Not too long ago, we showed you patent images that purported to show the wild shape of an upcoming limited-run supercar called the McLaren Sabre (nee BC-03), inspired by the company’s Vision Gran Turismo concept. Now, a McLaren dealership in Beverly Hills has pulled the wraps off the final car, painted in an arresting two-tone scheme and showing off all the swoops, wings, and slats we were hoping would come to the final product.
Indeed, this is a McLaren Special Operations commission, initiated by a customer, and the total number built will hit the upper end of the rumored series: 15. The “BC” in the car’s internal model name stands for “bespoke commission,” by the way. However, rumors about the powertrain proved to be slightly off. Rather than utilizing hybrid power, the Sabre sticks with a twin-turbo V-8 that pushes out a very healthy 824 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a top speed of a claimed 218 mph. That’s more juice than the outrageously-powerful (for a non-hybrid McLaren) Elva.
Interestingly, the Sabre is a U.S.-market exclusive. Americans will claim all 15 of these models, each personally customized to their standards and tastes. The build process sounds as involved and enjoyable as the final car will be. It started with the customers enjoying a secret track day at Thermal Club, a private racetrack outside of San Diego, whipping a camouflaged prototype around the course. After that, customers provided feedback to the McLaren team back in Woking.
Being MSO special commissions, each owner will be intimately involved in the build and spec of each car. That’s half the appeal of a custom project like this—the intimate involvement, the incredibly personal attention, the very individual final product.
No word on what the Sabre will set its owners back, but it’s rather academic, as all have been snapped up. Of course, reach out to MSO if this special supercar makes you hot around the wallet, and they’ll gladly begin the process to create your own custom McLaren with you—if you can fund it.
