McLaren expands the aftermarket options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT

• McLaren expands the range of aftermarket personalisation options for owners of the 12C, 650S and 675LT
• Available for all Qualified pre-owned McLaren Super Series models
• Range now includes a wide selection carbon fibre accessories produced by McLaren Special Operations under its MSO Defined portfolio

Current and future McLaren Super Series owners can now refresh the design of their cars through a range of dramatic McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Defined accessories. 

Offered and installed through McLaren retailers, the options can now be widely applied to any McLaren Super Series models from the 12C to the 675LT and at any point in the car’s ownership.  

The accessories enhance the dramatic design of the car and in true McLaren fashion, also frequently bring a performance advantage, as a result of weight saving.

Among the exterior embellishments in the MSO Defined Super Series collection are a Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser, which reduces weight and enhances airflow, and Carbon Fibre Mirror Arms which can be coupled with matching mirror casings.  

The range also includes Carbon Fibre Louvered Front Fenders, which take inspiration from McLaren historic race cars, such as the renowned 1970 Can-Am winning McLaren M8D to save 0.5 kilograms over the standard equivalent. 

They feature vented wheel arch liners, to remove turbulent air from under the wheel arches giving more grip over the front axle. 

Also available is a carbon fibre bonnet that is finished in visual carbon fibre for increased impact, as seen on the limited-edition McLaren 650S Can-Am model. 

Interior enhancements begin with MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Vent Bezels. Carbon Fibre Sill Tops highlight the driver-focused design of the cabin, as well as protect the sills of the MonoCell structure.  

While likely to interest the track day enthusiasts are a Carbon Fibre Steering Wheel, which can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara®, and Extended Carbon Fibre Gear Shift Paddles. 

Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive, commented: “The growing MSO Defined portfolio gives customers an opportunity to further personalise their cars and significantly expands our wider accessories portfolio.  We have experienced significant interest in the MSO Defined range on Super Series cars being ordered new and we are now very pleased to be bringing these features to a wider group of customers as a retrofit choice.”  

The aftermarket enhancements in the Super Series MSO Defined range are available for existing owners and new customers purchasing through the Qualified programme.

McLaren Automotive now offers an extended warranty upto 12 years on its cars.

The McLaren Extended Warranty launched in 2014 can now be renewed up to the car’s 12th birthday. The enhancement recognises the increasing number of McLaren cars on the road, with more than 3,000 vehicles today having passed their third birthday, as well as the desire of many owners to retain ownership of their cars.

The policy, which previously could only be extended up to the car’s seventh birthday, covers the majority of factory-fitted components, giving customers the peace of mind that their McLaren will continue to perform in the same way as it was first created.

The McLaren Extended Warranty, available for Sports and Super Series vehicles, comes with a wide range of benefits including unlimited mileage cover, roadside assistance in selected markets and, in the event of claim, guaranteed use of McLaren Genuine Parts fitted by fully trained McLaren technicians.  The scheme is available for all new, existing and approved-used McLaren Qualified vehicles that have covered less than 100,000 miles and have been owned for a minimum of 90 days.  

Carl Whipp, Aftersales Director at McLaren Automotive commented:  “Owners want the reassurance that their car will still be looked after to the same standards with which it was built.  And they want to continue to enjoy their McLaren without worry.  Sometimes daily.  It’s for them that we launched the Extended Warranty and now with this further enhancement to the coverage period, it will continue to give complete peace of mind … right up to the car’s 12^th birthday.”

The McLaren Extended Warranty can be purchased directly from McLaren retailers*, and the cover can be acquired at any point in the vehicle’s life prior to the 10^th anniversary and for the duration of 12 or 24 months. 

*The policy is currently not available in Australia and China but plans are in place to launch the policy in these markets in 2017.

The following items are excluded from the McLaren Extended Warranty:

• General maintenance, scheduled servicing, and routine adjustments required by normal wear and tear and/or recommended by McLaren Automotive Limited, including any replacement parts and assemblies or other materials (including but not limited to, spark plugs, wiper blades, bulbs, filters, belts, coolant hoses, brake pads, lubricants, fluids, and filters) used in such services and adjustments
• Batteries, tyres, wheels, wheel balancing or alignment
• Paintwork, trim and upholstery or the deterioration of any other part, assembly or component as a consequence of wear and tear or exposure to the elements
• After market accessories or non-original equipment, components and systems not installed by a McLaren Retailer are specifically excluded from the coverage
• Any damage caused to any components by the use of incorrect or contaminated fuel
• The renewal of any clutch component due to incorrect adjustment, misuse or general wear and tear
• Water Ingress
• Software upgrades (unless part of a valid repair).

