McLaren unveils roadster with real gold paint

British supercar-maker McLaren staged the world debut of the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO at the Dubai International Motor Show overnight,

Designed exclusively for Middle Eastern customers, the topless 650S special-edition appeared alongside a customised version of its P1 hypercar and the much more affordable 570S Coupe, bringing together all three of its models tiers – Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series – in the region for the first time.

McLaren says the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 — developed by the McLaren Special Operations bespoke division — features a uniquely formulated paint scheme and bespoke specification inspired by the styles, cultures and landscape of the region, which contributes to the name of the latest MSO model.

"‘Al Sahara’ translates from the Arabic for desert, and the crisp pearlescent white gold paintwork has a subtle shimmer, inspired by the golden sands which form such a distinctive part of the Middle Eastern landscape," said McLaren.

In fact, the unique paint finish of the special 650S is achieved through the addition of 24 carat gold particles and gold has an atomic number of 79.

Priced at 1,456,308 AED ($A560,000), the car's retractable hard-top and forged alloy wheels are finished in gloss black, while carbon-fibre features on the side intakes, front splitter and rear diffuser, complimented by full-length carbon-fibre MSO-branded Side Blades.

Inside, there's a fully "custom-zoned" interior featuring black and Almond White leather sports seats with contrasting stitching, a gold steering wheel, centre console and door panels, with a dark golden finish applied to all switchgear and heating vents.

There is no change to the mid-mounted 650ps/679Nm 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8, meaning it sprints to 100km/h in the same the same three seconds as the standard 650S Spider.

McLaren says the Middle East boasts one of the highest levels of MSO customisation globally, with more than 25 per cent of all models bound for the region containing an element of bespoke content, including unique colours, stitching, leathers and aerodynamic upgrades.

Commissioned by a local customer, the bespoke P1 also shown in Dubai features significant MSO content, including white paint with subtle McLaren Orange detailing and an interior that combines raw carbon and contrasting black and orange Alcanatara highlights.