Midtown madness
McLaren Automotive has officially entered the Indian market with the inauguration of its first dealership in Mumbai
MCLAREN MUMBAI IS THE 120TH DEALERSHIP GLOBALLY
MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE, THE BRITISH supercar-maker has officially made its entry into the Indian market, inaugurating its first showroom in Mumbai. The move is one of global significance, with McLaren Mumbai being the marque’s 120th dealership globally, and the 41st dealership in the Asia-Pacific market. India is a burgeoning market for supercar makers, and considering the demand that it represents, Infinity Cars, a dealership already associated with highperformance and luxury brands will be the exclusive importer for McLaren supercars in India. Commenting on the occasion, Lalit Choudhary, the chairman and managing director of McLaren Mumbai said, “We are honoured to commence our journey as McLaren Mumbai and have it in our offering.” Lalit went on to add, “We are confident that we can deliver McLaren’s engineering excellence with a customer-centric proposition to ensure that we continue to exceed the expectations of our discerning clientele.”
The launch of the dealership itself was an event buzzing with excitement. On display were three of McLaren’s most eclectic models, starting off with a McLaren GT in stealthy black. Interestingly, even prior to McLaren’s official entry into our markets, the 611bhp grand tourer has already gained popularity in Bollywood circles! Things only got more exciting moving to the 720S Spider finished in a fiery MSO bespoke red. For those of you not familiar with MSO or McLaren Special Operations, this a special arm of McLaren that caters to the most discerning buyers, unlocking a new level of customisation to make sure that each McLaren is specced as per an owner’s unique taste.
The showstopper of the event was a very special limited-run model, a 765LT Spider finished in MSO bespoke delta red, claimed to be the only example of its kind! Based on the 720S and available in coupe as well as convertible form, the 765LT is 80kg lighter than the 720S and it also packs in more downforce. Want to get your paws on one? Too late, as the 755bhp (or 765PS), 330kmph missile is already sold out! In addition to the coupe and convertible versions of the above models, McLaren’s India lineup will also feature the Artura hybrid, slated to launch in early 2023. The company also announced its MSO programme and its Arctic driving experience, with the latter allowing participants to master driving a McLaren at the Arctic circle.
It’s clear that McLaren has big ambitions in India, especially considering the popularity that Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches command in our market. But with McLaren’s spaceship-resembling offerings now joining the fray, it’s safe to say that the streets of Mumbai at least are likely to be a playground of supercars and their midtown madness! ⌧