At the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, McLaren have finally revealed their latest 710 brake horsepower addition to the “Super Series,” the 720S, to replace the 650S.
The first of “the second-generation Super Series,” the 720S introduces a host of new features and tech – not to mention the 720 hp, twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 which powers it. McLaren claims the will raise “previously accepted limits of performance in the supercar sector.” And based on what we see, it may very well do just that, despite stiff competition from Ferrari. This is McLaren we’re talking about, however, so did you really expect anything less?
“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
You might immediately notice the lack of the radiator intakes which is so distinctive to make mid-rear engined supercars. On the 720S, however, the intakes are channeled through the doors in what McLaren calls a “double-skin,” (see below).
The new four liter creates 720 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, which is capable of propelling the car to a claimed top speed of 212 mph. That may not be an unprecedented top speed, but the more remarkable figures are the acceleration and braking. McLaren claims 0 to 60mph takes just 2.8 seconds, to 124 mph takes just 7.8 seconds. Stopping from 124 mph takes a stomach emptying 4.6 seconds.
As you would expect, the 720S is built on McLaren’s MonoCage II carbon fibre tub. Depending on the spec, the car can have a minimum dry weight of only 2,828.5 lbs (1,283 kg), which would help to explain the ridiculous numbers listed in the previous paragraph. Combine the power-to-weight ratio of as much as 561 PS per tonne (that’s about 31 more than a Bugatti Veyron), with McLaren’s new generation of “Proactive Chassis Control,” and you can see how this is forming a pretty astonishing recipe.
Inside, the car is as elegant as you would come to expect from McLaren, and incorporates a futuristic flip up instrument cluster. McLaren says the 720S, “establishes new standards in the supercar segment for visibility, space and comfort.” Seeing how the 650S has been held as potentially the most useable supercar, I wouldn’t expect the 720S to fall short.
The 720S will be produced in three trim levels, with “Performance” and “Luxury” trims available on top of the standard car. The first examples of the 720S will begin delivery in May, meaning the car is already available for sale, if you can cough up the £208,600 base price.
What do you think? Is the 720S set to be the new king of the supercar segment? If price were no object would you rather have this or the Pagani Huayra Roadster?
Source: McLaren
Image credit: McLaren