McLaren MP4-12C Project Alpha revealed

McLaren’s recent kooky X-1 concept hX-1 concept showed the sports car manufacturer is not averse to producing limited-edition bespoke models, and now here’s further proof.

Pictured alongside are images of the ‘Project Alpha’ MP4-12C, which is a six-car consignment ordered by McLaren’s Chicago dealer.

In addition to packing the 460kW engine and other upgrades that come with the 2013 MP4-12C, the Project Alpha cars score a range of cosmetic tweaks to distinguish them from run-of-the-mill Macs.

Among the bespoke external elements are gloss-black trim on the roof, front splitter, rear deck lid and inner surfacing of the wheels. There are also carbon fibre rear vents and louvered front fenders.

Inside, there’s badging on the driver’s door that spells out its identity, and additional ‘Project Alpha’ badging on the floor mats and elsewhere in the cabin denote its unique status.

In the US, the Project Alpha cars are expected to be priced around $335,000 – a substantial premium over the $241,800 price tag worn by the standard car. Despite the hefty ask, four of the six Project Alpha cars have allegedly been spoken for already.

“These are cars commissioned by our Chicago dealer in response to customer demand using options from the existing McLaren Special Operations catalogue,” McLaren North America spokesperson Michele Shapiro told website Autoblog.

“MSO offers a specialisation service that varies from trim and bodywork changes – as witnessed by this car – to a whole new car, for example the X-1 project recently shown at The Quail in Monterey, California,” Shapiro added.

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