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2017 Geneva Motor Show: McLaren 720S

Published on March 7, 2017

The McLaren 720S has been unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The much awaited and much talked about supercar from McLaren is the second-generation of the Super Series which replaces the 650S.

Chassis

The McLaren 720S, like its predecessors is built around a carbon fiber monocoque. The lightweight Monocage II structure is key to the 1283kg dry weight of the 720S. That’s right. The new Super Series model is 18 kg lighter than the 650S it replaces.

New 720S is the best-ever Super Series model in terms of aerodynamic efficiency. It comes with a new generation of McLaren’s active chassis system, Proactive Chassis Control II.

Engine and Performance

The new McLaren 720S is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that delivers 720PS (710hp) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) of torque. It has a power to weight ratio of 553 hp per tonne.

As you’d expect, the 720S is pretty fast car. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 sec. 124 mph is reached in 7.8 sec. Top speed is 212 mph!

Braking performance is equally impressive. The car comes to a dead halt from 124 mph in just 4.6 sec and covering a distance of 117 m.

Exterior and Interior

Similarly, a lot has changed on the exterior front. The McLaren 720S has a distinctly supercar like profile with short overhangs and a swooping roofline that looks aggressive from every angle. The styling is completely new which helps add a bit of drama. No, it’s not like the dreary old 12C.

McLaren engineers have worked on making the 720S more practical and easy to use on a daily basis. The doors for instance can be opened even in tight parking spaces. The cabin, like in most McLaren supercars is uncluttered and driver focused. The new layout comprises of a “Folding Driver Display”. The digital instrument panel flips over to reveal a smaller panel which only displays crucial information.