In the ruthless hierarchy of modern supercars, the McLaren 720S occupies a sweet spot that’s both terrifying and accessible. This isn’t just another pretty face with a big engine: it’s a calculated assault on physics, wrapped in carbon fiber and delivered with typical British understatement.
Engineering Excellence
The 720S represents McLaren’s second-generation Super Series, and the improvements over its 650S predecessor are substantial. The carbon fiber MonoCell II chassis is 18kg lighter than before while providing increased torsional rigidity. Every panel is sculpted not just for beauty, but for aerodynamic purpose. The distinctive side intakes aren’t just design flourishes: they’re functional elements that feed the intercoolers while managing airflow around the rear wheels.
McLaren’s obsession with weight saving borders on the neurotic, and it shows. The 720S tips the scales at just 1,283kg dry, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that embarrasses cars costing twice as much. The carbon fiber construction extends beyond the chassis to include body panels, interior elements, and even the seats in higher trim levels.
The Heart of the Beast
At the core of the 720S experience is McLaren’s M838T twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. This isn’t the same engine from previous McLarens: it’s been extensively redesigned with 41% new parts. The result is 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, delivered with a linearity that defies the laws of turbocharged engines.
The power delivery is nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike some forced-induction engines that hit like a freight train, the 720S builds power with the smooth inevitability of naturally aspirated motors, but with far more intensity. The dual-clutch seven-speed transmission shifts with mechanical precision, whether you’re crawling through traffic or attacking a race track.
On the Road
What separates the 720S from its more extreme siblings is its remarkable daily usability. The adaptive suspension can transform this track weapon into a surprisingly compliant grand tourer. In Comfort mode, it glides over broken pavement with genuine refinement, while Sport and Track modes sharpen every input to scalpel-like precision.
The steering is telepathic, providing the kind of connection between driver and road that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern cars. There’s no artificial weight or fake feedback: just pure, unfiltered communication about what the front wheels are doing. The brakes, sourced from Akebono, provide fade-free stopping power that matches the engine’s considerable output.
On track, the 720S reveals its true character. The active aerodynamics work seamlessly to provide downforce when needed, while the sophisticated traction control allows skilled drivers to explore the limits safely. It’s fast enough to humble most professional racing drivers, yet predictable enough that intermediate enthusiasts can access much of its performance envelope.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the 720S strikes a balance between luxury and purpose. The interior is unmistakably modern, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen dominating the center console. The seats provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable during longer journeys. Visibility is excellent for a mid-engine supercar, aided by the glass roof panel that brings surprising airiness to the cabin.
The build quality is exemplary, with premium materials throughout and fit-and-finish that rivals traditional luxury manufacturers. The infotainment system, while not class-leading, provides adequate functionality and integrates well with the overall design theme.
The McLaren 720S isn’t just fast: it’s intelligently fast, with the kind of engineering depth that rewards study as much as spirited driving. In a world of increasingly sanitized supercars, it maintains a direct connection between driver and machine that’s becoming precious rare.
