Alfa Romeo MiTo (2014)

CAR GARAGE | Alfa Romeo MiTo (2014) | The Mito is sold in Europe with Several versions of the turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine powers the Fiat 500 That. All use Fiat's innovative MultiAir valve-control system, the which also features on a 900cc 2-cylinder engine economy dubbed "TwinAir."  A few words about MultiAir, the which Fiat touts as the first "Fully Variable Valve actuation" system available on mass-market cars. Fiat also claims up to 10-percent better fuel economy versus a comparable non-Multi Air engine, plus up to 10-percent lower CO2 emissions (a major regulatory issues in Europe). Though it's not a power-booster per SE, Hence the Mito's turbocharging, MultiAir is significant as the kind of modern small-car technology That prompted Chrysler's creditors - U.S. and Canadian Governments included - to let Fiat take management control of the American automaker.

In current 2-door form, the 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito would be about the same size as the 4-door Honda Fit, but trimmed and equipped to Compete with upmarket-brand small cars, especially Mini Cooper 2-door models. The name, pronounced "mee-TOE," refers to Milan and Torino (Turin), the Italian cities where most Alfa Romeos are built. Mito shares a platform with Fiat's Grande Punto Euro-market hatchback and has so far been available only in 2-door form. However, a trade weekly Automotive News reports That the US-spec Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 will be a 4-door hatchback, Perhaps on an extended wheelbase.

The American-market 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito should retain the existing European Model's 4-wheel independent suspension with four coil springs, front struts, a twist-beam rear axle, and driver-adjustable shock absorbers electrohydraulic. Ditto the steering, the which uses gas-saving electrohydraulic assists instead of the traditional beltdriven hydraulic pump. Brakes are 4-wheel discs with ABS and an antiskid system with integrated traction control. Alfa's DNA mapping system electronics is sure to be available and Perhaps a standard for some models.  On the safety front, the 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito was designed to Achieve top ratings in Euro NCAP crash tests, the which are similar to U.S. procedures.  Other features are unclear at this stage, but the US-bound Alfa Romeo Mito 2014 should offer most all Euro-standard equipment and options market. Prime Among these are a large glass sunroof, premium Bose audio, a navigation system, and Fiat's voice-activated "Blue & Me" infotainment controller, the which is similar to the Ford Sync system and was also developed with Microsoft.

The Mito serves as the entry-level Alfa Romeo in Europe and is planned to anchor a U.S. multi-model line that's currently slated to form up during calendar 2014. Specifically, Fiat / Alfa dealers will be adding the front-drive Giulietta, a Ford Focus-size 4-door hatchback; a new Spider roadster, a modern version of "The Graduate" star and possibly a rear-drive design; and the midsize Giulia sedan and wagon. The pricey limited-edition sports car 4C will remain the brand's global image-leader for as long as it's available.  The Mito was originally billed as a car for the "YouTube Generation." A play target was and is the Mini Cooper, so it naturally follows a similar formula as a well equipped, fun-to-drive small car with youthful styling, good fuel economy, quality materials, and solid workmanship. Most reports show the latest 1.4-turbo gas models doing 0-60 mph in some 7-8 seconds, the which is on par with the base-engine 2-door Mini Coopers but a bit Adrift of turbocharged Cooper S models. Reported positives include mechanical refinement, general fit-and-finish and, unsurprisingly, Italian design flair.