The latest model in the McLaren Sports Series, the 570GT, to make UK debut at the London Motor Show 2016.

• The latest model in the McLaren Sports Series, the 570GT, to make UK debut at the London Motor Show 2016
• McLaren 675LT Spider and 650S Spider also on display on the McLaren London stand #L63 at Battersea Evolution, 5-8 May 2016

The new McLaren 570GT will make its UK debut at the revived London Motor Show, following the global reveal at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The latest model in the Sports Series will be joining the 650S Spider and the sold-out 675LT Spider as part of the McLaren London stand #L63 at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park.  

The 570GT is the most refined and luxurious McLaren to date sitting alongside the 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé as the third model in the recently announced Sports Series. Practical enough for everyday use and long-distance journeys, the 570GT features a unique side-opening rear glass hatch offering additional storage on the leather-upholstered Touring Deck. 

The light and airy cabin is specified with the highest quality materials throughout and includes a standard fixed glass Panoramic Roof creating an open and relaxing driving environment.

Under the skin, the 570GT has been developed with a road-biased dynamic setup, while retaining the supercar levels of engagement experienced on other McLaren models. 

The 570GT is fitted with the McLaren-developed 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 M838TE engine which generates 570PS (562 bhp) and 600 Nm (443 lb ft) of torque. 

The power is delivered through the rear wheels via a seven-speed seamless-shift transmission with adjustment to the handling and powertrain settings available through Normal, Sport and Track. The UK pricing of the McLaren 570GT starts from £154,000 with first customer deliveries scheduled for July 2016.

The car will be displayed alongside two groundbreaking models from the McLaren Super Series, the 650S Spider and the 675LT Spider, the latter of which is also making its UK show debut. 

The 675LT Spider is the second model to wear the iconic Longtail badge and the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open top McLaren model ever built. The car was unveiled in December 2015 as a limited edition of 500 examples, all of which sold out within two weeks.

The revived London Motor Show will be taking place at the Battersea Evolution from 5-8 of May and showcase more than 40 car brands and 130 models to visitors from around the world. 

The Show provides an important platform for the motoring industry in the UK, which is enjoying considerable success in terms of vehicle manufacturing, technical innovation and new car registration.

UK SALES 2015 - McLaren is doing so well, growing every year that they are employing more staff.

• More than 1,650 McLaren cars delivered from the McLaren Production Centre in 2015
• Strong global demand fuels 250 new jobs and second shift in the McLaren Production Centre
• Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, welcomes success and recruitment of world-class engineering talent on visit to McLaren Technology Centre

McLaren Automotive, the British producer of luxury sports and supercars, ended 2015 with another record year, as it has done every year since the company began production in 2010. 

A total of 1,654 cars were delivered to customers across 30 markets.  The global demand for the range of McLaren Automotive cars, especially the recently-launched Sports Series, has driven the need for a second shift at the world-class McLaren Production Centre and the immediate recruitment of 250 skilled production team members.

Welcoming the 2015 success for McLaren Automotive and the recruitment of 250 new production roles at the McLaren Production Centre was the Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.  

On a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre on Thursday 7 January 2016, Mr Javid commented:‘McLaren road cars are some of the most iconic in the world and that is down to the excellence of British design, engineering and manufacturing. Today’s news that it is creating 250 new jobs is a sign that the UK auto industry continues to thrive. 

‘I was particularly impressed to hear that over half of all the components and parts that go into their cars are manufactured here in the UK, and this is creating countless more jobs in the supply chain.’

SALES SUCCESS IN 2015

The record year by McLaren Automotive was supported by the launch of no less than five new models, as well as introducing the new three tier product family – Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series.  

At the Geneva Motorshow in March, McLaren Automotive launched two cars at the pinnacle of their respective model Series – the McLaren P1^TM GTR in the Ultimate Series and the 675LT Coupé in the Super Series.  

Built in response to requests from existing McLaren P1^TM customers, the McLaren P1^TM GTR was designed as the ultimate track car for the most exclusive owners’ club. Hand-assembled to the exacting specification of its owner, the cars are used on a selection of the world’s most famous racing circuits as part of the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme.

