The unveiling of the McLaren 720S at the Geneva Autoshow in 2017 marked a significant milestone for the British sports car manufacturer, as it introduced this car as the successor to the successful 650S, setting new standards in the supercar territory. Positioned as a core model in McLaren's Super Series, the 720S has more than exceeded expectations, reinforcing the brand's commitment to innovation and performance.
Featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the 720S showcases McLaren's engineering capabilities with its power output and refined aerodynamics. This powerhouse is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring a seamless flow of power to the wheels and a driving experience that's both exhilarating and precise.
The McLaren 720S has a design philosophy that carries form and function in a manner that's both breathtaking and scientifically precise. Its sleek silhouette, defined by sharp lines and sweeping curves, is unmistakably McLaren, mixing sophistication and raw power.
The design is not just for show; every curve and angle serves to cut through the air with minimal resistance, enhancing the car's aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
One of the most visually striking is its iconic dihedral doors. These doors, which open upwards in a graceful, arc-like motion, are not only a hallmark of McLaren’s design language but also a functional masterpiece. This distinctive door mechanism enhances the vehicle's accessibility, making getting in and out a seamless experience, even in tighter parking spaces.
The upward-opening doors contribute significantly to the 720S's dramatic presence, turning heads whenever they are deployed.
Stepping inside the 720S, one is greeted by an interior that is adorned with high-quality Nappa leather, carbon fiber, and Alcantara trim finishing.. The cabin is a testament to McLaren's meticulous attention to detail, offering a perfect mix of comfort and performance-oriented design.
Advanced technology is at the heart of the 720S's cabin, featuring an innovative folding driver display that offers both a comprehensive mode for cruising and a streamlined mode for performance driving, ensuring vital information is always at the driver's glance.
Borrowing from its rich Formula 1 heritage, McLaren incorporates cutting-edge materials and technology, making the 720S not just a supercar for the track but a remarkably usable vehicle for everyday driving. Its integration of advanced infotainment systems and driver assistance features further cements its status as a supercar that does not sacrifice comfort for performance.
The McLaren 720S offers an advanced, adaptive suspension system and a trio of driving modes that together elevate the driving experience. This dynamic combination allows drivers to tailor the car's performance characteristics to match the driving conditions or their personal preferences, making the 720S as versatile as it is exhilarating to drive.
The Proactive Chassis Control II system is an innovative suspension setup that uses sophisticated algorithms to predict and react to road conditions, driver inputs, and cornering forces in real-time. This system ensures an optimal balance between comfort and performance, providing a smooth ride during leisurely cruises and tightening up for more aggressive driving scenarios.
Complementing the suspension are the three distinct driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Track. Each mode adjusts the car's suspension stiffness, throttle response, shift points, and traction control settings to suit different driving environments:
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Comfort Mode: Engineered for everyday driving, offering a softer suspension setup and a more relaxed throttle response, making the 720S surprisingly comfortable for a supercar, even over longer distances or on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
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Sport Mode: Tightens the car's responses and suspension, providing sharper handling and a more dynamic driving experience suitable for spirited road driving or the occasional foray onto the backroads.
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Track Mode: Unleashes the full potential of the 720S, optimizing every aspect of the car's performance for the racetrack. In this mode, the suspension is at its firmest, and the car's systems are tuned to deliver maximum performance, allowing drivers to experience the 720S's breathtaking capabilities to the fullest.
Some of the competitors to the 720S include the Porsche GT3 RS, Mercedes AMG GTR, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ferrari 488.
Model Changes (Breakdown by Year)
2017 McLaren 720S
The 2017 model is the first full year of production for the 720S, which replaced the McLaren 650S.
Featuring a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 710hp.
The 720S features a low-lying stance with its silhouette echoing the futuristic styling of a spaceship. The starting price was around $288,000 slotting it right with the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488.Some of the variants to note for the 720S include:
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720S Luxury: Focused on enhancing the car's luxury features, including upgraded leather interiors and additional comfort options. Price started at $296,000.
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720S Performance: A variant with added carbon fiber components and performance-oriented interior finishes. Price started at $296,000.
2018 McLaren 720S
Mechanically, the 2018 McLaren 720S was basically the same as 2017.