The 2014 Alfa Romeo Mito may be arriving later than Fiat had planned, but it's well timed for a spate of new small cars from other premium brands. M-B's sleeker A-Class hatchback, also just redesigned, may join in, along with Several other body styles on the same new front-drive platform (called MFA for "Mercedes Front-wheel Architecture"). Toyota's Lexus division already offers a smallish compact hatch in the hybrid-drive CT200h, and Nissan's upscale Infiniti brand has Announced a new small car for around 2013. Let's also note That premium-brand leader BMW is planning a range of small front drive cars to slot below its rear-drive 1-Series compacts, though they're not expected to be ready until 2018 or so.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Lamborghini Sesto Elemento (2013) | Lamborghini estimates the Sesto Elemento can sprint from zero to 62 mph in only 2.5 seconds. In our recent test of the fastest-accelerating super cars (Road & Track, December 2011) the Sesto Elemento would leave the Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Turbo S eating its dust. Lamborghini has Announced it will build 20 production models of the Sesto Elemento, a bantamweight concept car shown last year during the Paris Auto Show. It's a pity That Lamborghini says the production version of the Sesto Elemento is intended for "track use" only.

Lamborghini President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, has stressed the role Important lightweight materials will play in the company's future lineup. The Sesto Elemento has taken this ethos to the extreme, by employing carbon fiber in every aspect of the car's construction. The seats are formed directly into the carbon-fiber tub, with thin cushions and high-tech fabrics attached directly to the monocoque.

The Sesto Elemento has a stellar weight-to-power ratio of 3.85 lb. per horsepower. The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the which has 638 bhp and a top speed of 205 mph seems a Positively-Porky in comparison, carrying 5.2 lb. per bhp.

Mercedes-Benz Style Coupe Concept (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Mercedes-Benz Style Coupe Concept (2012) | Technical highlights include its striking headlamp design featuring innovative indicators, the new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 155 kW (211 hp) and the all-wheel drive 4MATIC system. "The Concept Coupé Style is expressive and powerful in its design", said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The almost production-standard Style Concept Coupé sets a new benchmark for avant-garde design in the executive segment," Gorden Wagener emphasised, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom."

Mercedes-Benz is firmly convinced That the future lies with cloud computing. The software for the COMAND Online applications is not stored in the vehicle, but runs off the Daimler Vehicle Backend.  Sporty driving dynamics coupled with exemplary efficiency are the hallmarks of the engine of the Concept Coupé Style. Powerful wheel-hub drive is provided by the 2.0-liter version of the new generation petrol engine with 155 kW (211 hp), combined here with the efficient 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

A large carbon-fiber trim panel spans its full width, giving it the elegance and distinctively 'cool' appeal of a coupé. Flowing back in a long, continuous wave from the instrument panel is the center console. The world of fashion Provided the inspiration for the color mix of light gray and anthracite. All chrome trim elements and control panels now for the first time feature a black anodised finish, as seen on top-of-the-range Limited Edition Sports chronograph watches. The surfaces around the HMI control panel have the glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminum. The design of the air vents in the instrument panel of an aircraft jet engine evokes. As in the Concept A-Class They are back lit and change color According to the temperature set by the occupants for the climate control system.

The paint finish of the concept vehicle is in Alubeam - a color that helps to emphasise the sculptural quality of its lines. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side: the front structural edge flows over the wings towards the rear end in a characteristic line dropping. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third line extends upward in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. The ripple design of the prominent exterior mirrors design takes advantage of the Freedoms enjoyed by a concept car.

The Style Concept Coupé features frameless side windows and has no B-pillar. A large panoramic roof creates a light and airy interior. The avant-garde lines of the Coupé are further emphasised by the way the tail lights, with Their metallic-red coloring, tapers to a sharp point both to the front and toward the rear center. An integrated dual-flow exhaust system underlines the car's sporty credentials and Gives added width to the tail end. A narrow rear diffuser picks up again on the dotted pattern of the diamond grille.

Land Rover Defender (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Land Rover Defender (2013) | Options of a new premium seat design, upgraded in-car entertainment and a choice of four new contrast roof colors are now available to Land Rover Defender customers. Underpinned by the powerful 2.2-liter diesel engine and its go anywhere capability, the iconic Defender retains the rugged appeal that it's always been famous for but now with even greater customer choice, "says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. Smart new, contrast roof colors can now be chosen against the majority of the Land Rover Defender paint palette. In addition to the standard Fuji White, customers can now opt for Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Orkney Grey or Firenze Red.

