While we had hoped the new concept would be the recently revealed 688 HS or even the rumored 3-seater, it turns out the car is simply a bespoke version of the 570GT which incidentally is making its own North American debut in Monterey. McLaren said it built the concept to preview some of the personalization options MSO is offering buyers of the 570GT and other members from the McLaren Sports Series family.
Power comes from McLaren’s familiar twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8, which is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and spins the rear wheels only. Peak output remains at 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, which is enough for 0-62 mph acceleration in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 204 mph.
The Electro-Chromic Roof takes the standard glass roof and adds an extra electro-chromic interlayer. This means that, using a touch-sensitive headlining, it can be adjusted through five defined points from almost clear to a dark tint to alter the amount of light let into the cabin. The roof- which McLaren says is aimed at customers in warmer climates- will only be available on the 570GT, and it is not yet production-ready as it is still in development. Everything else showcased on the car can be specced by MSO customers now.
The new titanium MSO exhaust system is 30% lighter than the stainless steel unit it replaces. McLaren says it delivers a richer tone more immediately than the original stainless steel system. It also has heat shields that are finished in a golden titanium nitride tint, which change colour to blue/purple as the system heats and cools through its cycle. This is the seventh year that McLaren is attending Monterey Car Week, officially at least. The automaker was at McCall’s Motorworks Revival on yesterday and will also be at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on August 19 and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 21.
