- McLaren 720S introduces the second-generation Super Series, the supercar product family at the heart of the McLaren brand
- Stunning new interpretation of McLaren design language and dedication to aerodynamic principles, personifying the brand’s extreme performance DNA
- Carbon fibre chassis based around Monocage II central structure key to the 1,283kg lightest dry weight and unparalleled interior space and visibility
- Luxurious, driver-focused cabin, featuring the finest leathers and aluminium switches
- New 720S delivers outstanding driver engagement, with best-ever Super Series aerodynamic efficiency and new generation of McLaren’s active chassis system, Proactive Chassis Control II
- Widest breadth of dynamic capability of any McLaren, ranging from precise, controlled comfort to the most extreme handling prowess
- New, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 720PS and 770Nm, with power-to-weight ratio of up to 561PS per tonne
- 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds (0-100km/h 2.9 seconds), with 0-200km/h (124mph) reached in 7.8 seconds and maximum speed of 212mph (341km/h)
- Braking from 200 km/h to standstill in 4.6 seconds, covering 117m
- Deliveries of McLaren’s new supercar will commence in May: prices start at: £208,600 (UK)
The new McLaren 720S makes its global debut today (March 7) at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, introducing the second-generation of McLaren’s Super Series and simultaneously raising previously accepted limits of performance in the supercar sector.
“Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland. This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720S is absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.”
Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive
The unveiling of McLaren’s new supercar confirms both the 720S name and 720PS horsepower of the first model in the second-generation McLaren Super Series, details which have been teased online in recent months. The Surrey, England-based manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports and supercars, has issued a series of six press releases since January, each accompanied by an image or film containing a numerical reference – and it can now be revealed that 1 x 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 equals 720…
The new 720S is lighter, faster and even more dynamically capable than its McLaren 650S predecessor, with unparalleled levels of interior space and sophistication and a breadth and depth of abilities that will engage and exhilarate the driver. One glance at the 720S identifies it as a bold reinterpretation of McLaren’s design language; rooted in aerodynamic principles, the beautiful form has nothing superfluous about it: immediately and undeniably a McLaren, the new 720S is arguably the most distinctive and remarkable McLaren yet.
One of the key points in the design of the new Super Series is the absence of radiator intakes on the side of the car; this function is carried out instead by the unique ‘double-skin’ aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors, which channel air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted engine.
The new M480T engine powering the 720S continues the lineage of McLaren’s multiple-award-winning, twin-turbocharged V8 engine series. The 4.0-litre engine, which has 41 percent new part content compared to the 3.8-litre engine that continues to feature in the McLaren Sports Series, generates a maximum of 720PS and 770Nm of torque.
Performance is truly astonishing: standstill to 100km/h (62mph) takes less than 3 seconds and just 5 seconds later the car has passed the 200km/h (124mph) mark on its way to a maximum speed of 341km/h (212mph). Braking is equally impressive, the new 720S coming to a halt from 200km/h (124mph) in just 4.6 seconds, covering 117m. Additionally, the extreme efficiency of the engine also goes beyond mere velocity: the new McLaren 720S delivers 10.7 litres/km combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of just 249g/km in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
McLaren’s expertise in carbon fibre structures – every road car built by the British manufacturer since the McLaren F1 in 1993 has had a carbon fibre chassis – underpins the construction of the new 720S; the architecture of the car is based around a new carbon fibre ‘tub’ and upper structure, the McLaren Monocage II. This technology delivers extreme strength and rigidity in a lightweight structure and is the ideal base for any supercar. A range of aluminium alloys are also used extensively in the chassis, as well as for some body panels.
A new generation of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control, new suspension and the established excellence of McLaren’s power-assisted, electro-hydraulic steering, all combine to deliver huge reserves of grip, balance and performance and an unmatched breadth of dynamic capabilities.
The hand-crafted luxury inherent in a McLaren, with the authenticity of fine leathers and machined aluminium, is complemented by the revolutionary new McLaren Driver Interface, which comprises a Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen. In combination with a cabin environment that establishes new standards in the supercar segment for visibility, space and comfort, these attributes give the new McLaren 720S an incredible degree of usability and validate its claim to be the most complete supercar on sale today.