However, 2018 gave birth to the 720S Spider offering a retractable hardtop that could be opened or closed in just 11 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 mph.
Even though the 720S Spider gains an additional 108 pounds, this variant maintained the performance levels of the coupe while adding the exhilaration of open-top driving.
The starting price for the 720S Spider was $305,000.
2019 McLaren 720S
In 2019, McLaren introduced the 720S Le Mans Special Edition. This car was meant to commemorate McLaren's historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Globally, only 50 units of these vehicles will be available, offered in two colors: McLaren Orange and the deep Sarthe Gray.
The VIN of each car will commence with 298, reflecting the lap count achieved by the victorious F1 GTR, and they will be adorned with a McLaren 25th-anniversary Le Mans badge on the side lower panel.
Distinctive features include a black roof scoop, carbon fiber front fenders, brakes finished in gold, and black exterior trim. In line with McLaren's customary approach, an extensive selection of additional parts from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is available for customization.
The interiors of the special-edition vehicles, similar to the exterior color options, come in two distinct color schemes: black Alcantara racing seats are standard, accented with either McLaren Orange or Dove Gray.
Embroidered into the headrests and floor mats is the McLaren 25th-anniversary Le Mans logo. Additionally, customers have the option to enhance their car with a titanium harness bar and six-point harnesses, courtesy of MSO.
The starting price for the 720S Le Mans Special Edition was $285,000.
Mechanically, the 720S remained unchanged from its 2018 specifications.
2020 McLaren 720S
There were no changes or updates to the McLaren 720S.
However, the McLaren 765LT (Longtail) variant was unveiled in 2020, pushing the boundaries of performance and driving dynamics further than the 720S. As the name suggests, it follows McLaren's "Longtail" philosophy, which means it is lighter, more powerful, and features a longer tail for improved aerodynamic efficiency compared to the 720S.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the 765LT has been tuned to produce 755 hp (45 hp more than the 720), providing a more intense driving experience with faster acceleration and a higher top speed than the 720S.
The 765LT introduces aerodynamic enhancements that significantly boost its performance beyond the 720S, focusing on airflow optimization and downforce increase for better handling and high-speed stability. The longer front splitter directs airflow to reduce drag and increase front downforce, improving steering response.
The extended rear diffuser accelerates airflow underneath the car, creating a suction effect for greater rear stability during fast turns. Additionally, the larger active rear wing adjusts its angle for optimal downforce or acts as an airbrake during braking, ensuring enhanced grip and control.
The interior of the 765LT is designed with a focus on performance and weight reduction, incorporating lightweight Senna seats, removed carpet, and thinner-gauge glass adopting a minimalist design approach. This setup prioritizes performance at the expense of some comfort and cargo capacity.
In keeping with McLaren's tradition for its LT models, the 765LT is a limited-production vehicle, with only 765 units planned for global distribution, making it a highly sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.
The starting price was $368,000 for the 765LT.
2021 McLaren 720S
In 2021, McLaren introduced no major updates to the 720S range, maintaining its availability in both coupe and convertible variants.
Following the coupe, McLaren introduced the 765LT Spider for 2021 which replaces the previous 765LT coupe, further extending the appeal of the 765LT with a retractable hardtop that allows for open-air exhilaration without compromising the performance and dynamics of the coupe version.
Mechanically, it is the same powerplant as the 765LT, so there are no changes. The interior of the cabin offers customization options that include a combination of soft-grain leather and faux-suede upholstery, along with a wide array of color choices. Nonetheless, the LT model's interior is designed to prioritize weight reduction and performance enhancement, which may compromise some aspects of its refinement.
The starting price for the 765LT Spider was $382,500.
2022 McLaren 720S
In 2022, the McLaren 720S received a series of enhancements aimed at elevating the driving and passenger experience through the infotainment system.
The infotainment systems of the 720S were significantly upgraded, featuring a more intuitive user interface, quicker processing capabilities for a smoother user experience, and enhanced touch responsiveness. Integration of smartphone connectivity solutions such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was also enhanced, facilitating easier access to apps for navigation, music, and more, directly through the vehicle's interface.
Connectivity features saw substantial upgrades, with the addition of advanced Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging for devices, and the capability for a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring continuous digital..
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