Feather-Wrapped 570GT Becomes Most Aerodynamic McLaren Ever Made

Since then, McLaren expanded its lineup to a total of three model families: the Sport Series, Super Series, and Ultimate Series. The advent of the V8-powered Sport Series opened the British outfit to a new audience, but don’t think for a second that this tier has diluted the company’s spirit.

Take the 570GT as a case in point. In bone-stock form, it’s arguably the most usable and relaxing McLaren to date. Essentially the grand touring version of the 570S supercar, the 570GT has a trick up its sleeve in the form of a peculiar option. Without further ado, please welcome the Feather Wrap.

“We’re not usually ones to crow about our achievements, but I think we’ve scored a birdie with this one,” declared Robin Crane, biomimicry specialist at McLaren Automotive. What Mr. Crane wants to say, however, is that the feather-wrapped 570GT is the most aerodynamic McLaren to date.

Though it may look very unusual, the 10,000 feathers applied by hand to the car’s bodywork are extremely light. Made from carbon fiber, it takes 300 hours to apply them. Painstaking it may be, but bear in mind this aero-enhancing trickery adds merely 2.5 kgs (5.5 lbs) to the car’s curb weight.

“It was on a beautiful day walking around our Woking campus that one of us looked up at the birds circling our lake, then picked up a feather from the ground and placed it on a car,” further explained the company's biomimicry specialist. “That turned into a conversation with the craftsmen and women at MSO that led to the creation of the Feather Wrap.”