McLaren 720S

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McLaren 720S
Overview
ManufacturerMcLaren Automotive
Production2017–2023 (720S)[1]
AssemblyWoking, Surrey, England, UK
DesignerFrank Stephenson[2]
Robert Melville[3][4]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformMonoCage II carbon fibre monocoque
DoorsButterfly doors
Related
Powertrain
Engine4.0 L M840T twin-turbocharged V8
Power output720 PS (530 kW; 710 hp)
Transmission7-speed Graziano dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,670 mm (105.1 in)[5]
Length4,544 mm (178.9 in)[5]
Width2,161 mm (85.1 in)[5]
Height1,196 mm (47.1 in)[5]
Kerb weight3,128 lb (1,419 kg) (720S Coupé)[6]
3,236 lb (1,468 kg) (720S Spider)[7]
Chronology
PredecessorMcLaren 650S
SuccessorMcLaren 750S

The McLaren 720S is a sports car designed and manufactured by British automobile manufacturer McLaren Automotive. It is the second all-new car in the McLaren Super Series, replacing the 650S beginning in May 2017.

The 720S was launched at the Geneva Motor Show on 7 March 2017 and is built on a modified carbon monocoque, which is lighter and stiffer than the previous model, the 650S.

Specifications[edit]

The 720S is the first all-new car to be introduced by McLaren as a part of its new plan to launch 15 new cars into the market by 2022.[8] The 720S according to McLaren is 91% new as compared to its predecessor.

Engine[edit]

Main article: McLaren M840T engine

The 720S features McLaren's new M840T engine which is an evolution of the M838T used in the 650S.[9] It is a 3,994 cc (4.0 L; 243.7 cu in) twin-turbocharged V8 engine.[10][11] The engine has a rated power output of 720 PS (530 kW; 710 hp) at 7,500 rpm, giving the car its name; the maximum torque is 568 lb⋅ft (770 N⋅m) at 5,500 rpm.[12]

Suspension[edit]

The ProActive Chassis Control II active suspension system used in the 720S is an evolution of the system used in the 650S but is 16 kg (35 lb) lighter than the previous version. The new system features accelerometers on the top and pressure sensors at the bottom of the dampers to precisely communicate to the car's onboard computer the driving conditions in real-time for optimum suspension settings. The system uses findings from a PhD course at the University of Cambridge.[9][10]

Chassis[edit]

The doors in the open position

The carbon fibre tub used in the 720S' chassis is based on the similar principle of the MonoCage unit in the P1 but is 18 kg (40 lb) lighter than its predecessor. Called the MonoCage II, the tub allows for dihedral doors[citation needed] with large cutouts for easier entry and exit. It also reduces the size of the pillars of the roof, improving visibility for the driver. The same tub underpins the Senna, Speedtail and the Elva sports cars.[10]

Interior[edit]

The interior is designed to be a blend of modern and race-inspired elements. Alcantara and Weir leather upholstery along with carbon fibre trim is standard. A Bowers and Wilkins audio system and fixed carbon fibre racing seats are included as an option. The main focus of the interior is the driver and this is reflected by the new digital display behind the steering wheel which retracts to a thin screen to reveal vital information to the driver when the car is in track mode. The touch screen on the center console is angled towards the driver, and vital controls are designed to be in the driver's easy reach. The car comes with three driving modes: track, sport, and comfort with the first focusing on an enhanced track driving experience.[10]

Performance[edit]

According to McLaren the 720S can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.8 seconds, can achieve a maximum speed of 341 km/h (212 mph),[12] and has a 1⁄4 mile (402 m) time of 10.3 seconds.[13] The 720S also comes with Variable Drift Mode, which manipulates the stability control to help drift the car.[14]

Efficiency[edit]

McLaren claims class-leading efficiency for the new 720S, with CO2 emissions of 249 g/km and combined fuel economy of 26.4 mpg‑imp (22.0 mpg‑US; 10.7 L/100 km)[15]—both of these figures represent an improvement of around 10% from the 650S.

Design[edit]

Rear view
Interior

The McLaren 720S features twin-hinged butterfly doors and many design features from the McLaren F1. The headlights hide air vents that funnel incoming air to two small radiators in front of the wheels. The doors feature air channels that direct air to the engine. The rear of the car features thin LED taillights similar to those on the McLaren P1, and two round exhaust pipes. The design was inspired by the great white shark and features a teardrop-shaped cockpit.[9] All of the exterior features result in an improvement of 50% more downforce than the 650S.[16] The interior of the car includes a folding driver display and carbon fibre accents.[17]

Variants[edit]

720S (2017–2023)[edit]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.

