McLaren 720S

McLaren 720S
Name	McLaren 720S
Manufacturer	McLaren Automotive
Production	2017–present
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	4.0 L M840T twin-turbocharged V8
Power	710 PS (523 kW; 702 hp)
Torque	770 N·m (568 lb·ft)
Transmission	7-speed dual-clutch
Predecessor	McLaren 650S
Designer	Rob Melville

McLaren 720S The McLaren 720S is a British high-performance sports car built by McLaren Automotive and unveiled in 2017. Launched as part of McLaren's Super Series (McLaren) lineup, the model replaced the McLaren 650S and combined a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque, a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and active aerodynamics to target rivals such as the Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracán, and Porsche 911 Turbo S. It has been developed, updated, and campaigned in various competitions by teams associated with McLaren Racing, appearing in series like the FIA World Endurance Championship, Blancpain GT Series, and British GT Championship.

Overview

McLaren Automotive engineers, led by design chief Rob Melville, conceived the 720S to advance technologies from Formula One projects and previous road cars including the McLaren P1, McLaren 650S, McLaren 675LT, and McLaren MP4-12C. The car uses the second-generation Monocage II carbon fibre tub, drawing on structural lessons from McLaren Senna and integrating systems influenced by McLaren Technology Centre research. Debut appearances included the Geneva Motor Show and marketing tie-ins with motorsport partners like TAG Heuer, Nike, and Pirelli.

Development and Design

Development work involved McLaren's engineering staff, aerodynamicists formerly associated with Aerospace industries, and test drivers formerly from Formula One such as participants linked to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton development programs. Exterior styling references the aerodynamic concepts of gull-wing doors and dihedral doors used on earlier McLaren models, with bodywork inspired by vehicles like the McLaren F1 and concepts shown at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Interior appointments combined bespoke options from Bowers & Wilkins audio systems, trim choices similar to Zegna collaborations, and infotainment elements comparable to systems from Harman International partners.

Technical Specifications

The 720S is powered by the McLaren M840T 4.0 L twin-turbocharged V8 engine co-developed with partners linked to Ricardo plc and built in McLaren's dedicated facility. Powertrain components include a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission developed with influence from suppliers such as Getrag and Ricardo plc, and a rear transaxle architecture comparable to systems used by Ferrari and Lamborghini. Suspension uses double-wishbone geometry with hydraulics and adaptive dampers tuned by engineers formerly at Lotus Cars and Prodrive. Braking hardware features carbon-ceramic discs sourced from partners with histories at Brembo and AP Racing. The car's lightweight safety cell echoes standards set by FIA crash protocols and homologation practices in GT racing.

Performance and Handling

Factory performance figures place the 720S at sub-3.0 second 0–100 km/h acceleration and top speeds exceeding those of many contemporaries like the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT R. Chassis dynamics were refined on circuits including Silverstone Circuit, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza Circuit with input from engineers with backgrounds at McLaren Racing and test partners from Porsche AG. Aerodynamic solutions such as underbody venturi tunnels, active rear spoilers, and diffusers draw from concepts proven on the McLaren MP4-23 and other Formula One car designs. Traction control and stability systems were calibrated against rivals including Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R in high-speed evaluations.

Variants and Special Editions

McLaren produced multiple variants including the 720S Spider, 720S GT3-derived track adaptations, and high-performance limited editions comparable in rarity to models like the McLaren Senna GTR and the Porsche 918 Spyder special runs. Collaborations yielded bespoke editions with liveries and trim reminiscent of partnerships with MSO (McLaren Special Operations), reminiscent of bespoke programs seen at Ferrari Special Projects and Lamborghini Centro Stile. Limited-run models were often showcased at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and exclusive brand gatherings held at venues like Goodwood Motor Circuit.

Production and Sales

Manufacture occurs in Woking, Surrey at McLaren's production facility near the McLaren Technology Centre. Sales channels included global dealers in markets such as United States, China, United Kingdom, Germany, and United Arab Emirates. Pricing and allocation strategies mirrored approaches used by Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini for limited-production hypercars. Collectibility and resale values were tracked by analysts at publications like Top Gear, Road & Track, Autocar, and Car and Driver.

Reception and Motorsport

Automotive critics from outlets including Autocar, Top Gear, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Evo magazine praised the 720S for its power-to-weight ratio, handling, and technological integration while comparing it to established rivals such as Ferrari 488 GTB, Lamborghini Huracán Performante, and Porsche 911 GT3 RS. In motorsport, GT3 and GT4 adaptations were campaigned by teams linked to McLaren GT, competing in series like the Blancpain GT Series, GT World Challenge Europe, British GT Championship, and selected FIA GT events. Drivers associated with 720S campaigns included professionals with pedigrees from Formula One feeder categories and endurance racing circuits such as Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Spa.

Category:McLaren vehicles