McLaren Reveals Project Chromology by MSO – When Automotive Design Becomes a Canvas for Colour Psychology
Image: McLaren Automotive Limited
Woking / Miami – McLaren Automotive has unveiled Project Chromology by MSO, a striking bespoke interpretation of the McLaren 750S, created in close collaboration with British abstract artist Nat Bowen. Debuting during Miami Art Week, the project introduces an entirely new approach to automotive surface design, translating Bowen’s layered resin artworks and principles of chromology – the psychology of colour – into a road-going supercar.
A New Dimension of Bespoke Craftsmanship
At the heart of Project Chromology lies a newly developed MSO Chromatic Layered Finish, an innovative multi-layer paint process inspired by the depth, translucency and emotional resonance found in Bowen’s resin-based art. Working closely with the artist, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) engineered a paint technique that allows light to pass through multiple translucent layers, creating shifting tonal depth across the sculpted surfaces of the 750S.
For the first time in MSO history, the finish also introduces a subtle raised texture within the paint surface, adding a tactile dimension that can both be seen and felt. This new material characteristic echoes the physicality of Bowen’s artwork and expands the boundaries of what bespoke automotive finishes can achieve.
Colour as Personal Expression
Each Project Chromology commission is conceived as a unique, emotionally driven palette. Rather than being defined purely by aesthetics, every colour scheme is developed to express a distinct emotional profile, reflecting how colour influences mood, identity and perception.
From calm and contemplative hues to bold, energising compositions, each McLaren 750S created under Project Chromology is a one-off interpretation of Bowen’s chromatic themes, brought to life through MSO’s technical precision and craftsmanship. Only a select group of MSO clients will have access to these bespoke commissions.
Image: McLaren Automotive Limited
Gold Detailing and Artistic Continuity
Adding another layer of exclusivity, MSO has introduced 24-carat, hallmarked gold-plated badging for the first time. Positioned on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle, each badge features a backing colour precisely matched to the central tone of the chosen palette, ensuring visual continuity throughout the design.
Each commission is also accompanied by an original artwork created by Nat Bowen, providing owners with a physical artistic counterpart to their car and reinforcing the connection between canvas and carbon fibre.
Debut at Miami Art Week
The global debut of Project Chromology during Miami Art Week was a deliberate choice, positioning the collaboration within one of the world’s most influential contemporary art environments. The unveiling highlights McLaren’s belief that bespoke automotive design can transcend engineering, becoming a powerful medium for storytelling and personal expression.
Jonathan Simms, Director of McLaren Special Operations, commented that the project demonstrates how far MSO can push colour and texture as design tools, while Nat Bowen described the collaboration as a way of transforming colour psychology into a living, emotional experience.
Conclusion
Project Chromology by MSO represents a bold evolution in McLaren’s bespoke philosophy. By fusing contemporary art, colour psychology and cutting-edge automotive craftsmanship, McLaren has created a new visual language for the 750S – one where performance and personal identity coexist in layered depth.
As MSO continues to explore new forms of expression, Project Chromology stands as a clear statement: bespoke design is no longer just about specification, but about emotion, individuality and artistic intent.
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