The new McLaren 720S is now available to order from McLaren retailers, with the first customers scheduled to receive their cars in May. Three grades of specification are offered, with Performance and Luxury trims extending above the standard level, all complemented by a range of option packs. Comprehensive detail of the new McLaren 720S, which costs from £208,600 (UK), can be found alongside a portfolio of new visual assets on the McLaren website
McLaren 720S
Technical specification
| Engine configuration | M840T engine, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,994cc |
| Drivetrain layout | Longitudinal mid-engined, RWD |
| Power PS (bhp/kW @ rpm | 720 (710/537) @ 7,500 |
| Torque Nm (lbs ft) @ rpm | 770 (568) @ 5,500 |
| Transmission | 7 Speed SSG |
| Suspension | Independent adaptive dampers, dual wishbones, Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II) |
| Brakes | Carbon Ceramic Discs (F: 390mm R: 380mm) |
| Wheels (inches) | Front: 9J x 19; Rear: 11J x 19 |
| Tyres | F: 245/35/R19 93Y (XL); R: 305/30/R20 103Y (XL) |
| Length, mm (inches) | 4,543 (179) |
| Wheelbase, mm (inches) | 2,670 (105) |
| Height, mm (inches) | 1,196 (47) |
| Width, with mirrors, mm (inches) | 2,161 (85) |
| Width, mirrors folded, mm (inches) | 2,059 (81) |
| Width, without mirrors, mm (inches) | 1,930 (76) |
| Lightest dry weight, kg (lbs) | 1,283 (2,828.5) |
| DIN Kerb weight, kg (lbs) [fluids + 90% fuel] | 1,419 (3,128) |
| Luggage capacity | Front: 150l; Rear: 210l |
Performance data*
| ACCELERATION | |
| 0 -60mph | 2.8 seconds |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) | 2.9 seconds |
| 0-200 km/h (0-124mph) | 7.8 seconds |
| 0-300 km/h (0-186mph) | 21.4 seconds |
| 0-400 m / ¼ mile | 10.3 seconds |
| Maximum Speed | 341km/h (212 mph) |
| 200 – 0 km/h (124mph – 0) braking | 4.6 seconds/117 m |
| 100 – 0 km/h (62mph – 0) braking | 2.8 seconds/29.7 m |
| EFFICIENCY | |
| CO2 emissions [NEDC] | 249 g/km |
| Fuel consumption – EU mpg (l/100km) Combined Urban Extra urban |
10.7 l /100km 15.8 l /100km 7.9 l /100km |
* All figures subject to confirmation. MPG (UK/US) not yet available.
McLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS QUICK TO CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF NEW McLAREN SUPER SERIES WITH BESPOKE MSO 720S ‘VELOCITY’
- Bespoke McLaren 720S personalised by MSO is unveiled in Geneva just 24 hours after global debut of second-generation Super Series
- Visual dynamism of McLaren Special Operations’ ‘Velocity’ theme celebrates extreme performance credentials of new McLaren supercar
- Fusion of Volcano Red and Nerello Red paint colours showcases the ability of MSO to create uniquely sophisticated, bespoke McLaren cars
Just 24 hours after the new McLaren 720S was revealed in all its glory at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, McLaren Automotive is highlighting the level to which buyers of its new Super Series will be able to personalise their car by unveiling a dramatic, bespoke 720S, created by McLaren Special Operations.
The McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’ by MSO signals the almost limitless scope of personalisation possibilities available to buyers who opt to commission their new Super Series car from McLaren Special Operations, the bespoke vehicle division of McLaren Automotive.
“The MSO mission is to fulfil customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,” explained Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “The lean, sculpted beauty of the new 720S provides the perfect starting point for owners to be creative and the specification of this MSO 720S ‘Velocity’ showcases a taste of the customisation options that are possible.”
The striking ‘Velocity’ paint theme comprises two pearlescent hues of red; a newly formulated shade, Nerello Red, is used on the front and upper body panels of the car – including on the red-tinted visual carbon fibre bonnet – and fades into a vivid Volcano Red that covers the sides and rear of the car.