The vehicle went on sale on 7 March 2017, with deliveries to customers starting in May 2017.[18]

720S Spider (2018–2023)[edit]

The 720S Spider was introduced in December 2018 as the brand's new open-top flagship sports car. Due to the integral roll structure of the monocoque used in the 720S, the Spider did not need additional bracing to compensate for the loss of a fixed roof. The modified monocoque loses the spine running from front to the rear of the car and is dubbed the Monocage II-S. Due to the loss of the roof, the 720S Spider uses traditional dihedral doors. The Spider weighs 45 kg (100 lb) more than its coupé counterpart due to the retractable hardtop system. The Spider marks the debut of new 10-spoke alloy wheels and new exterior colour options.

The roof is a single piece of carbon fibre and takes 11 seconds for operation, 6 seconds quicker than the 650S Spider. The roof can be operated at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). The Spider uses the "flying buttress" as used on all convertible McLaren models. There is an added window on the buttress of the car to increase rear visibility. The retractable window between the roll-over hoops is carried over from the 650S Spider.

The engine and the transmission remain the same as the coupé with the engine generating the same amount of power. The Spider can accelerate to 97 km/h (60 mph) from a standstill in 2.9 seconds, to 193 km/h (120 mph) in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 341 km/h (212 mph) with the top closed. The top speed reduces by 16 km/h (10 mph) with the top retracted.[19][20]

720S MSO Apex Collection (2019–2023)[edit]

The name refers to one of the most important points on racetracks: the apex of a corner. This is the driver’s point of reference at all times, in order to circle the bend on the ideal line and to be able to accelerate out of it as early as possible. Based on the 720S Coupé, McLaren launched a total of 15 Apex Collection cars in five different designs. On the outside, the presentation vehicles show either white or red paintwork and thus reproduce the typical colors of curbs in the group photos when they are parked next to each other. The press release leaves it open whether other paint colors are also available for the special edition. The inscription ‘Apex Collection’ in front of the rear wheels refers to it. Air intakes, exterior mirrors and the active rear spoiler are made of visible carbon fibre. The wheel arches are filled with ultra-light forged ten-spoke rims and at the rear you can find the tailpipes of the sports exhaust, which comes as standard with the Apex Collection.

The driver and front passenger sit in the well-formed carbon racing seats. As the otherwise optional Track Pack is standard on the MSO Apex Collection, there is a titanium rollbar behind the seats including belt attachment points for six-point harnesses, which provide much more support on the racetrack. The infotainment system includes the McLaren Track Telemetry system (MTT), which allows drivers to keep track of their lap times. In addition, three cameras record vehicle and driver movements to provide the most focused analysis of drives on closed circuits as possible, helping to improve driver skills. From the MSO accessory range, the Apex Collection cars receive extended carbon shift paddles, an Alcantara steering wheel with color-contrasting 12 o’clock mark, a special accelerator pedal and an MSO key cap.

As soon as the doors are opened, an inscription in the carbon sills refer to one of the five different design themes.

  • Apex Great Britain – 110 mph (the speed of 110 mph is reached by the 720S in Silverstone’s Abbey Corner)
  • Apex Germany – 85 mph (the speed of 85 mph is reached by the 720S in the Mobil 1 corner in Hockenheim)
  • Apex France - 104 mph (the speed of 104 mph is reached by the 720S in the Signes-Kurve at Circuit Paul Ricard)
  • Apex Belgium – 103 mph (the speed of 103 mph is reached by the 720S in Eau Rouges at Spa-Francorchamps)
  • Apex Italy – 90 mph (the speed of 90 mph is reached by the 720S in the Ascari chicane in Monza)

These speeds were reached by professional factory test drivers at the apex of each of the corners mentioned. The Apex Great Britain was built in two left- and right-hand drive cars each, while the Apex Germany, Apex France, Apex Belgium and Apex Italy editions were available in one right- and two left-hand drive cars each. First deliveries were expected for October 2019. In the UK, the price per unit is £288,813. Each owner also received a VIP pass for a Formula 1 race including access to the paddock.[21]

765LT (2020–2023)[edit]

McLaren 765LT

Unveiled on 3 March 2020, the 765LT is a limited (765 units worldwide[22]) version of the 720S and the successor to the 675LT as a Super Series Longtail car, focused on track performance. The M840T engine is now rated at 765 PS (563 kW; 755 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 590 lb⋅ft (800 N⋅m) of torque at 5,500 rpm achieved with a higher-capacity fuel pump, forged aluminium pistons and a three-layer head gasket from the Senna.

The top speed is lowered from the 720S's 341 km/h (212 mph) to 330 km/h (205 mph) due to added drag created by the added high downforce parts, although the 765LT weighs 80 kg (176 lb) less than the 720S at 1,339 kg (2,952 lb) in its lightest configuration and has a quicker 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of 2.8 seconds. It also can hit 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) in 7.0 seconds and complete a quarter-mile dash in 9.9 seconds according to McLaren.[23] A US-spec McLaren 765LT was tested by Road & Track with a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 131.1 mph (211.0 km/h), which equates to 0–100 km/h in the high-3 range and 0–200 km/h in the mid-10 range.[24] In addition, it stopped at 92 feet from 60-0 mph. Other testing sources such as DragTimes have recorded quarter mile times as low as 9.2 seconds and at speeds up to 152 mph.