Tall front seats are designed to improve maximum back support and headrest ergonomics in the most demanding of driving conditions and there are robust, supportive second row seats too. The Station Wagon derivatives have a spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the roomates seats and when carrying large or awkward loads. Land Rover Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing excellent comfort levels, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications as well as the half-leather seat option and new standard Premium seats.

The EU5 2.2-liter diesel engine replaced the EU4 2.4-liter diesel in 2012, matching it for power, torque and fuel consumption, whilst a full acoustic engine cover replaced the previous splash cover, reducing engine Radiated noise and improving driving refinement. The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has an excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy.

Rolls-Royce Phantom (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Rolls-Royce Phantom (2013) | New Phantom variants were added, starting with the Phantom Extended Wheelbase in 2005. In 2007, the Phantom Drophead Coupé revealed the ultimate in luxurious open-top motoring, while the Phantom Coupé, Rolls-Royce's sophisticated grand tourer, joined the family in 2008.  Without parallel in the car industry, the achievement was all the more astonishing for a brand roomates shouldered the weight of historic ups (and occasional downs) and for roomates expectations for the future were rightly high. From launch, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proved itself a worthy recipient of the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. From Pantheon grille to long rear overhang, the design was Clearly a Rolls-Royce. At the car's core lay a ground-breaking, lightweight aluminum space-frame with power supplied by a sophisticated, direct-injection V12 engine, married to a six-speed auto gearbox. And complementing this excellence in engineering was the Phantom's beautiful interior, presenting sumptuous hand-stitched Leathers, fine veneers and exquisite detailing, a combination that marked the car as something uniquely special.

Originally conceived by the Rolls-Royce engineering team, an advanced aluminum spaceframe retains its position at the Phantom's core, serving as the foundation for the car's extraordinary driving Prowess. Epitomising the Rolls-Royce marriage of cutting-edge technology with fine craftsmanship, each spaceframe is entirely hand-welded, then finished as if it were a precision instrument. Every morning, skilled welders perform a 300mm test to check for atmospheric effects on the material they will work with roomates. Precision might also be the best word to describe the manner in roomates Phantom drivers place their cars through corners. Complementing Phantom's reassuring safety features are changes to the front door side pockets.

"For my team this was a question of what we could do to improve a drive-train that we believed was close to perfection, both in terms of its dynamic performance and outstanding ride characteristics," - Helmut Riedl, Director of Engineering. At its heart, every Phantom family car hosts a hand-assembled, 6.75 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. Rolls-Royce Phantom's power reserve gauge is another of those trademark Rolls-Royce design cues that always raises a smile. For Rolls-Royce Phantom II Series, Rolls-Royce has improved the drive-train by incorporating a new 8-speed ZF-auto gearbox for all variants. This is electronically controlled to manage the extraordinary power delivered by the V12 power plant. The longer ratio in the new rear differential compensates shorter ratios in some gears of the new 8-speed gearbox, maintaining the same engine speed to augment 'waftability', while improving fuel economy.

Double-wishbone front suspension complements the drive-train, featuring optimized mounts to Minimize vibrations through the steering wheel, while multi-link rear suspension complete with anti-lift and anti-dive technology aids stability under heavy acceleration and braking. Spring dampeners and anti-roll bars maintain comfort without loss of agility while self-leveling air struts compensate for different loads within the car, making continual adjustments as the weight of fuel decreases, giving drivers the ability to place the car through turns with absolute precision and passengers a ride of supreme comfort.

Peugeot 208 GTi (2014)

CAR GARAGE | Peugeot 208 GTi (2014) | The 208 has been an instant success and the Peugeot 208 GTi will deliver even Stronger desirability with exhilaration, performance and panache. Intended for demanding individuals, Peugeot 208 GTi owners will benefit from sophisticated choices of the materials and colors employed.  Controlled by the steering, the settings of roomates have been revised to increase of firmness, the front suspension returns the information perfectly and responsively.