This exclusive owners’ club opens up the world of McLaren to a small group immersing them in a full suite of personal racing services, including seat fitting, use of the McLaren racing simulators and fitness facilities as well as full trackside support and driver training from a host of world class engineers and drivers, including Driver Mentor, Bruno Senna.

The McLaren 675LT Coupé is the first modern-day McLaren to wear the ‘LT’ or ‘Longtail’ name, and was limited to 500 cars. It sold out almost immediately.  

The track-focused 675LT Coupé, featuring lighter weight, increased power and enhanced driving dynamics, was joined in December by a Spider variant which, again, is limited to 500 cars and sold out in just two weeks.  

In April, at the New York Autoshow, McLaren Automotive revealed the new Sports Series family, designed to be the most accessible form of McLaren ownership.  The first car launched, the 570S Coupé, has been almost universally awarded five-stars by all of those who have driven it since its arrival.  This was followed by the reveal of the 540C Coupé at the Shanghai Autoshow later the same month.  

By the time the Sports Series is complete in 2017, the range will include two further bodystyles and is expected to account for two thirds of total annual sales volumes.  Despite only having started production in November, the McLaren retailer network is already holding over six months worth of orders for Sports Series cars.

2015 also marked the end of production of the road-going McLaren P1^TM from the Ultimate Series.  The last of the limited run of 375 McLaren P1^TM supercars was delivered to its customer in December.  

The end-of-production of the McLaren P1^TM, the first of the new generation of hybrid supercars, coincided with a number of triple tests that confirmed the position of the McLaren P1^TM as one of the world’s greatest supercars ever produced.

Alongside the record sales development, the McLaren Automotive global retailer network also grew in 2015 to 80 retailers covering 30 markets.  

Twelve new retailers opened in 2015 covering important territories such as Seoul, Mexico City and Houston.  Further development is planned in 2016, with a focus on controlled and sustainable growth within existing markets rather than significantly increasing the total number of markets covered.

In addition to progress with new car sales and retailer openings, the McLaren Automotive pre-owned programme, McLaren Qualified, continued to expand in 2015.  

Over 700 cars were sold as the programme expanded into new retailers and new markets. McLaren Qualified will continue to develop in 2016 as a significant opportunity for retailers, as well as representing the first stepping-stone into McLaren ownership for many new customers.

Commenting on the 2015 end-of-year performance, Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive said: ‘2015 was a year of rapid expansion for McLaren Automotive.  When the company was set up in 2010, we set ourselves an ambition to launch one new car every year.  In 2015, we launched five!  

This accelerated development has led to yet another record year, with unprecedented levels of demand for all of our cars, especially the new Sports Series, for which we are currently holding more than six months worth of orders.  

This goes to show that the team at the McLaren Technology Centre and around the world, together with our retail partners, are creating and building the world’s most desirable sports and supercars. 

‘The need to add a second shift in the McLaren Production Centre is another great example of the progress that McLaren Automotive has made in its short history.  

I look forward to receiving the 250 new production team members into the company shortly.  All of these developments in 2015 give me a very positive sense of confidence that our product range and long-term business plans are heading in exactly the right direction’.

NEW MANUFACTURING ROLES AT THE McLAREN PRODUCTION CENTRE

The sales success of 2015, linked to the unprecedented levels of forward orders for the new Sports Series, has led to the initiation of a second shift at the McLaren Production Centre.  

A total of 250 new roles will be created in the Production, Quality and Logistics departments as the company invests for its future.  These will be apportioned as approximately 200 in Production, 30 in Quality and the remaining 20 in Logistics.

The second shift is scheduled to start in February 2016.  The new roles, which are being recruited immediately, will add approximately 40 percent to the existing headcount at the world-class production facility and will take production rates from the previous 14 cars per day up to 20 cars per day by mid-2016.

The increase in production resource comes on top of the significant investments in Research and Development previously announced in the company’s 2014 financial results.  

In June 2015, McLaren Automotive confirmed that it had reinvested 20 percent of its annual turnover of £475.5m, or approximately £92m, in Research and Development.  Significant investment continued in 2015, funding Research and Development for new models, technologies and innovation.

Mike Flewitt continued: ‘The launch of the new Sports Series is a step-change for McLaren Automotive.  It opens the company up to new markets, new customers and consequently, new sales volumes.  The reception to the new Sports Series and the levels of customer orders tells us that now is the time to invest in the second shift and 250 new production team members to ensure that we are able to reach our assembly objectives once the full model range is available.’

