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Mad Mike And Lanzante Unveil Revolutionary Drift Hypercar At Goodwood Festival 2024
A unique drift hypercar, the 'MadMac,' has been developed by Lanzante and drift icon 'Mad Mike' Whiddett. This 1,000-horsepower rotary-swapped vehicle debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, celebrating Mad Mike's decade-long association with the event. The car will feature in various high-profile events worldwide.
"This is the wildest car I have ever built. I hope Bruce [McLaren] would be proud," said Mad Mike. Marking ten years since introducing drifting to Goodwood, Mad Mike collaborated with British automotive specialists Lanzante to create his most ambitious project yet. The result is a flame-spitting McLaren drift hypercar.
The project began with a conversation between Dean Lanzante and Mike at the 2023 Festival of Speed Ball. The UK-based Lanzante team built a custom McLaren, while Mad Mike Motorsports in New Zealand had 100 days to complete their part. O’Gara Coach from the USA also supported this endeavour.
Lanzante’s expertise with the McLaren P1 was crucial. They combined a strong carbon fibre chassis with an FIA-approved rollcage and bespoke bodywork. This new shape featured wider front arches and an aggressive rear stance, essential for Mad Mike's drifting style.
The car was airfreighted from Lanzante's workshop in Petersfield to MadLab in New Zealand, 10,000 miles away. Upon arrival, the team quickly began work despite not having finalised all specifications. They aimed to transition from a high downforce track car to one suitable for drifting.
The original 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine was replaced with a custom-built three-rotor billet 20B turbo engine by MadLab. Known for using rotary engines in his builds, Mad Mike pushed boundaries further with this project.
Technical Enhancements
The team retained the McLaren’s original transmission but designed a bespoke transfer case to connect it with the new rotary engine. Custom uprights and a steering rack were created for enhanced steering rotation needed for drifting.
Additional modifications included bespoke wheels, a custom Haltech ECU and dashboard, paddle shifting gear changes adapted to a gaming-style shifter, and a hydraulic handbrake. They also collaborated with Rocket Bunny in Japan for bodywork enhancements.
Final Preparations
After extensive private testing at Hampton Downs Motorsports Park, MadMac was flown back to England for its debut at Goodwood. "It is fair to say that MadMac is the biggest challenge I have set myself in terms of builds," said Mike.
The car will be unveiled on Thursday, 11 July at 10:00 am on the Lanzante stand at Goodwood Festival of Speed. It will then make its first run on the hill-climb course the following day.
Future Plans
This debut marks just the beginning for MadMac. Over the next two years, it will participate in various global events and projects, pushing limits and generating content captured by an incredible production team documenting its journey.
{INSTAGRAM_1}{TABLE_1}The specifications of MadMac include:
- Engine spec: 20B MadLab billet, peripheral port 3-rotor, turbocharged 2.0-litre
- Engine power: 1,000bhp
- Engine management: Haltech Nexus RS
- Turbo charger: Garret G45with twin Turbosmart wastegates
- Transmission: Quad-plate 5-inch carbon clutch, X-Trac sequential 6-speed
- Wheels / Tyres: Custom Rotiform & Work wheels, TOYO 19x9.5 front, 20x14 rear
- Exhaust: Custom twin flame throwing titanium 4-inch
- Chassis: Carbon fibre monocoque
- Bodywork: Custom McLaren P1 GTR by Lanzante (UK) x Rocket Bunny (JAP)
- Steering: Custom MadLab steering & control arms, Ohlins suspension
This extraordinary build showcases engineering prowess and creativity while celebrating a decade of drifting excellence at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
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