These spy shots provide our first look at the upcoming limited edition McLaren Sabre. Internally known as the BC-03, the project has been commissioned by the British brand’s bespoke customisation arm, McLaren Special Operations, drawing design inspiration from the virtual Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept from 2017.
These spy shots provide our first look at the upcoming limited edition McLaren Sabre. Internally known as the BC-03, the project has been commissioned by the British brand’s bespoke customisation arm, McLaren Special Operations, drawing design inspiration from the virtual Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept from 2017.
We’re yet to hear anything official from McLaren, but the rumours suggest the Sabre will be a very exclusive car, with production said to be limited to just six units. The car is also expected to share its carbon fibre monocoque, carbon ceramic brakes and sophisticated RaceActive Chassis Control II (RCC II) suspension system with the Senna.
The Sabre’s styling has been designed to emulate that of the Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept – and this mule certainly shares the same broad front splitter, wide side skirts and aggressive rear diffuser. The virtual car’s enormous rear wing has also been transferred onto this prototype, complete with a central stabilising fin.
Judging by the fact that this concept was spotted in a petrol station on trade plates, we also expect it’ll be fully road legal. This is backed-up by the car’s side repeaters, headlamps and door mirrors – all of which appear to conform to the latest road car regulations.
The Sabre will probably feature the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine as the McLaren Senna, which will provide at least 588kW and 800Nm. However, the Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept featured a hybrid powertrain with 857kW – so it’s also possible that the Sabre could be fitted with a similar powertrain to the hybridised McLaren Speedtail, with an electrified front axle.
Despite this mule now being in the public eye, McLaren is yet to confirm the project’s existence. A spokesman for the brand said: “McLaren Special Operations (MSO) works on a variety of unique customer projects at any given time and we don’t comment on these projects or speculation about them.”
Luke Wilkinson