Racing Japan, with the leadership of the highly acclaimed Goh-san, will race with the 720S GT3 in 2019," said Dan Walmsley, Motorsport Director, McLaren Automotive.

"The team that will run the cars across Super GT300, Super Taikyu and the Suzuka 10 Hours has huge experience and has enjoyed significant success in the world of GT racing and we believe they have what it takes to challenge for race wins and push for the titles in both championships. McLaren has a huge level of support in Japan and to see this iconic livery proudly displayed on the new 720S GT3 will certainly turn heads on the grid."

"The opportunity to work with McLaren again is very special indeed, particularly after the success we enjoyed more than 20 years ago," Kazumichi Goh, Team Principal, McLaren Customer Racing Japan, added. "The performance we have witnessed of the McLaren 720S GT3 is already extremely positive, and hopefully that winning spark can be rekindled during the upcoming season. We are looking forward to the challenge of this new chapter, and enjoying the taste of success together again very soon."

The 720S GT3 is powered by a race-prepped version of the M840T 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to a six-speed sequential paddle gearbox, but the power output is still being kept under wraps. Other changes from the standard 720S include carbon fiber and composite body panels, a bespoke splitter, floor assembly and dive-planes, and GT3-specification rear wing.