By Leon Brittain
In the spirit of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has finalized its latest performance machine aptly dubbed Project Viva. Utilizing a one-off 750S Spider as the canvas, the focal point of the custom supercar is to celebrate all things Las Vegas through an artistically elaborate and visually striking style, formed in a monochrome set of fascinating lines, hues, and handcrafted imagery.
MSO is McLaren’s bespoke personalization division, which crafts customer vehicles through a limitless formula of possibilities, whether it’s specialized paint finishes, carbon fiber upgrades, interior embellishments, or design component additions. Currently showcased in the McLaren Experience Center at Wynn Las Vegas, Project Viva’s Sketch in Motion livery is ready to captivate the imaginations of McLaren fans, enthusiasts, and potential customers visiting the 2,500-square-foot showroom located near the Wynn Plaza shops.
Project Viva by MSO was conceived to showcase a curated selection of the City of Light’s landmarks, skyline, iconic signage, illumination, and vibrant energy, drawing inspiration from its connection to music and performance. It also pays homage to McLaren’s illustrious racing heritage, consisting of 10 Constructors’ World Championship wins (including 2025), which McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finalized with their own hand-applied elements to the 10 championship racing stars in the rear. With over 60 years of motorsports experience, McLaren’s competitive edge stems from the technical aptitude, skillful driving, and courageous spirit of founder Bruce McLaren, who was the modern version of Steph Curry behind the wheel. Rarely did he lose a race.
“Project Viva captures what McLaren Special Operations is all about – pushing beyond convention to create something truly personal,” stated Jonathan Simms, Director of McLaren Special Operations. “It’s where craft meets character, and where any inspiration can become a story told through design. Every commission we create is a fusion of vision and skill, resulting in a car that authentically expresses the inspiration behind it.”
The tailored dies applied to Project Viva incorporate Muriwai White (seen on the shutters and doors within the Muriwai House motif) and Vegas Nights, a new MSO shade created explicitly for this assignment. SPO infused the deep black finish with subtle specks of green, magenta, and cyan, styled to capture the neon luminosity of Las Vegas at sunset.
The goal of the McLaren 750S is to raise the bar for driver engagement while combining the best of the 720S and the 765LT. Its twin-turbo 4-liter V8 disperses 740-hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and unifies with a 7-speed McLaren dual-clutch “Seamless Shift” transmission. Essential factors in the development of the 750S include a carbon fiber active rear wing, electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering, a new centrally-located stainless steel sports exhaust system inspired by the McLaren P1, and staggered Pirelli P-ZERO tires. Racetrack-focused P-ZERO Trofeo R and Pirelli P-ZERO Corsa rubber are optional. The 750S can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 206 mph.
See you in Las Vegas for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix!
