McLaren has released the first real-life images of its MP4-12C GT3 racer as it takes its tentative baby steps.

Built in conjunction with CRS Racing, the racer was tested at Silverstone and the perilous MIRA proving ground; an automotive arena of death which still haunts Jezza and co to this day…

Test drivers Andrew Kirkaldy and Chris Goodwin took the new GT3 for a spin, commenting that it had achieved ‘excellent results’. Its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has been tuned to ‘race specification’, and is married to a bespoke paddle-shift Ricardo gearbox.

You will also spot the new aero pack, which comprises a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

Check out the pics, and stay tuned as this monster starts to strut its stuff…