McLaren has just introduced the first car of their second generation Super Series product family. If you're not sure what's so super about it, the namesake 720 hp should clarify a few things.
If a new twin-turbo 4.0L V8 making 720 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque isn't super enough, then maybe 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds with a 341 km/h top speed could suffice? Or braking from 200 km/h to 0 in just 117 m.
The 720S is the second generation of McLaren's Super Series. The Super Series is the brand's mid-level offering, sitting between the P1 of the Ultimate Series and the 540C, 570S, and 570GT of the Sports Series. The 720S is the car that will be replacing the 650S.
The new car uses a new carbon fibre chassis and central structure that delivers a dry weight of just 1,283 kg. That's about 50 kg lighter than the 650S, with 73 more horses under the rear hood - and less overall than a Toyota Corolla LE. The new engine is backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That light weight and the new engine have some surprising effects on daily driving. Sure there is epic performance, but if you can manage to keep a light foot McLaren claims just 9.3 L/100 km in the (optimistic) Euro combined cycle.
The 720S will have a new generation of McLaren's proactive chassis control, along with a new suspension. That's McLaren's system of using adaptive dampers instead of anti-roll bars to improve cornering grip while delivering a relatively comfortable ride. Helping to achieve that eye-straining braking are carbon ceramic brakes front and rear.
Inside, there is a new driver interface with a folding display and infotainment system. McLaren says that the new cabin "establishes new standards in the supercar segment for visibility, space and comfort," with leather and machined aluminium trim throughout.
The McLaren 720's order book is open now and deliveries are scheduled to start in May.