Fitted with 205/45 tires, the 17 "diamond Carbon wheels, with Storm matt paint and varnish, house 302mm ventilated discs at the front and 249mm at the rear. The 200bhp 1.6-liter THP petrol engine expresses itself through a reworked exhaust systemIn-gear acceleration is re-Equally impressive, with the Peugeot 208 GTi accelerating from 50 to 75mph in less than 7.0 seconds in 5th gear. Light in weight, at 1160kg, the Peugeot 208 GTi Achieves a real feat by emitting CO2 at just 145g/km. A playful sports car, powerful and safe, with an enchanting sound, roomates is also a practical hatchback, the Peugeot 208 GTi will delight its drivers every day, the (fully disengageable) ESP is watching over them.

The expectation was simple: to create a playful and chic sports car, a contemporary interpretation of the legend that is a Peugeot GTi. At first glance, the eyes are initially impressed by presence, with a vehicle roomates affirms its identity: sporty and refined. Crossing the gloss black rear skirt, the exhaust Emerges with a double chromed trapezoid tailpipe, an innovative design emphasising the uniqueness of this model. The chromed trim strip decorates the lower window edge culminating in a signature accent that pays tribute to the illustrious 205 GTi.

Furthermore, the quarter panel trim proudly bears the GTI logo, in bright chrome accentuated in red highlights. Regardless of the chosen exterior color, this red punctuates throughout the vehicle: on brake callipers, bead lower grille, Peugeot lettering on the tailgate and on the grille. The whole is subtly enhanced by the touches of bright chrome trim on the fog lamp surrounds, the upper grille trim and the door mirrors.

Land Rover Freelander 2 (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Land Rover Freelander 2 (2013) | The interior equipment levels soar to new heights in the Land Rover Freelander 2 with a host of fresh and exciting features Including three new color ways as part of a 'Dynamic' derivatives', brand new center console, 7-inch color touch-screen with enhanced audio systems from Meridian and optional satellite navigation. 'Say What You See' - a voice activation system with visual prompts, and rear view camera capability are also both new to the Land Rover Freelander 2.

 
System responds to changes in grip in 150 milliseconds to adjust the torque between front and rear axles. A structural undertray on the front subframe contributes to this, increasing steering precision, while the Freelander 2's four-point engine mounting aids engine stability and increases driving refinement. A full range of stability systems provide a further safety net for the occupants including, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Engine Drag Control. Naturally, the Land Rover Freelander 2 earns a 5 star Euro NCAP award for outstanding adult occupant protection, with seven airbags in total, Including two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver's knee bag.

Freelander buyers can continue to choose from two outstanding and highly refined diesel engines, the 2.2-liter 150ps TD4 and SD4 190PS with four-wheel drive. At the same time NOx emissions were reduced by 28 percent and the response time of the Stop / Start system was improved by 22 percent. Other improvements aimed at improving efficiency included a revised shifting strategy on the Automatics, low drag engine oils and revised bearing designs whilst noise levels were reduced by 2dB.

Toyota Auris (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Toyota Auris (2013) | New Toyota Auris is the latest models to reflect Toyota's determination to engineer cars that are more appealing and dynamically engaging to drive, while building on its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability. As well as presenting a more confident exterior design and a higher quality interior, new Toyota Auris also benefits from improvements to driving dynamics and efficiency enhancements to its powertrain line-up, Including the full hybrid system that powers the flagship Toyota Auris Hybrid model.

The overall height is 55mm less than the current model and a lower front end design helps deliver excellent aerodynamic performance with a drag coefficient Cd 00:28, supporting better handling stability and lower fuel consumption. The air vent surrounds and meter, center console and transmission tunnel trim share a high quality satin silver finish, and higher grades on the dashboard itself is leather trimmed. The tactile quality of the interior surfaces has been improved, with baseball-stitched nappa leather used to trim the steering wheel, and soft touch materials featured on the instrument panel's upper surface. The door assist grips and grips have a soft texture finish, the door armrests are padded and the pillars are fabric-trimmed.

