fiber – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com Latest car news and advice blog Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:07:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://engineicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-ME_favicon-1-32x32.png fiber – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com 32 32 Someone Crashed a McLaren GT, So Why Not Buy the Carbon Fiber Shell and Turn It Into a Race Car Bed? https://engineicon.com/someone-crashed-a-mclaren-gt-so-why-not-buy-the-carbon-fiber-shell-and-turn-it-into-a-race-car-bed/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:31:49 +0000 https://engineicon.com/someone-crashed-a-mclaren-gt-so-why-not-buy-the-carbon-fiber-shell-and-turn-it-into-a-race-car-bed/

McLaren’s supercars are so good in part because they have good bones. The road-car arm of the reigning F1 constructors’ champion builds all of its cars off carbon-fiber monocoques, to which engines, suspension, and body panels are attached, race-car style. Even by itself, a bare McLaren Monocell chassis is an impressive piece of engineering. One that you can now own for much, much less than the cost of a complete car.

The monocoque from a crashed McLaren GT is being offered for sale by 417 Motoring on eBay with, at the time of writing, a reduced asking price of $2,624.99. That’s down from the original asking price of $3,499.99, although you’ll likely have to pay the $1,200 flat-rate shipping fee to get the bare shell from Missouri to wherever you are. Still, by volume at least, you’re getting a lot of car for a fraction of what it cost new (about $210,000 in its debut model year).

The seller notes that there is damage to the rear corner section, and to the front left side of the tub. And while windshield and roof glass are included, both pieces are cracked and may have to be replaced. It’s unclear if this damage is terminal, or if the GT could be resurrected with enough replacement parts. Monocell chassis are pretty tough, which is why crashed limited-edition McLarens like the Elva and Senna can still sell for six or seven figures even with salvage titles.

It may not be financially worthwhile to attempt a GT rebuild, though. Introduced for the 2020 model year, the GT is based on the 720S but with softer styling and tuning, as well as added cargo space under the engine cover, Maserati Bora-style, to fulfill the grand tourer role. But it’s still a two-seat, mid-engine supercar, so practicality increases by only a small degree. McLaren replaced it with the spicier GTS for 2024, but this is still a neither-here-nor-there car that may not have the long-term appeal of a Senna or Long Tail.

Besides, there are so many other options. This would make a sick race car bed, although your kids might outgrow it quickly. You could also convert it into a sim racing rig, taking advantage of the supercar cockpit layout in a (somewhat) more modest footprint than a rig made from a complete car.

If I had a porch, I’d hire somebody to build a frame, reinstall the cupholders, and turn this thing into a porch swing for the summer. For the winter, Senior Editor Caleb Jacobs suggested using it as a toboggan. Sounds good to me. After all, it’s been crash-tested.

Got a tip? Reach out to tips@thedrive.com

Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he’s not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read.


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Ferrari Purosangue Looks Hot with Subtle Carbon Fiber Shower https://engineicon.com/ferrari-purosangue-looks-hot-with-subtle-carbon-fiber-shower/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:47:07 +0000 https://engineicon.com/ferrari-purosangue-looks-hot-with-subtle-carbon-fiber-shower/

Ferrari’s Not-SUV Gets the Tuner Treatment

Ferrariavoids calling the Purosangue an SUV, instead using the term ‘FUV’ or Ferrari Utility Vehicle. Regardless of the label, it’s a four-door Ferrari with extra ground clearance, and it was only a matter of time before tuners started exploring what could be done with it.

The Purosangue’s proportions land somewhere between a crossover and a large hatchback. The long hood, short rear, and compact cabin help it avoid the bulk of most luxury SUVs, which gives tuners a solid foundation for subtle styling changes (sometimes not-so-subtle).

DarwinPro Aero is among those that offer a kit for the Purosangue. Its IMP Design Carbon Fiber Soft Kit aims for a restrained look, especially compared to some of the more aggressive body kits on the market. The changes are noticeable, but they don’t overwhelm the original design.

DarwinPro Aero/Instagram

Carbon Fiber, But Make It Subtle

The DarwinPro kit is mostly about aerodynamic tweaks in carbon fiber. It brings a new front splitter, longer side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a claimed functional roof wing.

Visually, these parts sharpen the lines and give the Purosangue a bit more presence, but the overall character stays intact. The example shown by DarwinPro wears a gray paint job with black accents and exposed carbon fiber in key areas.

The car sits on simple five-spoke wheels, with yellow brake calipers providing contrast. Some buyers will likely appreciate the understated carbon fiber details, while others may prefer the original, unmodified look.

As far as available information goes, the powertrain is unchanged. DarwinPro hasn’t listed any engine modifications, so the naturally aspirated V12 should be the same as stock.

DarwinPro Aero/Instagram

A Faster Purosangue Might Be Coming Anyway

Even without tuner upgrades, the Purosangue already delivers serious performance. Its 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 produces 715 horsepower and 528 lb-ft of torque, sending the four-door Ferrari to 62 mph in about 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of roughly 217 mph.

However, Ferrari may be preparing a more performance-focused version of the Purosangue. The production of a sharper variant will reportedly begin as early as the second half of the year.

The updated version is expected to keep the V12, but the changes may focus more on handling than on extra power. If it follows Ferrari’s usual approach, expect chassis tweaks, some weight savings, and other upgrades aimed at sharper driving.

If Ferrari does release a hotter Purosangue, it would add another option for buyers looking for something beyond the standard model. For now, aftermarket kits like DarwinPro’s offer a way to personalize the car while waiting for what comes next.

DarwinPro Aero/Instagram


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