McLaren Automotive has today debuted an exclusive 650S project bespoke to the Middle East

McLaren Automotive has today debuted an exclusive 650S project bespoke to the Middle East, as the covers have come off the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO. The special edition model lines up alongside the 570S Coupé and a customised example of the McLaren P1™ at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015 as McLaren showcases the recently announced three model tiers – the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series – in the region together for the first time.

The 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 has been developed by McLaren Special Operations –the division of the company responsible for bespoke craftsmanship – and is available exclusively for Middle East customers. The uniquely formulated paint scheme and bespoke specification have been inspired by the styles, cultures and landscape of the region, and contribute to the name of the latest MSO model.

‘Al Sahara’ translates from the Arabic for desert, and the crisp pearlescent white gold paintwork has a subtle shimmer, inspired by the golden sands which form such a distinctive part of the Middle Eastern landscape. This unique paint finish is achieved through the addition of 24 carat gold particles. The precious metal, associated with opulence and luxury throughout the region has an atomic number of 79.

Contrasting detailing on the exterior of the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 includes a retractable hard top and lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in gloss black. Carbon fibre is used for the side intakes, front splitter and rear diffuser, while aggressive, full-length carbon fibre MSO-branded Side Blades provide a more purposeful and sculpted appearance. 

A fully custom-zoned interior features black and Almond White leather upholstered electrically-adjustable sports seats with contrasting stitching, with the Al Sahara 79 paint scheme carried through to the steering wheel, centre console and door panels around the heating and ventilation controls. A dark golden finish has been applied to all switchgear and heating vents.

Power comes from the multi-award-winning mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine seen in the 650S Coupe and 650S Spider, producing 650S PS (641bhp) at 7,250rpm and 678NM (500lb ft) of torque. 

Performance and economy figures remain unchanged, with zero to 62mph (100km/h) reached in 3.0 seconds, and a top speed of 204 mph (329km/h), while achieving 24.2mpg (EU combined) cycle and CO₂emissions of 275g/km.

The Middle East boasts one of the highest levels of MSO customisation globally, with more than 25 percent of all models bound for the region containing an element of bespoke content. 

This ranges from unique colours, stitching, leathers and aerodynamic upgrades. Design consultations with owners in the Middle East highlighted a desire to see special editions unique to the region resulting in the bespoke project design team at MSO researching regional and local trends, cultures and tastes. 

The McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO has a retail price of 1,456,308 AED.

Commenting on the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO, Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, McLaren Automotive explained:‘McLaren Automotive is a true pioneer in its approach to the design and development of high performance sports and supercars, and the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO is evidence of that. 

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.

‘Since launching the brand back in 2011, McLaren Automotive has built extremely close links with the Middle East region. The Sports Series, as the third and final product tier in the model range is, is an extremely important and exciting addition to the line-up alongside the Super and Ultimate Series. 

We are delighted to show examples of each Series for the first time together in the region here at the Dubai International Motor Show, underlining how far the company has progressed in such a short period of time.’

Paul Mackenzie, Executive Director – McLaren Special Operations added: ‘The 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 project 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 – which are the foundations of the MSO brand.’

FIRST REGIONAL DISPLAY OF THE THREE MODEL TIERS

In addition to the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79, which represents the McLaren Super Series at the Dubai International Motor Show, examples of both the Sports Series and Ultimate Series will be on display. This marks the first time each of the three tiers has been publicly shown together in the Middle East.

The 570S Coupé is the first model in the recently launched Sports Series, and introduces McLaren design, engineering and performance to the sports car market. 

The vehicle on display is finished in Ventura Orange with a focus on sport through carbon fibre exterior upgrades, sports exhaust, by McLaren Sport Design interior and carbon fibre interior pack. Pricing for the Sports Series starts from 650,000 AED, with deliveries set to commence in the region from next month.

Alongside the newest addition to the McLaren Automotive range is a unique example of the most powerful – the 916PS (903bhp) McLaren P1™. Commissioned by a Middle Eastern customer, the bespoke model features significant MSO content and is finished in white with subtle McLaren Orange detailing to highlight key design characteristics across the aerodynamically-optimised bodywork. 

Customisation continues in the cabin through a blend of raw carbon and contrasting black and orange Alcanatara®.  

The McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 will make its global debut on Stand SS100, Sheikh Saeed Hall 1 at the Dubai International Motor Show, 10-14 November.