MSO tricks out McLaren 570GT concept

MCLAREN has teamed up with its bespoke division McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to create an enhanced version of its most road-friendly model, the 570GT, ahead of its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The supercar gains a number of styling changes, most notably its electro-chromic roof, designed to aid occupants who live in hot and sunny climates.

The electro-chromic roof, which is currently in development for the road-going 570GT, works by taking a standard glass roof with a UV-protective interlayer and fitting it with an additional adjustable electro-chromic interlayer.

By using a touch-sensitive headlining, the roof can be adjusted to five different settings ranging from almost clear to a deep, dark tint, which can add extra protection against extreme sun glare and heat – a particularly useful feature for drivers who live in sunny climates such as California.

The engine note of the 570GT’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 is enhanced through the use of a titanium exhaust system, replacing the standard stainless steel set-up on the regular 570GT.

Borrowed from the McLaren 675LT project, the titanium system is 30 per cent lighter, while the visible heat shields are finished in a golden titanium nitride tint, which naturally changes colour to a blue/purple hue as the system heats and cools.

Carbon-fibre adorns the entire length of the 570GT’s sills, complementing the MSO Piano Black package, which gives exterior details such as the wheels, side skirt front and rear door inserts, and interior details a glossy black finish.

This is contrasted by the rest of the vehicle, which sports a Pearl White paint finish.

Inside, the concept features a ‘By McLaren’ interior in Saddle Tan leather with a integrated 12-speaker Bowers and Wilkins Hi-Fi system.

Contrasting the tan leather, the rest of the interior applies liberal amounts of carbon-fibre throughout the cabin, with a gloss lacquer finish.

MSO executive director Paul Mackenzie said the 570GT was an opportunity for the special ops division to show how it can customise a stock McLaren.

“This year, closely following the reveal of the GT addition to the Sports Series family, we showcase the breadth of McLaren Special Operations personalisation work, this time focussing on bespoke engineering design and components,” he said.

“With its electro-chromic roof especially, the McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept would be well suited to the needs and demands of customers in sunnier and warmer climates.”

Meanwhile, McLaren has revealed pricing and specification for its extremely limited-run MSO HS, which will sit second from the top in McLaren’s line-up behind the beastly P1.

The MSO HS is a special-edition variant of the 675LT that features a number of weight-saving and aerodynamic features, as well as a more hardcore version of its twin-turbo V8 that boosts power from 497kW in the 675LT to 506kW in the HS.

Torque remains unchanged at a plentiful 700Nm.

The extra aerodynamic features, including a P1 GTR-inspired rear wing spoiler, are enough to generate 220kg of downward force, however the MSO HS has to be traveling at an eye-watering 240 km/h to achieve that number.

Further weight reduction is achieved on the inside through the liberal use of Alcantara and the installation of carbon-fibre racing seats.

However customers looking to get their hands on the MSO HS will be sorely disappointed – all 25 examples have already been set aside for customers.

And even if they could, they would need a sizeable wallet to find space for it in their garage – the MSO HS will retail for £259,500 ($A446,409).