McLaren has revealed a very special edition of its 650S Spider drop-top supercar complete with real gold in the paint finish, which will be offered exclusively to its Middle Eastern clients.
Bespoke customization is one of the fastest growing trends in the upper echelons of the automotive industry, and nowhere is the demand bigger than in the Middle East.
More than 25 per cent of all cars that roll off McLaren's production line destined for the region feature at least one element of personalization, and it's this demand that's causing everyone from Aston Martin and Bentley to Lamborghini and Land Rover to open dedicated divisions for handling such requests.
And it's also why McLaren has chosen the Dubai Motor Show as the venue for unveiling its latest McLaren Special Operations (MSO) project, the 650 S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO -- which will be offered exclusively to clients in the region.
"[It] offered an exciting opportunity to create a truly bespoke car inspired by the rich history and culture of the Middle Eastern region, which is dominated by the beauty of the desert. It was fascinating to hear the feedback from McLaren owners, and to then assimilate this into a truly bespoke project that reflected the region's long history of luxury and craftsmanship," said Paul Mackenzie, Executive Director - McLaren Special Operations at the car's unveiling.
Al Sahara means ‘desert' in Arabic and the name was chosen because of the car's shimmering white gold pearlescent effect paint, created specifically for the vehicle and achieved using real particles of 24 carat gold (hence 79, the precious metal's atomic number).
To add sharpness and contrast, the car's retracing roof and lightweight alloys are finished in gloss black and the use of carbon fiber side blades provides a sprinkling of aggression.
Inside, switchgear and vents are finished in dark gold to contrast with the fascia and door panels that use the same white gold paint finish as the exterior. The sports seats are wrapped in black and almond white leather and, despite adding weight, are electrically adjustable for even greater comfort.
"Since launching the brand back in 2011, McLaren Automotive has built extremely close links with the Middle East region," said Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director Middle East & Africa. "This truly unique project -- our first in the Middle East -- is inspired by a region that is home to some of our most loyal customers."