The unique paintwork is complemented by lightweight alloy wheels, finished in a subtle shade of metallic bronze by MSO. A range of exterior carbon fibre parts selected from the MSO collection also features on the 720S ‘Velocity’, further enhancing the bold and purposeful appearance of the new Super Series. In addition to the red carbon fibre bonnet, a gloss carbon Rear Deck Vent, gloss carbon fibre Service Cover, gloss carbon rear aero bridge and satin carbon Full Length Sill Cover are also fitted.
Step inside the spacious, light and airy cabin of the 720S ‘Velocity’ and you are greeted by Carbon Black Alcantara® trim throughout, providing a technical, sporting feel with a luxurious tactile finish and contrasting with Harissa Red leather details. Complementing the exterior ‘Velocity’ theme, Harissa Red highlights are continued throughout the interior, including on the fascia, steering wheel, doors and across the sports seats fitted as standard on the 720S, further enhancing McLaren’s most luxurious Super Series interior to date.
The McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’, which as a complete vehicle costs in the region of £335,000 as a McLaren Special Operations commission, is one of five MSO themes for the new McLaren Super Series that are explored in a boutique area of the McLaren stand at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show. The other themes, ‘GT’; ‘Pacific’; ‘Track’; and ‘Stealth’, are displayed on screens, further demonstrating that MSO can fulfil almost any request to ensure that each personalised McLaren perfectly delivers the customers’ initial ideas and vision.
The portfolio of MSO enhancements featuring on the McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’ comprises:
- MSO Exterior Paint Theme (Nerello Red/Volcano Red)
- MSO Bronze Wheel Finish
- MSO Carbon Fibre Bonnet (red tinted gloss finish)
- MSO Carbon Rear Deck Vent (gloss finish)
- MSO Carbon Service Cover (gloss finish)
- MSO Carbon Fibre Rear Aero Bridge (gloss finish)
- MSO Carbon Full Length Sill Cover (satin finish)
- MSO Carbon Face Vents (satin finish)
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Facia with Harissa Red Leather IP Topper Centre and IP Topper Driver Side (Harissa Red contrast stitch on all stitch lines)
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Tunnel and Door Bin Lid with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch (including Black TPE Cup Holder and Key Fob Holder)
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Steering Wheel with Harissa Red Leather Centre Band (Harissa Red contrast stitch on upper and grips)
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Door Casings with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch and Harissa Red Leather Door Speaker Surround Inner
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Seats with Carbon Black Leather Large Insert Panels (cushion/seatback) and Harissa Red Leather Minor Insert Accent Panels. Harissa Red Contrast Stitch on all stitch lines
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Headlining with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch
- Full Carbon Black Alcantara® Quarter Panel Rear and Bulkhead Finisher (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines)
- Carbon Black Carpet Rear Shelf and Bulkhead (Harissa Red contrast stitch on decorative stitch lines)
- Carbon Black Alcantara® B Pillar Lower with Harissa Red Contrast Stitch
THE NEW CORE OF THE McLAREN SECOND-GENERATION SUPER SERIES
- New McLaren supercar will debut on March 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show
- Second generation of the Super Series is McLaren Automotive’s first-ever replacement of a product family and the first of the 15 new cars defined in the company’s Track22 Business Plan
- New carbon fibre Monocage II body structure delivers extreme strength and contributes to the car’s light weight
A new era will begin for McLaren Automotive this March with the launch of the second generation of its Super Series at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show. The first of the 15 new cars cited in the company’s Track22 Business Plan, the second-generation Super Series is also the first replacement of a product family by the British manufacturer of luxury sports and supercars.
“Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland,” explained McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. “This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new Super Series will be absolutely true to McLaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.”
The new Super Series is created around an ultra-lightweight, carbon fibre central structure. Immensely rigid, yet weighing less than the carbon fibre and metal cockpit architecture of the first-generation Super Series, the Monocage II contributes to a lightest dry weight of just 1,283kg for the new car – lower than the closest competitor and 18kg lighter than a McLaren 650S with comparable specification.
The development of Monocage II has allowed McLaren to incorporate a wider cabin entrance and lower sill to improve access into a driver environment that will offer excellent all-round visibility. The new chassis structure also enables a lower centre of gravity, further sharpening the dynamic performance of the new Super Series. Owners wishing to showcase the carbon-fibre construction chassis can specify a ‘Visible Monocage’ option that exposes the material on the inside area of the A-pillar.