All hatchback versions provide more luggage space, at 360 liters. Repositioning of the battery pack beneath the rear seat has ensured Toyota Auris Hybrid has the same load capacity as other models in the range. New Toyota Auris further benefits from a lower ride height, driving position and center of gravity. Efficiency and dynamic improvements have been made to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, roomates will be offered in the Toyota Auris Hybrid.

Within the UK the new model will also feature 1.4-liter diesel and 1:33 and 1.6-liter petrol engines. Europe-wide Toyota expects an even one-third share of sales for each powertrain type - full hybrid, diesel and petrol-hybrid has matured reflecting how up to become mainstream rather than a niche a choice. New Auris has been designed for Europe and will be built exclusively at Toyota's Burnaston factory in the UK, alongside Avensis, supported by investment that demonstrates the company's commitment to its European operations.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra (2013)

CAR GARAGE | Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra (2013) | Cobra has been the consistent performance label as Shelby worked with Ford for most of the last 60 years, and Shelby was instrumental in the creation of Ford performance vehicles Including Cobras, GT40 and the Mustangs since the mid-1960s. The unique tribute car was unveiled by Ford Motor Company board member Edsel Ford II, Ford's group vice president for sales and marketing Jim Farley, and Shelby American president John Luft at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion where Cobra is the marque of the show for 2012.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the original Shelby Cobra. Using the 662-horsepower 2013 Shelby GT500 as a foundation, "Friends of Carroll" created the one-of-a-kind 2013 Shelby Cobra GT500 Mustang That wide-body generates more now than 850 horsepower with the help of a Ford Racing 4.0- liter Whipple supercharger.

Ford Motor Company teamed up with Shelby American for Several key components on the Carroll Shelby tribute car. Shelby American Provided a specially designed hood, new rear wide-body kit, Shelby Wildwood brakes and new rear 20x13-inch front and 20x10-inch wheels. Carroll Shelby performance changed the world forever, says Luft. You will find the spirit and influence of Carroll Shelby in every vehicle we build future just as you'll find it in the rear wide-body kit and hood integrated into the 2013 Shelby Cobra GT500.

BMW Zagato Roadster Concept (2012)

CAR GARAGE | BMW Zagato Roadster Concept (2012) | The decision to launch another collaboration Between Italian coachbuilder Zagato and BMW was made only a short time after the Zagato Coupé BMW took its first bow. Encouraged by the positive reaction to the Coupé, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato soon Agreed to take Their partnership a step further. On the menu this time would be a Roadster model. The BMW Roadster Zagato was duly conjured up in record haste, with only six weeks separating the first design idea from the finished model.  Andrea Zagato picks up on the theme: "Our success in finishing the car in Such a short space of time shows what is possible when two companies pool Successful Their resources," says Zagato. "BMW is a high-Achieving a carmaker boasting the vast well of knowledge and technical capability in this area.

A low-set kidney grille, complete with intricate z-grating design, as well as focused twin circular headlights and a three-dimensional front apron shape the expressive face of the BMW Roadster Zagato, as They do the front end of the Coupé. Overall, the BMW Zagato Roadster's front end is very three-dimensional, wide and powerfully formed. The nose surges forward dynamically, dipping down close to the road, and allows the BMW Roadster Zagato to cut an agile figure, Crouching as if about to pounce. The focused headlights accentuate the car's driver-oriented character and high-speed concept: the "Razorlight" - a precise LED light strip set into the matt surface above the headlights - these elements finishes off with an extra touch of class. Sitting low Between the headlights is Zagato's take on the BMW kidney grille, featuring matt surrounds kidney.

The BMW Roadster Zagato zeroes in on this peculiarity and consciously allows the inside and outside boundaries Between to blur. A strip of brown leather wraps around the interior like a rail to create a visual connection Between the inside of the car and its exterior. Embracing the driver and passenger like a large protective arm, this leather provides an attractive adornment transition into the otherwise predominantly black interior. The interplay of colors and composition of details bathe the interior of the BMW Roadster Zagato in a sumptuous ambience, while the brown "z" embroidered into the seats is a further Nod to its origins.

