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Explore the engineering marvel, breathtaking performance, and enduring impact of McLaren's iconic supercar.
Key Insights into the McLaren 720S
Introduction: The McLaren 720S – A Benchmark Supercar
A detailed examination of McLaren's engineering prowess.
The McLaren 720S, first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, quickly established itself as a significant milestone in the supercar landscape. Succeeding the 650S, the 720S represents the second generation of McLaren's Super Series, bringing with it a philosophy of "everything for a reason" in its design and engineering. This model, available in both coupe and Spider variants, embodies McLaren's racing pedigree and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and driving dynamics. Its impact on the automotive world has been profound, setting new benchmarks for speed, handling, and driver engagement. Production of the 720S concluded in December 2022, with the 750S serving as its successor, yet its legacy continues to resonate among enthusiasts and experts alike.
Exterior Design: Form Meets Uncompromising Function
Aerodynamic artistry and distinctive McLaren aesthetics.
The exterior design of the McLaren 720S is a striking blend of aesthetic appeal and advanced aerodynamic principles. McLaren's design philosophy, where every element serves a purpose, is vividly expressed in the 720S. Its silhouette is inspired by the "teardrop" shape, a natural form optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. This design ensures that airflow is managed meticulously around and through the vehicle to generate downforce and aid cooling, all while creating an unmistakably McLaren visual identity.
Key design features include the integrated air intakes within the deep-set, sculpted headlights, which guide air into the radiators for optimal cooling. The dihedral doors, a McLaren signature, swing upward and forward, providing a dramatic entry and exit while also revealing the car's carbon fiber monocoque structure. The absence of traditional side air intakes is a testament to the innovative double-skin aerodynamic pathway that channels air directly to the engine and intercoolers. The active rear spoiler, which deploys and adjusts based on driving conditions, further enhances aerodynamic efficiency and braking performance.
The 720S also offers extensive personalization options, including a range of vibrant exterior colors such as Storm Grey and Volcano Yellow introduced for the 2023 model year [Car and Driver]. The overall impression is one of sophisticated power, a machine that looks as fast as it performs.
McLaren 720S in motion, highlighting its aerodynamic contours and distinctive front fascia.
Interior: Driver-Centric Luxury and Usability
Craftsmanship, comfort, and advanced technology within the cockpit.
Inside the McLaren 720S, the focus shifts to a driver-centric environment that combines luxurious materials with functional design. The cabin offers an unexpected level of practicality for a supercar, emphasizing comfort and impressive 360° visibility. This enhanced visibility, unprecedented in many supercars, is achieved through slim A-pillars and glazed C-pillars, thanks to the advanced composite structure, instilling greater driver confidence [McLaren Cars].
Materials like rich leather and carbon fiber are extensively used throughout the interior, creating a premium and performance-oriented ambiance. The digital instrument cluster pivots, offering a "focus" mode that retracts to display only essential information for track driving, emphasizing McLaren's commitment to driver engagement. While storage capacity is minimal, as expected in a supercar, the 720S does offer some utility, with 12.7 cubic feet of combined storage [CarPro].
Infotainment features include a central touchscreen system, though some reviewers note a learning curve for controls [Motor Authority]. Standard features typically include keyless entry, push-button start, and two USB ports. An optional Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker sound system is available for audiophiles [MotorTrend]. Despite its raw performance, the 720S manages to deliver comfort, making it surprisingly livable for daily use, a characteristic often praised in reviews [MotorTrend, CNET].
Performance: Unleashing Raw Power and Precision
Engine, acceleration, top speed, and handling dynamics.
The heart of the McLaren 720S is its formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine (M840T), which produces a staggering 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque [McLaren San Francisco]. This powerplant, featuring 41% new components compared to its 3.8-liter predecessor, is paired with a paddle-shifted seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The performance figures are truly astonishing:
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 2.8 seconds [McLaren Cars, Car and Driver 2023]. Some tests have even recorded 2.6 seconds [Car and Driver 2023].
- 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h): 7.8 seconds [McLaren Cars, Wikipedia].
- Quarter Mile: 10.3 seconds [Wikipedia].
- Top Speed: 212 mph (341 km/h) [McLaren Cars, McLaren Palm Beach].
The 720S is not just about straight-line speed. Its advanced chassis tuning, derived from McLaren's Formula 1 heritage, provides exceptional handling. The Proactive Chassis Control II system, an advanced adaptive suspension, delivers a remarkable balance between ride comfort and track-ready stiffness [Autoweb]. This system, combined with precise electro-hydraulic steering, contributes to what many describe as unrivaled chassis tuning and steering feedback [Car and Driver 2020]. Features like brake steer and Variable Drift Control further enhance the driving experience, allowing skilled drivers to explore the car's limits with greater control [MotorTrend].
Fuel efficiency, while not a primary concern for supercar buyers, is rated by the EPA at 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined [Car and Driver].
Safety: Engineered for Control and Protection
Integrated safety features and structural integrity.
While dedicated crash test ratings from organizations like IIHS or Euro NCAP are not typically performed on low-volume, high-performance supercars like the McLaren 720S, its safety is inherent in its advanced engineering and design. The core of the 720S's safety architecture is its carbon fiber monocoque chassis, known as Monocage II. This incredibly rigid and lightweight structure provides an exceptionally strong passenger cell, offering superior occupant protection in the event of a collision [Autoweb].
