McLaren 720S

The all new McLaren 720S made its global debut at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, introducing the second-generation of McLaren’s Super Series supercar. The Super Series is the middle of a hierarchy of three similar McLaren car ranges: all mid-engined with carbon tubs sharing hard points for the aluminum, carbon-fiber, and Sheet-Moulded-Composite coachwork while sharing the same Ricardo-built V8 bi-turbo and seven-speed twin-clutch transmission to drive the rear wheels.

The unveiling of McLaren’s new supercar confirms both the 720S name and 720PS horsepower of the first model in the second-generation McLaren Super Series. Known as ‘entry, core and high’ by its engineers, these models are largely based on McLaren Automotive’s inaugural car, the 2011 MP4-12C. But the 720S marks a new generation and is said to be 90 percent brand-new.

“Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland. This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.”

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

Some of the components you will find remain essentially the same: The carbon-fiber tub for example is similar to its the predecessor, the 650S, but for the 720S the team chose to swap aluminum for carbon fiber. The powerplant is also familiar with its, quad-cam, dry-sump, twin-turbo configuration, but displacement has been increased from 3.8 to 4.0 liters, with a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, similar to those those that you will find in the P1 hypercar.

Performance data shows some increases over its older brother, the 650S Coupe. 0-62 mph time is down from 3.0 to 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph is down from 8.4 to 7.8 seconds, and 0-186 mph is reduced from 25.4 to 21.4 seconds. Top speed increases from 207 to 212 mph, and the standing quarter-mile time is down from 10.5 to 10.3 seconds. The new 720S was also put on a diet, down 40 pounds from the 650S to 2,829 pounds dry and 3,128 fueled.

The 720S connects to the road with Pirelli P Zero tires 245/35/ZR19 in the front, with slightly smaller carbo-ceramic brake rotors inside and AP Racing six-pot calipers. At the rear, you will find 305/30/ZR19 Pirellis giving it a slightly wider track.

Styling looks different but leaves you with a sense of familiarity that links it to all other McLarens. The design language gives a perception of a low-drag Le Mans-style tail with a low front end. One of the key points in the design of the new Super Series is the absence of radiator intakes on the side of the car; this function is carried out instead by the unique ‘double-skin’ aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors, which channel air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted engine. Clearly form following function.

Next generation Proactive Chassis Control, new suspension and the power-assisted, electro-hydraulic steering, all combine to deliver huge reserves of grip, balance and performance and an unmatched breadth of dynamic capabilities.

The interior cabin is appointed with fine hand-crafted leathers, machined aluminum trim, is complemented by the all new McLaren Driver Interface, which includes a folding driver display and central infotainment screen.

The new McLaren 720S is now available to order from McLaren retailers, with the first customers scheduled to receive their cars in May. Three grades of specification are offered, with Performance and Luxury trims extending above the standard level, all complemented by a range of option packs. Additional informationon the new McLaren 720S, which costs from £208,600 (UK), can be found on the McLaren website: http://cars.mclaren.com/super-series/720s .

And while you are there be sure to visit the McLaren 720S Configurator. Below is how we would build ours, in MSO Sarthe Grey. Show us your configuration in the comments below!

We leave you with a video from the team at McLaren showing us just how special the 720S is. Our team at Exotic Excess can’t wait for the oppertunity to have a go in the new Mac!

Bonus Video: McLaren Automotive press conference at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show