The Super Series lineage began in 2011 with the launch of the groundbreaking 12C. The 12C Spider followed in 2012 and in 2014 McLaren introduced the 650S Coupé and 650S Spider. The first generation of the McLaren Super Series was further expanded in 2015 with the launch of the limited edition 675LT Coupé and 675LT Spider.
NEW McLAREN WILL ENGAGE DRIVERS WITH AN UNRIVALLED DISPLAY OF TECHNOLOGY AND LUXURY
- New McLaren Driver Interface typifies the design engineering ingenuity that underpins every aspect of the new, second-generation McLaren Super Series
- Revolutionary Folding Driver Display combines with all-new Central Infotainment Screen to provide peerless levels of information delivery and driver interaction.
The second-generation McLaren Super Series, which will be revealed next week at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, will feature an all-new driver interface that incorporates a revolutionary approach to information display and delivers unrivalled levels of driver engagement.
The McLaren Driver Interface will be complemented in the second-generation Super Series by switches machined from aluminium and the finest leather upholstery and trim, confirming the blend of hand-crafted luxury and innovative technology inherent in a McLaren. In combination with a light, airy cabin that offers unparalleled visibility and space, this level of sophistication will provide a driver environment that is set to rapidly become recognised as the most welcoming and engaging in the supercar sector.
“The new McLaren Driver Interface is a matchless example of advanced driver engagement built around two separate high-definition screens; a Folding Driver Display and a Central Infotainment Touchscreen,” explained Mark Vinnels, Executive Director – Product Development at McLaren Automotive. “The Folding Driver Display is revolutionary in offering both a choice of information shown and physical position, seamlessly complementing driver preferences while at the same time furnishing a glorious piece of engineering theatre.”
In Full Display Mode, the default on vehicle unlocking as part of the ‘welcome’ sequence, the Folding Driver Display provides a comprehensive range of information on an upright TFT screen, the display format changing according to a driver’s choice of Comfort, Sport, or Track driving modes. Slim Display Mode, either selected manually at the touch of a button or automatically deployed when linked to active dynamics functionality, sees the driver display slide down to show only essential information in a strip. This is the ideal condition for drivers wanting the minimum of distraction, either when on a track or for those who prefer simplicity of visual information.
The 8-inch Central Infotainment Screen comprises the other element of McLaren’s advanced new integrated approach to sharing information. The driver’s portal to the all-new infotainment system of the second-generation McLaren Super Series, the screen will run multiple applications simultaneously on a vertical touchscreen carousel providing control of audio, media, navigation and other convenience features, as well as having several quick-access keys.
Comprehensive information about the second-generation Super Series will be confirmed on March 7 and a portfolio of additional images will be issued.
THE LIMITS OF SUPERCAR PERFORMANCE
- New 4.0-litre engine will power second-generation McLaren Super Series
- Twin-turbocharged V8 provides stunning performance: acceleration to 200km/h (124mph) takes 7.8 seconds and the standing quarter mile 10.3 seconds
- New exhaust system has been tuned to provide a soundtrack to match the extreme performance of the engine, with the further option of a sports exhaust
- Engineered beauty of new 4.0-litre engine showcased by engine bay illumination as part of the welcome sequence on vehicle unlocking
The second-generation McLaren Super Series, which will make its public debut on March 7 at the 87thGeneva International Motor Show, is poised to raise previously accepted limits of supercar performance. Drivers will be able to enjoy acceleration from standstill to 200km/h (124mph) in just 7.8 seconds, accompanied by a soulful, clean and crisp exhaust note that is among the most emotive of any McLaren.
“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter mile in 10.3 seconds,” commented McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”
The ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers fitted to the new M840T engine typify the engineering philosophy of advancement in every area, pursued throughout the development of McLaren’s new supercar. Spooling up more rapidly than previous designs, they deliver reduced turbo lag and quicker throttle response.
The new 4.0-litre engine signals its performance credentials with an exhaust sound achieved through a sophisticated balance of harmonics and delivering a ‘crescendo’ characteristic, according to engine rpm and load. A sports exhaust is optional for those who want still more aural excitement.
