McLaren unveils its X-1 Concept

There are times when exclusive is just not exclusive enough. For a certain well off I may mention, car enthusiast, McLaren just did not seem to have enough in their stables. As a result McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects took on the responsibility of attending the customer.

The project was to have a machine that had all the capability of the 12C but wrapped in a unique body with timeless and classical elegance. And thus was born the X-1 Concept. All body panels of the X-1 are made from carbon, and are finished in a rich piano black, as specified by the owner. They even include unique head- and taillights, inspired by the McLaren Speed Marque logo. Perhaps the most unusual styling feature is the enclosed rear wheels, an upshot of the owner’s desire to have a car reflecting ‘timeless elegance’.

While the basic architecture of the interior did not change, personalization includes bespoke Harissa Red McLaren Nappa leather used for the seats, door and roof trim, and switchgear with machined nickel-coated, aluminium bezels. The carbon interior trim has a titanium weave, to give a magical 3D-like effect. Special Andesite tufted carpet covers the floor.

All these changes ensured the X-1 needed special homologation for road use. The car has been thoroughly engineered to be usable and road legal. The X-1 shares the same the major mechanical components as the 12C, including the twin-turbo 625PS engine, giving astonishing acceleration and top speed. After its debut, on the Monterey Peninsular, the X-1 will return to MSO headquarters in Woking and be carefully checked over before it takes a place in the owner’s collection.