► McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept revealed
► Set for Pebble Beach show debut
► Upgrades include a titanium exhaust
McLaren is set to unveil the latest product of its Special Operations Devision – no, not an ’80s electronica group – at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
It’s dubbed the McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept, and as the name suggests is based on the recently launched 570GT. The new MSO-fettled version features a host of trim, equipment and cosmetic upgrades, all of which are claimed to ‘accentuate the McLaren interpretation of a GT car.’
What are the big changes?
The most notable upgrade is the addition of a titanium exhaust system, which is 30% lighter than the original. It’s also reputedly far richer and louder than the standard set-up, injecting the 570 with some oft-missing aural character.
You’ll have probably already spotted the MSO’s bespoke heat shields, which are finished in a golden titanium nitride tint. These change colour to a blueish-purple when heated by the GT’s twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8. They also give the concept a hint of McLaren F1…
Okay, so what about the more run-of-the-mill special edition bits?
The MSO Concept gets pearl white paint, a piano-black exterior and interior trim pack, extended gloss carbonfibre sill panels and a tan interior.
MSO’s also seen fit to upgrade the standard eight-speaker Hi-Fi with a 12-speaker Bower and Wilkins system, giving you something to indulge your ears with when you’re cruising across Europe.
One other neat upgrade is the addition of an electrochromatic roof panel, which is currently being developed for the standard 570GT. It allows occupants to adjust the level of the glass panel’s tint, in order to shield them from the sun – or passing paparazzi in SUVs.
Paul Mackenzie, executive director of McLaren Special Operations, said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Read our review of the new McLaren 570GT here