The tail of the sharply chiselled Zagato Roadster BMW provides a fine advertisement for the exquisite talents of the Zagato body specialists. Taken as a whole, the rear of the BMW Roadster Zagato has a very broad, low-slung appearance, giving the car a wide stance and muscularity Planted on the road. Like Those of its counterpart Coupé, the BMW Zagato Roadster's rear lights are arranged behind the black tinted glass. Beneath it, the dark diffuser BMW Gives the Roadster Zagato a squat, powerful stance. Exhaust tailpipes positioned towards the outer edges of the rear add further emphasis, another contributing Their matt finish Flourish of quality.

McLaren X-1 Concept (2012)

CAR GARAGE | McLaren X-1 Concept (2012) | McLaren called the X-1 and structurally based on the company's groundbreaking carbon MonoCell but with a totally unique body, it has been created for an anonymous car enthusiasts. Inspirational cars included a 1961 Facel Vega, a 1953 Chrysler D'Elegance Ghia, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K and a 1971 Citroën SM. 'The client liked the shiny texture of the finish, "notes Stephenson. The client wanted a competition Between external designers - some outside the automotive world - and McLaren's own designers," notes Stephenson. In the end, a design by McLaren's Korean-born graduate RCA Hong Yeo was chosen, and completed under the direction of Stephenson. One of the biggest design challenges faced by Yeo That was That most cars embody elegance and timeless classic values have front engines and rear-wheel drive proportions. Stephenson recalls: 'From this design, we then produced a 30 per cent scale model, then a full-size hard foam model.

It was to be a usable car, road legal and capable of traveling at supercar speeds. A full CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) aerodynamic testing schedule ensured a high-speed stability, and the car also completed approximately 625 miles of testing Including testing intensive two stints at the Idiada circuit in Spain with McLaren chief test driver, Chris Goodwin. After testing, the whole car was meticulously Rebuilt, by hand to concours standard. MSO Programme Director Paul Mackenzie explains: 'The X-1 McLaren showcases the skills of Special Operations. More and more customers want Bespoke luxury or individual features. All body panels of the McLaren X-1 are made from carbon, and are finished in a rich piano black, as specified by the owner. Body sides are visual lacquered carbon fiber. 'The black paint has no metallic or color tints and is one of the most challenging colors to paint, but the finish is absolutely exquisite and perfectly befits the car "adds Stephenson.

Components were tooled exclusively for the car. They even include unique head-and taillights, inspired by the McLaren Speed Marque logo. The brightwork is machined from solid aluminum, and a nickel finish is then applied. The McLaren logo in the nose is specially machined from solid aluminum then nickel plated. Wheels are also unique to the X-1, and are diamond turned with a tinted lacquer to complement the nickel-plated exterior brightwork. Even the McLaren Speed Marque badge in the nose is machined from solid aluminum, then nickel plated. The Airbrake McLaren rear wing is also machined from solid aluminum and nickel plated, to complement the rest of the brightwork.

The unique body of the X-1 means most dimensions have changed. The McLaren X-1 is 4658mm long - 109mm longer than a 12C. Width is 2097mm (with mirrors) - an increase of of 188 mm. Light weight, as with all projects McLaren, was a priority. While the basic architecture of the interior did not change, Red Harissa Bespoke Personalisation includes Nappa leather McLaren used for the seats, door and roof trim, and switchgear with machined nickel-coated, aluminum bezels. Special Andesite Tufted carpet covers the floor. All these changes ensured the McLaren needed a special X-1 homologation for road use. The car has been thoroughly engineered to be usable and road legal. Stephenson explains: 'The X-1 epitomises how we can not only create a truly unique product tailored to the client, but also enable the client to become a key member of the design team throughout the process.