The special edition model is available only for customers in the Middle East
Unveiled at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show, the special edition 650S Spider sources its name from “Al Sahara”, which is Arabic for desert. The car sports a uniquely formulated paint scheme and bespoke specification inspired by the styles, cultures and landscape of the region.
The crisp pearlescent white gold paintwork has a subtle shimmer, which McLaren says is inspired by the golden sands that are so commonplace in the Middle East. The exclusive paint finish is obtained through the addition of 24 carat gold particles – with the “79” in the car’s name being a reference to gold’s atomic number.
Contrasting elements include a retractable hard top and lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in gloss black, as well as carbon fiber side intakes, front splitter and rear diffuser.
Inside, the McLaren 650S Al Sahara 79 gets a fully custom-zoned cabin with black and Almond White leather upholstered sports seats with contrasting stitching. The Al Sahara 79 paint scheme is featured on the steering wheel, center console and door panels around the heating and ventilation controls. Finally, all switchgear and heating vents get a dark golden finish.
There are no changes when it comes to the engine, which is the same mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin turbo V8 from the 650S and 650S Spider that delivers 650 PS (641 hp) at 7,250 rpm and 678 Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. Obviously, performance and economy figures remain the same: 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes 3.0 seconds, while top speed is 204 mph (329 km/h).
In the United Arab Emirates, the McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO carries a retail price of 1,456,308 AED (approximately $396,500).