2012 McLaren X-1 Concept
In the theme of one-offs, the X-1 was a custom derivative of the MP4-12C for an obviously special McLaren customer. Unveiled for the first time at the 2012 Quail, it sports essentially the same carbon monocell tub as the 12C. The owner apparently also possesses a McLaren F1, Mercedes SLR McLaren and an MP4-12C, and wanted a unique car that still had all of the 12C capabilities.
The owner also required a design competition for the car between McLaren’s in-house designers and a select group of outside people. McLaren’s own Korean-born Hong Yeo’s concept was finally selected. While claiming inspiration from cars such as the ’39 Mercedes 540K, ’53 Chrysler d’Elegance Ghia and ’71 Citroen SM, to me the profile also strongly suggests the ’54 Alfa Romeo BAT 7 (see my post, A Trio of BATS). I can’t help but harken back to the “Back to the Future” Delorean when I see that rear deck engine vent treatment.
Borrowing a well-known technique for grasping a client’s artistic tastes, McLaren execs presented the customer with various commercial design images and let his image choices inform them of his desires, along with his stated preference for a car expressing “timeless and classical elegance.” Classical car proportions generally feature front engines with rear drive, not an easy shape to convey with a mid-engine supercar chassis. Eighteen months of sketching and clay modeling followed, as the client was not content with only digital models. Once built, the car was subjected to 625 miles of testing, after which it was torn down and then completely reassembled to ensure it was perfect.
The all carbon fiber body, produced by Crosby Composites, is painted piano black to the side panel inserts just below the belt line. The inserts are exposed carbon fiber with a polished lacquer finish. The headlights, taillights and wheels are all unique. The bright-work is machined, nickel-plated billet aluminum, as is the Airbrake rear wing. The skirted rear wheels harken back to an elegant ‘50s styling theme, lending the car that timeless design feel so important to the owner. Externally, only the glass is common to the MP4-12C.
The basic interior architecture of the 12C remains carried over in this car, personalized by the use of Harissa Red McLaren Nappa leather and titanium weave carbon fiber, giving it a 3D-like effect. Andesite (an igneous rock) tufted carpet finishes things off.
While this car is longer and wider than the MP4-12C upon which it is based, it still boasts the same overall height and weighs in at just over 3,000 lb. It also utilizes the 12C twin-turbo, 620 HP engine and is road legal. This car represents the ultimate in customization available by the McLaren Special Operations group, proving once again that given enough time and money, virtually anything is possible.
