McLaren makes an ultralight, ultra-rare MSO X supercar

McLaren has revealed an ultra-limited edition, race car-inspired version of its 570S – the MSO X. Developed by McLaren Special Operations, the special projects arm of the British supercar manufacturer, just 10 of the MSO X have been made and all of them were ordered by McLaren Newport Beach in California, USA.

Based on the 570S Coupe, the MSO X takes inspiration from the GT4 race car version of the supercar. This has led to external additions such as a large rear wing, a carbon-fibre air intake on the roof and a unique rear bumper, while the roof, bonnet, side skirts and engine cover are now made from satin-finished carbon fibre.

The visual package is finished with an MSO-produced titanium exhaust, and all 10 cars feature a livery inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR race cars from the mid-90s. The race car inspiration continues on the inside of the MSO X, with a minimalist design that has resulted in nothing but essential equipment in the cabin. Carbon-fibre bucket seats feature, as do exposed sill panels and a carbon-fibre bulkhead that allows stowage space for a racing helmet. Each car is also equipped with six-point racing harnesses in addition to the three-point seat belts.

Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive’s executive director of global sales and marketing, said: “The MSO X collection is the perfect example of the rich vein of bespoke service offered by McLaren Special Operations. Customers come to us with their thoughts and ideas and MSO works with them to set boundaries within which they can then let their imaginations run wild.

“What could be better than a McLaren buyer playing the role of ‘race engineer’ in briefing the MSO team and directing them to test and validate those ideas to create a race-bred road car such as this?”

Despite the race-focused additions, the MSO X is road-legal. Pricing is not known but expect it to be well over the standard 570S’s £143k price tag.

Just 10 examples of the McLaren MSO X will be built.