What's the news?
McLaren is bringing a special 720S to the Dubai motor show, so special in fact that it's a one-off for now. While black and gold is more synonymous with Lotus, McLaren's Special Operations (MSO) team have painted this one Zenith Black and given it gold coloured alloy wheels, gold-coloured interior highlights and, in a nod to the original McLaren F1, actual real 24-carat gold lining the engine bay.
There's another unique touch on the rear wing, which features a quote from Bruce McLaren himself. The famed Kiwi's words, 'Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone', are written in gold Arabic script, which has been stylised to look like the skyline of Dubai itself.
Andreas Bareis, Managing Director Middle East, Africa & Latin America for McLaren Automotive, explained: "The quote from Bruce McLaren rings true not only of the history of McLaren, but also the achievements of the UAE and the Gulf states over the last four decades. The UAE and the region are very important to McLaren, not only in terms of our client base, but also because of the support from our shareholders. This car pays tribute to that."
McLaren says that the car took 120 hours to complete, with that rear wing alone taking 30 hours. On the outside, MSO added carbon fibre exterior upgrade packs that include the front splitter and air intakes, rear bumper and roof panel. The rear diffuser is also a carbon fibre option, while the door mirror arms, rear aero bridge and deck and engine covers are all from the MSO Defined range of carbon fibre components.
Inside there's black Alcantara and leather, carbon sill panels, vents and steering wheel, a gold centre band for the wheel, gold gearshift paddles, and gold appliqué on the doors.
The car's owner will take delivery of his/her part-gold 341km/h supercar at the show.