The Senna's brake calipers are also available as an extra-cost option; McLaren claims these have four times the thermal conductivity as conventional carbon ceramics, while Pirelli Trofeo R tyres are standard. Suspension changes involve a 5 mm (0.2 in) reduction in ride height and the use of lightweight main springs with secondary "helper" units as well as an upgraded Proactive Chassis Control system. The aerodynamics are redesigned to produce 25% more downforce than the 720S, featuring front fender vents, a larger front splitter and a longer active wing element at the rear at the cost of less noise insulation, thinner-gauge glass and stiffened engine mounts. The rear of the car also features a quad-exit full titanium exhaust to distinguish it from the 720S. Production was limited to 765 cars globally with customer deliveries in October 2020.[25][26][27]

720S Le Mans special edition (2020–2023)[edit]

It is a version of 720S coupé celebrating the 25th anniversary of McLaren F1 GTR #59's 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race win. It includes:

  • Choice of two body colours (McLaren Orange, Sarthe Grey)
  • VIN starting with 298 (the number of laps completed by the original race car)
  • 'Ueno Grey'-painted body side lower, rear bumper and front bumper lower
  • 'McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans' logo on lower body side panel
  • Gloss black roof scoop with polycarbonate rear glazing
  • Carbon fibre louvred front fenders
  • Unique 5-spoke LM wheels that based on the design of the #59 F1 GTR wheels, with 'Le Mans' etching
  • Gold-coloured brake calipers
  • Gloss black contrast body components
  • Choice of two black Alcantara themes with accents in McLaren Orange or Dove Grey
  • Carbon fibre racing seats
  • Embroidered headrests with 'McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans' logo
  • 12 o'clock steering wheel marker, linked to interior accent colour
  • Dedication plate with 'McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans' logo
  • Floor mats with 'McLaren 25 anniversary Le Mans' logo

The vehicle went on sale in 2020-06-17.[28]

765LT Spider (2021–2023)[edit]

McLaren 765LT Spider

Unveiled on the 27 July 2021, the convertible is a limited (765 units worldwide[22]) version of 765LT coupe. It uses the same M840T engine which produces 765 PS (563 kW; 755 hp). The Spider weighs 80 kg (176 lb) less than the 720S Spider at 1,388 kg (3,060 lb), making it 49 kg (108 lb) heavier than the coupe.[29][30][31]

750S (2023–)[edit]

The McLaren 750S is the successor of the 720S and is scheduled to be McLaren Automotive's final model to be solely powered by an internal combustion engine. Essentially a facelifted version of the 720S, it features redesigned front and rear ends and an increase in power to 750 PS (552 kW; 740 hp).[32][33] The 750S is also 30 kg (66 lbs) lighter than the 720S. According to McLaren, about 30 percent of the parts have been updated compared to the 720S. Other mechanical changes include a redesigned converging center-exit exhaust system, larger air intakes, 15% shorter transmission final-drive ratio, and a quicker steering ratio. On the interior, a new 8-inch Apple CarPlay-enabled infotainment system was added.[34]

Awards[edit]

The McLaren 720S GT3X won the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb, by setting the fastest time at the shootout final, sprinting up the hill in 45.01 seconds.

Motorsport[edit]

Enduro Motorsports 720S GT3

720S GT3[edit]

The McLaren 720S GT3 is a motorsport version of the 720S designed to take part in GT3 races.[37] The car was revealed in August 2018 with a price of $564,000 and McLaren said that 90% of the car was different from the road-legal 720S.[38] It was originally teased through renderings in November 2017.[39]

720S GT3 Evo[edit]

Sky - Tempesta Racing 720S GT3 Evo

In 2023, McLaren launched an Evo for the 720S GT3. The evo saw improvements made on aerodynamics and suspension, aimed at improving the car's handling in traffic. The car was available to be purchased brand new, or as an upgrade kit for existing 720S GT3 cars.[40]

720S GT3X (2021–2022)[edit]

In March 2021, McLaren announced the 720S GT3X,[41] a track-only car based on the 720S GT3 which isn't limited by the restrictions put in place by the FIA for GT3-class cars.[42]

A McLaren 720S GT3X won 2021 Goodwood Festival hill climb, set the fastest time at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed’s famous hill climb timed shootout final, sprinting up the hill in just 45.01 seconds.[43]

Marketing[edit]