Owners will also be able to showcase the heart of their new car – in particular, the cast-aluminium air intake plenum with McLaren Speedmark logo on top of the new V8 engine – with engine bay illumination that operates on vehicle unlocking.
More details of the second-generation McLaren Super Series, including engine and performance specifications, will be confirmed on March 7.
NEW ACTIVE CHASSIS CONTROL
- McLaren Proactive Chassis Control II system monitors dynamic and driver inputs to provide outstanding breadth of handling balance, grip and ride comfort
- Drivers will be able to choose Comfort, Sport, or Track chassis modes to deliver optimal performance according to personal preference and driving conditions
- McLaren Variable Drift Control delivers additional enjoyment in Sport and Track modes, with finger-tip control of Electronic Stability Control intensity
The second-generation McLaren Super Series, which will make its public debut at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show on March 7, will have the widest breadth of dynamic ability of any McLaren and set new standards for Super Series’ cornering performance, driver enjoyment and ride comfort.
An advanced new generation of McLaren’s multi-mode, Proactive Chassis Control is key to the elevated dynamic performance of the new McLaren supercar. Drivers can select Comfort, Sport, or Track mode according to personal preference and Proactive Chassis Control II will deliver the optimal balance of cornering grip, dynamic response, and comfort to best suit the individual mode and the driving conditions.
Proactive Chassis Control II uses multiple sensors – 12 more than on previous Super Series models, including an accelerometer on each wheel hub – to ‘read’ inputs from the road and measure tyre contact patch. The information is analysed in milliseconds by the ‘Optimal Controller’ algorithm at the core of the system and suspension damping immediately optimised accordingly.
“Proactive Chassis Control II generates a significant amount of additional grip, but not at the expense of the balance and feel of the car,” explained Mark Vinnels, Executive Director – Product Development, at McLaren Automotive. “The depth and breadth of handling precision and ride comfort in combination with the peerless level of driver involvement in the second-generation McLaren Super Series is simply extraordinary.”
An additional new feature, McLaren Variable Drift Control, will provide even greater involvement for a driver who wants to fully explore the dynamic ability of the second-generation Super Series, allowing the level of Electronic Stability Control intensity to be varied with the swipe of a finger across a control displayed on the central infotainment screen.
BEAUTY AND TECHNOLOGY TO DOUBLE AERODYNAMIC
- Design and aero technology working in harmony deliver stunning sculptural form with optimal aerodynamic efficiency
- Active rear wing, with airbrake functionality to optimise balance when braking from high speed
- New, second-generation Super Series has double the aerodynamic efficiency of the McLaren 650S
A sculpted, technical yet beautiful body shape and advanced aerodynamic technologies combine to provide the foundation for the enhanced aerodynamic performance of the second-generation McLaren Super Series.
The new McLaren supercar, which will be unveiled on March 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, is twice as aerodynamically efficient as the McLaren 650S, with increased downforce and improved cooling among the engineering imperatives for the new generation.
“The second-generation McLaren Super Series will be as aerodynamically impressive as it is visually beautiful,” commented Mark Vinnels, Executive Director – Product Development, McLaren Automotive. “A range of advanced aerodynamic technologies contributes to maximum generated downforce over 50% greater than that of the McLaren 650S and ensures truly outstanding levels of grip and stability. We have also markedly improved cooling efficiency, with a 15% gain overall and a particular focus on airflow to the engine’s high temperature radiators through a unique new design of dihedral door.”
An active wing that extends over the full rear width of the second-generation McLaren Super Series moves upwards and increases in angle to optimise aerodynamic efficiency and also deploys to its most extreme angle as an airbrake in less than half a second, optimising balance when braking from speed.
The new dihedral door design of the second-generation Super Series showcases McLaren’s innovation and engineering expertise. Two separate air ducts are integrated within the door structure; one forces air from the top of the door down into the High Temperature Radiators that cool the engine, while the other draws air out of the front wheel arch to create increased downforce. This further enhances the diffuser technology first seen in the McLaren P1TM.
Full details of the second-generation Super Series will be confirmed in March, when further images and pricing will also be available.
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