When the 720s landed in South Africa, I just couldn’t help myself but go straight to McLaren JHB the next day to see it. Granted exclusive access, I was able to be one of the first few South Africans to see it ahead of any reveals and media launches.
The national debut occurred at McLaren Johannesburg where McLaren introduced the second-generation of the Super Series with the 720s. The is an exciting leap for McLaren as the 720s is the successor to the 650s, which is apparent in its all new design and its staggering performance figures.
Design
A big talking point of the McLaren 720s is its headlights or more so, its ‘eye-sockets’. I must admit that my first impressions through images was proved wrong. I disliked it at first, but after seeing it in person, It’s grown on me very strongly. I personally think the design is so unique and ahead of its time to almost all the cars on the road today.
Exterior
The exterior looks very appealing. “The twin-hinged dihedral doors sweep forwards and up, to make entering and exiting effortless and elegant.” The rear end of the car is just amazing. It has a “P1 look” to it I would say. It is definitely my favourite part of the car. Unfortunately the motor isn’t exposed due to the placement of it, but the little that’s exposed by the engine bay looks fantastic. This specific car is finished in the colour “Memphis Red”.
Aero
The new design incorporates aero on a whole new level. With the new Super Series, we notice the radiator intakes on the side of the car is absent. Instead this function is now carried out by the unique ”double-skin” aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors. It channels air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted engine.
Interior
The interior and cabin space is rather spacious. The driver-focused cabin is luxurious which features the finest leathers and aluminium switches.The seats has a stunning design to it as well. Its got 210 liters of extra luggage space behind the seats although it looks like you’ll need special luggage bags from McLaren to use that space sparingly. Oh! It even has a cup holder! I personally feel like it therefore could be an everyday car to use.
Performance
The performance of the 720s is mind blowing! In comparison to the previous 3.8 liter engine that was in the Sports Series, the new 4.0 liter engine found in the 720s contains 41% of new parts, which generates a maximum of 720PS (hence the name 720s) and 770Nm of torque. The 720s propels from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 341 km/h. Below is a table with interesting statistics.
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Transmission | 7 Speed SSG | |
| Suspension | Independent adaptive dampers, dual wishbones, Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II) | |
| Brakes | Carbon Ceramic Discs (F: 390mm R: 380mm) | |
| Luggage capacity | Front: 150l; Rear: 210l |
Likes
- The rear is stunning
- The exhaust when in sport mode
- The ‘start’ button
- The cabin
Dislikes
- The exhaust in ‘standard mode’
- Could have used more extended paddles
Pricing will be around R6 000 000 which is an absolute bargain for such a bonkers car.
