In the world of McLaren there are three levels of cars: the entry-level Sports Series, the bulk of the portfolio is mid-level Super Series and at the very top of the hierarchy is the Ultimate Series. The latter consists of cars such as the P1, Senna, and the Speedtail, and as of today the McLaren Sabre.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

Order from our online store and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

Very limited edition

The McLaren Sabre has been rumoured and speculated about for some time. Initial reports were that just a single unit would be built for a lucky customer but that number has since increased to 15, all of which are destined for sale in the US. Each car was developed with its owner from the very start. If we had to guess, we’d say the owner of the car pictured above is a fan of McLaren’s F1 racers of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Owners were even privy to drives of test mules long before production had been signed off. That’s quite a rare occurrence in the automotive world.

Check out an exclusive, one of one, roofless Lamborghini at this link.

All carbon

When info first started to spread some guessed the Sabre would take cues from the McLaren BC-03 (as covered here), and they were not far off. The Sabre does look as though it belongs purely on a racetrack. The wild aero kit is even more dramatic than that of the McLaren Senna. However, the new car has been homologated for road use in the US.

Click here to check out a McLaren Ultimate Series reunion video.

The McLaren Sabre is most closely to the Senna. It shares that car’s carbon-fibre monocoque and twin-turbocharged V8 motor. The 4,0-litre unit delivers a peak of 615 kW of power along with 800 N.m of torque, all of which is sent to the rear axle via seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. Top speed is rated as 350 km/h, though no acceleration figures were quoted. Let us know what you think of the McLaren Sabre on our Facebook page.