Hypercar manufacturers may shift plant to Mideast

By Noimot Olayiwola/Staff ReporterThe first Arabian hypercar, the W Sports Lykan Hypersport 2013, had its world premiere yesterday during the inauguration of the 2013 Qatar Motor Show. Only seven cars have been made and will reach their owners in September, it was announced yesterday.Each unit of the Lykan costs nearly $3.4mn (QR12.4mn).The Dubai-based manufacturers of the hypercar, which is built in Italy, have also confirmed that the company will not exceed seven cars per year for the time being.The company owners are also mulling the idea of shifting its plant to the Middle East, notably Dubai or Qatar.“After some six years of research and development, we decided to launch this hypercar and all the seven units are in the final stage of production and they (the vehicles) will be delivered to their lucky owners by September,” W Motors chairman and chief executive officer Ralph R Debbas said during the car’s unveiling yesterday.According to him, the car has drawn huge interest from buyers. More than 100 people across the world including some from Arab countries, the US, China and Russia, have expressed interest.“Our buyers are the crème de la crème of  the society, who are aware that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their wheels. That is why there is so much interest,” W Motors partner Sultan Abu Sultan told Gulf Times.Named after a species of wolf, the Lykan is a luxurious blend of power and advanced technology.The supercar boasts of 750 horsepower (395km/hr) and features a holographic display, an ID4 motion dashboard, and unique seats for comfort and safety.The Lykan comes with diamond encrusted LED lights, gold-stitched interiors, a 24/7 concierge service and a patent design Cyrus Klepcys watch valued at $200,000 as gifts to the owners.The founding partner Sari el-Khalil said: “In a bid to cater to our clientele in the region, W Motors recently set up offices in Downtown Dubai with plans to open offices, showrooms and design studios around the Gulf region.”