LEGO Speed Champions McLaren 720S model kit, which also includes a minifigure car designer with design studio desk, went on sale June 2017.[44]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Prepare to Say Goodbye to the McLaren 720S". 11 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Frank Stephenson - The Story". frankstephenson.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  3. ^ "McLaren 720S - Super Series". Cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 11 March 2017.
  4. ^ "Press Kits: McLaren 720S". Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d "McLaren 720S revealed: full information and unpublished images of the dawn of a new era for McLaren's Super Series". cars.mclaren.press. Retrieved 13 May 2018.
  6. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S First Test: The New Normal is Nuts". motortrend.com. Motor Trend. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  7. ^ "McLaren's 2019 720S Spider - A Convertible Without Compromise". caranddriver.com. Car and Driver. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  8. ^ "McLaren on course for 15 new cars by 2022". Top Gear. 22 July 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  9. ^ a b c "McLaren 720S - Super Series". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d MacKenzie, Agnus (3 May 2017). "2018 McLaren 720S First Drive: Teacher's Pet". Motor Trend. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  11. ^ "212mph McLaren 720S officially revealed at Geneva Motor Show". Autocar. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  12. ^ a b "McLaren Super Series - 720S - Specification". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  13. ^ Andrew English. "McLaren 720S: First look at the new hot-blooded Englishman". Autoblog. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  14. ^ Baisden, Michael (1 March 2017). "McLaren 720S: Revamping to Raise the Bar For Supercars". Art of Gears. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  15. ^ Tingwall, Eric (April 2018). "2018 McLaren 720S". Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  16. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S First Look: Recalibrating the Supercar - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  17. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S". Top Speed. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  18. ^ "McLaren 720S revealed: full information and unpublished images of the dawn of a new era for McLaren's Super Series". Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  19. ^ Brownell, Bradley (9 December 2018). "The 2019 McLaren 720S Spider Is A True 200 mph Open Top". Jalopnik. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  20. ^ Pattni, Vijay (9 December 2018). "The new McLaren 720S Spider is a 202mph convertible". Top Gear. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  21. ^ Kierse, Matthias (27 September 2019). "McLaren 720S MSO Apex Collection". SECRET CLASSICS. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  22. ^ a b "新車首展｜開頂版McLaren 765LT Spider港限量11輛". Archived from the original on 30 December 2021.
  23. ^ "McLaren 765LT Specifications - Top Speed, 0-100, Weight, BHP |". McLaren Automotive.
  24. ^ LT Coupe image ibb.co
  25. ^ MacKenzie, Angus (3 March 2020). "2020 McLaren 765LT First Look: Fifth Longtail Model Is 720S-Based". Motor Trend. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  26. ^ "2021 McLaren 765LT: What We Know So Far". Car and Driver. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  27. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (7 April 2020). "McLaren 765LT supercar bows with 755 horsepower, $358,000 price tag". Motor Authority. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  28. ^ "720S Le Mans special edition celebrates 25th anniversary of legendary McLaren victory in world's most famous 24-hour race". Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  29. ^ "McLaren 765LT Spider debuts as brand's most powerful convertible in history". Motor1.com. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  30. ^ 765LT Spider: For the Fearless, retrieved 12 September 2021
  31. ^ "New McLaren 765LT Spider redefines open-top performance". Auto Express. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
  32. ^ Padeanu, Adrian (25 April 2023). "New McLaren Supercar Debuts Today: See The Livestream". Motor1.com. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  33. ^ Panait, Mircea (25 April 2023). "2024 McLaren 750S Leaked Photos Reveal a Facelifted 720S". Autoevolution. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  34. ^ "2024 McLaren 750S Is a Lighter, Mightier, and Subtly Restyled 720S". Car and Driver. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  35. ^ "2019 World Car Awards - And Now There Is One - McLaren 720S - 2019 World Performance Car". PR News Wire. 17 April 2019.
  36. ^ "Top 10 Tech Cars: 2018". IEEE Spectrum. 55 (4): 30. April 2018. doi:10.1109/MSPEC.2018.8322044. ISSN 0018-9235. S2CID 4116523.
  37. ^ "McLaren 720S GT3 - Introduction | McLaren Automotive". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  38. ^ "2019 McLaren 720S GT3 shares little with 720S road car". Autoblog. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  39. ^ "McLaren reveals the 720S GT3 race car". Autoblog. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  40. ^ "McLaren Launch Evo Version Of 720S GT3 | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  41. ^ "McLaren 720S GT3X throws out rule book to go faster". Autoblog. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  42. ^ "Latest | McLaren Automotive". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  43. ^ Davis, Brett (13 July 2021). "McLaren 720S GT3X wins 2021 Goodwood Festival hill climb (video)". PerformanceDrive. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  44. ^ "New McLaren 720S builds interest among younger generations of supercar enthusiasts". Retrieved 15 October 2023.

External links[edit]

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