Dubai buyer pays Dh5.1m for first McLaren P1 supercar

The first McLaren P1, a Dh5.1 million supercar that can go from 0 to 100kph in only 2.8 seconds, will be handed over to its owner in Dubai at the end of the week.
So if you see it on the road be sure to take a photo, as it is one of only 375 made and the first of a handful to be released.
To most, McLaren is a racing name that is mentioned on grands prix weekends but has little relevance to the roads we all drive on.
The Dh1m McLaren 12C, launched in 2011 was recently joined by a 12C Spyder with a retractable roof. They are rarely seen on the UAE's roads.
McLaren believes that with the launch of the P1, the desire for its cars is about to grow.
"The P1 has two competitors, two manufacturers that use electric and petrol technology: one is Ferrari, one is Porsche," says Ian Gorsuch, McLaren's regional director.
"By the end of this year 15 P1s will be in the region but when the run is finished about 40 will be here.
"We produce about 1,300 to 1,400 12Cs every year, of which we deliver about 140 here. So it's about 10 per cent for both cars."
Exclusivity is what sets the McLaren marque apart and the company believes a "halo" effect from having a car that even the super-rich would find difficult to afford will pay dividends.
"Obviously, having the car driven by the right kind of people carries kudos and is immensely important, but if we force it and lose the exclusivity then we have lost what McLaren stands for," Mr Gorsuch said.
"The P1 is such an incredible car that people will naturally buy a McLaren 12C because it is part of the family, and it makes that exclusive club just that little bit more exclusive."
ascott@thenational.ae