The search for the ultimate track-only production car

Initially, having a car that you can only drive on a circuit seems rather pointless. But these very expensive track racers are some of the most incredible feats of automotive engineering, and when you realise this, you can't help but fall in love them. Insane amounts of horsepower and aerodynamic packages that are far from sensible - these cars are built for one reason and one reason only. Nothing matters more than how quickly it can lap a racing circuit. Nothing except from the exciting sensation of being behind the wheel of one of these amazing machines.

Aston Martin Vulcan

The mad Vulcan, once described by Chris Harris as a 'knuckle-dragging caveman', is about as brutal as you can get when it comes to driving. In the world of track cars where everything is rather sophisticated, Aston Martin's offering does seem a bit archaic. However, if you're looking for an exhilarating experience, there's nothing wrong with turning back the clock just a tad. An absurd 820 horsepower is available from the massive 7-litre naturally aspirated V12 up front, so you'd better keep it under control. The last thing you want to do is make a Neanderthal angry.

Brabham BT62

The Brabham name was made famous in Formula One when owner Jack Brabham won the 1966 championship. In 2018, more than fifty years after this achievement, the legendary marque was resurrected by Jack's youngest son, David, who planned the creation of a track-legal production car known as the BT62. In the middle lies a gruff but high-revving V8 producing 700 horsepower, and when you realise that this car weighs less than your average hatchback and can produce over a tonne of downforce, it's clear that this car is a great weapon to attack the track with.

Ferrari FXX

Built in 2005 as the track version of Ferrari's flagship Enzo, the FXX had absolutely no rules to adhere to. And this could only mean one thing: even more speed than before. If the Enzo could be compared to Thrust 2, this was the SSC. With over a hundred horsepower more, it had nearly as much power as their F1 car of that year, and when Ferrari shed over 100 kilograms from the car, it became a monster. The screaming FXX was barely recognisable by this point in terms of what it was like to drive, but it managed to retain the original spirit of the legendary Enzo.

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12

Lamborghini's new rage-fuelled offering in the track car world is the Essenza SCV12, built upon the Aventador. Inspired by racing versions of the Huracan and produced as a spiritual successor to the Sesto Elemento, this mad bull produces over 800 horsepower courtesy of a 6.5-litre V12, the brand's last naturally-aspirated offering ever. Sad, I know, but the farewell performance that Lamborghini have directed is one of the greatest I've ever seen. Unlike the contributions from Ferrari, you can take the Essenza SCV12 home with you. And that makes it extra special.

McLaren Senna GTR

This is more than just a McLaren Senna with a few extra aero bits on the body - the GTR also has a racing specification dual-clutch transmission, more power, revised suspension and slick tyres. As well as all of these changes, thanks to an enlarged front splitter and rear diffuser this racer is able to produce an extra 200 kilograms of downforce over the standard Senna. If you thought the base car couldn't get any crazier, this GTR will certainly surprise you. To top it all off, the McLaren Senna GTR might be racing in the LMH category at Le Mans fairly soon. Incredible.

Pagani Zonda R

The 'R' version of the renowned Zonda was pretty much Pagani's take on a racing silhouette car, with only 10% of parts shared with the original. It may resemble a Zonda F, but the main thing that they have in common is the front end. Oddly, the R uses a 6-litre powerplant rather than the 7.3-litre engines found in most road-going Zondas, but Pagani still managed to squeeze an extra hundred horses out of the Mercedes V12. The R is more than just the ultimate track-only production car: it might as well be a purpose-built race car, because it certainly drives like one.

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