All-new McLaren 720S gets 711bhp 07 | 03 | 2017
THE ALL-NEW McLaren 720S, the successor to the 650S, has been officially unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show. Order books at McLaren Glasgow — Scotland’s only McLaren dealership — are open now, with prices starting at £208,600. First deliveries are scheduled for May. (Related: McLaren Glasgow is World No1)
In the early evolution of McLaren Automotive, this is the first time the company has replaced a current model, with the 720S taking the place of the innovative 650S.
According to Haydn Baker, vehicle line director of the McLaren Super Series, the new car has “the widest breadth of road and track capability of any McLaren so far”. (Related: McLaren 720S image leaked)
Powered by a 711bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the 720S delivers 770Nm of torque and will accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 2.9secs; that’s faster than a Ferrari 488. It’ll also carry on accelerating to an eye-watering maximum of 212mph.
Fuel economy? Well, who really cares in a car costing north of £200k, but if you’re interested, McLaren says it will return 26.4mpg and emit 249g/km. (Related: Roadtest — McLaren 570GT)
Built around McLaren’s new lightweight carbon fibre Monocage II structure, the new structure allows for excellent all-round visibility. It also creates a wide housing for the dihedral doors, which open wider than before for easier access.
And there’s no denying the new doors play a big role in the look of the new car; note how their double skins cleverly channel air into the radiators for the mid-mounted engine rather than having traditional air intakes.
At the front of the 720S, look closely and you’ll spot the ‘eye socket’ light design that allows airflow around the LED lights for more cooling. And at the rear of the car, the pop-up air brake produces 30% more downforce than that of the 650S.
According to McLaren, the chassis of the 720S produces 6% more mechanical grip through the tyres than in the 650S, while the Proactive Chassis Control II providing Comfort, Sport or Track modes. Drivers can also manage rear tyre slip by using the Variable Drift Control which is controlled via a slider on the infotainment screen.
As you would expect, the cabin is a cocoon of luxury and hi-tech. The eye-grabber is the Folding Driver Display that can be used in upright mode with a TFT display screen, or slim mode showing just essential driving info.
This is supplemented by a second, eight-inch screen which controls the navigation, climate control and infotainment, and includes a Bowers and Wilkins audio system.
“Super Series is the core of the McLaren business,” Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive, CEO said, “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.”
Related: McLaren plans hybrid future
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Jim McGill