Boy designs supercar of the future

A schoolboy’s vision for a sustainable supercar has been turned into a large-scale model and earnt the 10-year-old some fast laps with TopGear’s The Stig.

Alex’s “Superganic 3000” design took inspiration from nature and scooped top prize in McLaren’s “supercar of the future” competition. 

His effort was chosen ahead of 8,000 other entries and unveiled live on Blue Peter, a long-running children’s TV programme in the UK.

Alex impressed judges with his creation that has advanced materials, is capable of being grown on a tree and boasts stunning supercar looks. 

Rob Melville, design director at McLaren, and his team then worked with Alex to turn his ideas and initial sketches into a large-scale clay model as well as virtual renders to bring it to life.

McLaren and its paint partner, AkzoNobel, have also developed a special Alex Leaf Green paint colour in honour of the winning design. 

The youngster’s prize included a VIP trip to the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, and some special laps in a 720S driven around the TopGear track by The Stig.

Alex says: “I liked working with the designers to see my winning design come to life and being able to sit in my design virtually was incredible as was getting to experience a 720S driven by The Stig.

“I’m always sketching and drawing, especially cars, so to win the prize was amazing and after this I definitely want to work on supercars and new technologies when I’m older.”

Melville explains Alex’s vision for a new supercar was an “instant standout” with all the judges. 

“It’s clear that not only is he a gifted artist but he also has a clear vision and interest in science, how things work and what objects are made of,” Melville adds. “Those factors combine at McLaren and lead to technology and performance benefits.

“I hope the supercar of the future competition inspires others to be creative and to really push the boundaries of what we think is possible.”