McLaren X1 spotted at the Bahrain GP
The McLaren X1 was spotted at the recently concluded Formula 1 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix. Only one was ever built by British supercar manufacturer, exclusively for the owner in Bahrain.
The McLaren X1 concept first broke cover in August last year. The X1 owner, who also owns a McLaren F1, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and a McLaren MP4-12C, wanted a unique car which was as capable as the MP4-12C, but exhibit a “timeless and classical elegance”. Several classic and vintage cars were used as inspirations for the design, including the 1961 Facel Vega, the 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance Ghia, the 1959 Buick Electra, the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and the 1971 Citroën SM. On the request of the client, there was even a design competition held between designers around the world. Ultimately one of McLaren’s in-house designs was concluded for production.
While the X1 shares a majority of the mechanical components with the McLaren MP4-12C, including the twin-turbo 615 hp engine, the exterior appears to be a complete remake for the most part, perhaps the most interesting bit being the enclosed rear wheels as requested by the client.
Images courtesy of “BrnZed” via Teamspeed.com
Comments
Ironman
Covering those gorgeous rear wheels is a shame
GJI
Inspiration from several classic cars??
That looks more like inspired from the Audi R8
mars
I was about to say the same
djm
and the rear from batmobile of 1950s.. ugly looking costume malfunction.
KJK
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But seriously, those wheel covers were a bad idea.
Hassan
Wow
How much he paid for this project?
Anyway, he wanted a classical look so it justifies the wheel covers.
Hassan
It has nothing to do with the R8.
august
i would make myself a different piece from mclaren for a timeless classic plus future power.