SUPERCAR McLAREN 720S

SUPERCAR McLAREN 720S. McLaren is no doubt grateful that the marketing adage of ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ has never really applied to Formula 1. Ferrari sales didn’t struggle during the chasmic 21 years between Jody Scheckter’s driver’s title in 1979 and Michael Schumacher’s 2000 crown. And McLaren hasn’t won a title for a decade. It hasn’t prevented the Woking-based British brand from successfully establishing a vast range of supercars to follow its fabled F1 road car of the ’90s and the 2011 MP4-12C. The 720S is a direct successor to the MP4-12C – via its intermediary update, called the 650S – and is positioned as the uppermost model of the company’s midrange Super Series line-up.

It not only progresses performance over the still-quick 650S, but outguns the rival Ferrari 488 GTB in areas such as acceleration, top speed and fuel efficiency. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds, or from standstill to 200km/h in 7.8 seconds (though both cover 400 metres in 10.5 seconds). Top speed is 341km/h. And the staggering 720S will brake from 200km/h to rest in just 122 metres. “What a machine: amazing engineering, incredible performance,” exclaimed Scott Rudgley. “Comfortable for the road in its comfort mode and a proper track car in its sportier settings,” said Leticia Estrada. “A true supercar without the stresses or compromises often associated with supercars.” 

Judges were just as impressed by the 4.0-litre V8’s response as much as the speed it helps generate, considering its turbocharged nature. Michael Roberts said the 720S has “surprising instant speed”, and Benny Feng concurred: “The power is quite linear – I didn’t sense any lag.” McLaren’s engine also surpasses the Ferrari 488’s 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 for power – 530kW versus 494kW – though the key to the 720’s superior performance is its impressively light weight.

core, as with every McLaren road car, the 720S weighs less than a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatch. The special passenger cell also benefits handling, body rigidity, cabin space and vision. This is a relatively roomy two-seater, with forward visibility that’s unrivalled in the supercar segment. Many remarked on the well-appointed, racy interior – even if the xenon-yellow and black Alcantara trim plus extensive exposed carbon-fibre were among a super-sized options list that added almost $200,000 to our McLaren’s price tag.

A particularly noteworthy feature is the Folding Driving Display – a graphic instrument panel that, at the touch of a button, rotates downwards to switch from an expansive array of information to a low-profile, track-focused display providing simply a horizontal rev counter (plus digital speedo). Information ‘underload’, if you like, when you want to focus even more attention on fast driving. Clever. – JEZ SPINKS

Engine
4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power/torque
530kW/770Nm
Transmission
Seven-speed dual-clutch manual; rear-wheel drive
Weight
1284kg
Performance
0-100km/h in 2.9 sec; Maximum speed 341km/h
Price
$515,080 (as tested $697,942)

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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