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The Big Mac has morphed into a Whopper. McLaren has revealed the replacement for its 650S Super Series model at the Geneva motor show.
Dubbed the 720S, it’s lighter, faster, more powerful and yet more efficient than its predecessor, with McLaren claiming it’s “a car that sets new benchmarks for supercar excellence.”
A bold claim, but the 720S certainly has the performance to back up its boast. A new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces a staggering 530kW at 7000rpm, backed by a maximum of 770Nm from 5500-6500rpm. Installed in a car that weighs just 1283kg (dry), the result is a power-to-weight ratio of 413kW/tonne, a number that is difficult to comprehend.
The result is shattering performance, McLaren claiming 0-100km/h in 2.9sec, 0-200km/h in 7.8sec and a top speed of 341km/h. The standing quarter mile is said to take just 10.3sec, assisted by the ‘seamless-shift’ seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Despite the increase in displacement and power, fuel consumption has improved by almost 10 per cent to 10.7L/100km, though it’s unlikely to be a figure too many owners will be familiar with.
Deceleration is equally impressive. Six-piston calipers grab carbon-ceramic discs measuring 390mm front and 380mm rear, which bring the 720S to a halt from 100km/h in 29.7m. Taking up the strain are Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres measuring 245/35 ZR19 front and 305/30 ZR20 rear.
McLaren is also a non-believer in conventional limited-slip differentials, using its Brake Steer function to transfer power to the wheel with more traction. The 720S also debuts McLaren’s Variable Drift Control, which allows the driver to determine the level of traction control assistance and allowable oversteer angle using a finger-tip slider on the infotainment screen.
Perhaps stung by criticism of the early 12C’s conservative exterior design, McLaren has been much bolder with the 720S. Most striking are the unbroken side flanks, the engine instead fed air through inlets mounted in the sills behind the doors.
Australian pricing is not yet confirmed, however McLaren expects prices to rise around five per cent over those of the 650S, which means its latest supercar should cost around $490,000 when it lands locally towards the end of 2017.
