McLaren X-1 Concept (2012)

CAR GARAGE | McLaren X-1 Concept (2012) | McLaren called the X-1 and structurally based on the company's groundbreaking carbon MonoCell but with a totally unique body, it has been created for an anonymous car enthusiasts. Inspirational cars included a 1961 Facel Vega, a 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and a 1971 Citroën SM. 'The client liked the shiny texture of the finish, "notes Stephenson. The client wanted a competition Between external designers - some outside the automotive world - and McLaren's own designers," notes Stephenson. In the end, a design by McLaren's Korean-born graduate RCA Hong Yeo was chosen, and completed under the direction of Stephenson. One of the biggest design challenges faced by Yeo That was That most cars embody elegance and timeless classic values have front engines and rear-wheel drive proportions. Stephenson recalls: 'From this design, we then produced a 30 per cent scale model, then a full-size hard foam model.

It was to be a usable car, road legal and capable of traveling at supercar speeds. A full CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) aerodynamic testing schedule ensured a high-speed stability, and the car also completed approximately 625 miles of testing Including testing intensive two stints at the Idiada circuit in Spain with McLaren chief test driver, Chris Goodwin. After testing, the whole car was meticulously Rebuilt, by hand to concours standard. MSO Programme Director Paul Mackenzie explains: 'The X-1 McLaren showcases the skills of Special Operations. More and more customers want Bespoke luxury or individual features. All body panels of the McLaren X-1 are made from carbon, and are finished in a rich piano black, as specified by the owner. Body sides are visual lacquered carbon fiber. 'The black paint has no metallic or color tints and is one of the most challenging colors to paint, but the finish is absolutely exquisite and perfectly befits the car "adds Stephenson.

Components were tooled exclusively for the car. They even include unique head-and taillights, inspired by the McLaren Speed Marque logo. The brightwork is machined from solid aluminum, and a nickel finish is then applied. The McLaren logo in the nose is specially machined from solid aluminum then nickel plated. Wheels are also unique to the X-1, and are diamond turned with a tinted lacquer to complement the nickel-plated exterior brightwork. Even the McLaren Speed Marque badge in the nose is machined from solid aluminum, then nickel plated. The Airbrake McLaren rear wing is also machined from solid aluminum and nickel plated, to complement the rest of the brightwork.

The unique body of the X-1 means most dimensions have changed. The McLaren X-1 is 4658mm long - 109mm longer than a 12C. Width is 2097mm (with mirrors) - an increase of of 188 mm. Light weight, as with all projects McLaren, was a priority. While the basic architecture of the interior did not change, Red Harissa Bespoke Personalisation includes Nappa leather McLaren used for the seats, door and roof trim, and switchgear with machined nickel-coated, aluminum bezels. Special Andesite Tufted carpet covers the floor. All these changes ensured the McLaren needed a special X-1 homologation for road use. The car has been thoroughly engineered to be usable and road legal. Stephenson explains: 'The X-1 epitomises how we can not only create a truly unique product tailored to the client, but also enable the client to become a key member of the design team throughout the process.