McLAREN AUTOMOTIVE LAUNCHES BESPOKE MERCHANDISE INSPIRED BY THE GROUNDBREAKING 12C
19/12/12.- McLaren Automotive has designed and developed a range of products inspired by, and focused on, the passion of driving. The products are all available from the recently launched McLaren eStore – www.mclarenstore.com – and the range includes a variety of stylish accessories, clothing and luggage, based around the designs evident throughout McLaren and the groundbreaking 12C high performance sports car. These fashionable and versatile items are perfect for the most avid McLaren fan or those most focused on enjoying the thrill of the open road.
Men’s accessories
McLaren has a long-standing relationship with TAG Heuer, and the Swiss luxury watchmaker has produced a special edition chronograph wristwatch, designed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson. The Tag Heuer Carrera MP4-12C chronograph takes direct inspiration from the high performance 12C sports car after which it is named, through the use of carbon fibre for the dial. On the reverse, sapphire crystal inserts reveal the movement behind the high-tech face. Limited to only 1,000 pieces globally, it is available exclusively through the McLaren global retail network and at the McLaren eStore – www.mclarenstore.com
Highlighting the pioneering steps made by McLaren is a carbon fibre and mesh McLarenSport mechanical bracelet by Links of London. McLaren first introduced a carbon fibre chassis to Formula 1 in 1981, setting a new benchmark in the sport. From here, all McLaren cars, both for the road and for the circuit, have been built using the lightweight structure. The stylish bracelet includes design features motivated by the components of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 cars, with the woven mesh of the bracelet inspired by the piping used by McLaren Racing.
Bags of space
Designed to maximise the 144 litres of space beneath the bonnet of the 12C is the stylish, fitted luggage set. The three bespoke cases were designed in collaboration with the McLaren Automotive design studio, and are made from an exclusive carbon fibre outer material, with carbon fibre handles and silver or McLaren Orange detail stitching. The design on the exterior of the bags emulates the engine cover of the groundbreaking 12C, while the lining of each case is finished with ‘Space Fabric’, which is used to upholster the seats in the 12C. The cases are available in three sizes – 59cm x 43cm x 22.5cm; 59cm x 39cm x 22.5cm; 40cm x 30cm x 16cm.
Clothing and accessories
A variety of exclusive, high quality leather accessories complement the range, including a black leather wallet and card holder, finished in carbon fibre weave-effect leather with McLaren orange stitching, and a pair of elegant driving gloves produced from luxury full-grain black sheepskin leather, with contrasting McLaren Orange piping. The gloves are ergonomically-designed to ensure comfort and perfect grip.
A range of versatile and stylish clothing including a luxury slim-fit Italian, black sports jacket, black polo shirt and black cap is also available. The sleek, light weight, slim fit jacket features internal heat-welded stitching and outer tapered sides to ensure a superior finish, while the polo shirt and cap, both finished in black, include a subtle McLaren logo.
About McLaren Automotive
McLaren Automotive is a British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports cars, located at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey.
Following the company’s global launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive launched the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider and, in keeping with its plan to introduce a new model each year, recently unveiled the McLaren P1 at the Paris Motor Show. The brand continues to expand, operating through a dedicated global network of retailers in every major automotive market.
McLaren Automotive Technical Partners
In the development, engineering and manufacture of its range of innovative and highly acclaimed sports cars, McLaren Automotive has partnered with world leading companies to provide specialist expertise and technology. These include Akebono, AkzoNobel, ExxonMobil and Pirelli.
Designed for the track; Developed for the road
The connection between Formula 1 and road cars at McLaren is a natural process of experience, knowledge, principles and process transfer. Through the integration of 50 years of Formula 1 racing expertise and knowledge, and 20 years of heritage in producing landmark sports cars, McLaren Automotive designs, develops and builds the technologically advanced, groundbreaking and no compromise 12C and 12C Spider.
McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle production over the past 30 years, and since introducing a carbon chassis into racing and road cars with the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and 1993 McLaren F1 respectively, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.
Visit www.mclarenautomotive.com for more details.
Text and photograph by: McLaren.
