Dubai : Ultra exclusive and expensive, the new $1.6 million (Dh5.8 million) Mantide super sports car turned a lot of heads at the opening of the 10th Dubai International Motor Show on Wednesday when it was unveiled for the first time in the Middle East.

The only one of its kind on the planet, the Italian handcrafted Mantide glimmering on display at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre is the first of only five cars to be built.

Dan Watkins, CEO of Jason Castriota Design, the firm that's building the Mantide, said the next and final four Mantides will be assembled following the acceptance of new orders by the company.

The first Mantide, donning a custom white paint job, black suede leather interior and teardrop design sits atop the chassis and drivetrain of the 2009 Corvette ZR1, one of the most respected street-legal sports cars made to date.

Watkins told XPRESS that the six-speed manual car's supercharged LS9 engine will power the car to 160km/h in seven seconds and has a top speed of 360km/h.

"We're only building five of these cars. To own one of these is the ultimate experience, it's very unique," Watkins said.

The Mantide's unveiling was among 13 debuts scheduled at the Motor Show which celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday by hosting a further 40 regional launches of cars from makers around the world.

"The response to this year's show and the continued commitment of the global motoring industry even in these challenging times make the celebration of our 10th anniversary even more meaningful," said Hilal Saeed Khalfan Al Merri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, in a statement.

The motor show runs until December 20.

Did you know?

The mantide's design draws equal inspiration from modern aerospace and the world of Formula One. The builder will create only five such Bespoke cars