Beyond structural integrity, the 720S incorporates a suite of active safety and driver-assist features designed to enhance control and prevent incidents:
- Powerful Braking System: The 720S features massive carbon-ceramic brakes that provide immense stopping power. It can halt from 124 mph (200 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds, covering 384 feet [McLaren San Francisco]. This exceptional braking capability is crucial for managing its high-performance potential safely.
- Active Aerodynamics: The active rear spoiler doubles as an air brake under heavy deceleration, increasing downforce and stability, thereby reducing stopping distances [Brown Car Guy].
- Advanced Suspension and Stability Control: The Proactive Chassis Control II and sophisticated stability control systems work in concert to maintain optimal grip and stability, even during aggressive driving or on challenging road surfaces. Features like Variable Drift Control allow for a controlled exploration of the car's dynamic limits while still providing a safety net.
- Visibility: As noted, the 720S was designed with class-leading 360° visibility for a supercar, aiding in driver awareness [McLaren Cars].
- Parking Sensors: Optional front and rear parking sensors are available to assist with low-speed maneuvers, mitigating the risk of bumps in tight spaces [Car and Driver 2023].
While specific crash test scores are unavailable, the McLaren 720S prioritizes driver control and passive safety through its robust construction and advanced dynamic systems.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Objective critique of the McLaren 720S's attributes.
The McLaren 720S, while a paragon of automotive engineering, presents a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that cater to a very specific clientele. Understanding these points offers a comprehensive view of its ownership experience.
Pros:
- Unrivaled Performance: With its ferocious acceleration and high top speed, the 720S delivers supercar performance that rivals and often surpasses its direct competitors [Car and Driver, MotorTrend].
- Exceptional Driving Dynamics: The advanced suspension (Proactive Chassis Control II) and highly communicative steering provide a driving experience that is both engaging and surprisingly compliant, even on rough roads [Car and Driver, Reddit]. Many consider its chassis tuning to be among the best in the industry [McLaren Life].
- Striking Aerodynamic Design: The "teardrop" inspired design is not only visually stunning but also highly functional, prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. Its dihedral doors add to its exotic appeal.
- Surprising Practicality for a Supercar: Reviewers often highlight its unexpected comfort and usability for a car of its caliber, with good visibility and some storage capacity [MotorTrend, CNET, CarPro].
- Advanced Technology: Features like the pivoting instrument cluster, variable drift control, and sophisticated active aerodynamics showcase cutting-edge automotive technology.
Cons:
- High Purchase and Ownership Costs: The 720S comes with a premium price tag (starting around $310,500 for the coupe [Car and Driver]), and annual maintenance and warranty costs can be substantial, estimated at $8,000-$10,000 per year to maintain warranty coverage [McLaren Life].
- Potential for Maintenance Issues: Some common failure points, such as accumulator issues, have been noted, though McLaren has addressed these with updated parts [McLaren Life].
- Road Noise and Ride Firmness: While praised for its compliance, some drivers still find the ride to be harsher than expected, particularly on uneven surfaces, and road noise can be noticeable [Reddit].
- Lag in Throttle Response: Although improved, some turbo lag can still be perceived, a characteristic of powerful turbocharged engines [CNET].
- Limited Interior Storage: Despite its relative practicality, interior storage remains minimal, typical of a two-seater supercar.
Comparison: McLaren 720S vs. 750S
An overview of key differences between McLaren's Super Series flagships.
The McLaren 720S laid the groundwork for its successor, the 750S, which was introduced to refine and enhance the Super Series experience. While sharing much of the 720S's fundamental architecture, the 750S brought targeted improvements to performance, weight, and driver engagement. This table highlights some of the key distinctions:
| Feature | McLaren 720S (Original) | McLaren 750S (Successor) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Output (HP) | 710 hp | 740 hp |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 568 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph (Claimed) | 2.8 seconds | 2.7 seconds |
| Weight Reduction | Base weight ~3,100 lbs | Significantly lighter (~66 lbs lighter than 720S) |
| Aerodynamics | Advanced active aero | Refined aerodynamics for improved downforce and cooling |
| Suspension | Proactive Chassis Control II | New PCC III, lighter and more responsive |
| Price (Starting MSRP) | ~$310,500 (2023 model year) | ~$337,195 (2025 model year) [Car and Driver 2025] |
Comparison of key specifications between the McLaren 720S and its successor, the 750S. (Source: McLaren Official Data, Car and Driver)
The 750S represents an evolution rather than a revolution, building upon the 720S's strengths. It offers a sharper driving experience, slightly enhanced performance, and further refinements in areas like chassis control and interior details, making it the most driver-focused McLaren Super Series car to date [Car and Driver 750S].
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the 720S
A summary of its impact and lasting legacy.
The McLaren 720S stands as a testament to McLaren's relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. From its groundbreaking aerodynamic design to its blistering performance and surprisingly compliant ride, the 720S redefined what a supercar could be. It successfully blended raw, track-dominating power with an unexpected level of daily usability, a feat few competitors can truly match. Its impact extends beyond mere statistics; it is a car that elicits emotion, inspires awe, and provides a truly engaging driving experience. While production has ceased, and the 750S has taken its place, the 720S leaves an indelible mark as a benchmark supercar, celebrated for its engineering integrity, design innovation, and pure driving exhilaration. Its legacy will undoubtedly influence future generations of high-performance vehicles, solidifying its place as an icon in automotive history.
