Significance
McLaren is a brand with a rich history tied to racing but, prior to 2010, they had only produced one roadgoing production vehicle. Although that car - the McLaren F1 - was an exceptionally special car, with such limited production, most people viewed it as a one-off, and assumed the company would be happy racing in F1 and consulting with other brands. That all changed in 2010 with the debut of the MP4-12C - which was a direct rival to the Ferrari 458 and kicked off McLaren’s new roadcar division which has proved exceptionally successful since. In 2017, McLaren introduced the 720S supercar as part of its Super Series of vehicles, where it replaced the 650S. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show, this new supercar featured a full carbon monocoque and a design that harkened back to the P1 halo car. For a small company, the 720S was a remarkable achievement - according to McLaren, 91% of the car was new when compared to the 650S and the performance figures were frankly mind-bending.
About this vehicle
This 2018 McLaren 720S Performance Coupe is a beautiful example finished in McLaren Orange with black accents throughout. At the time of cataloging, the car shows 9,968 miles and has been under the care of two owners from new. The shape is designed for aerodynamic efficiency and exceptional downforce - with 50% more downforce than the outgoing 650S. An active rear wing acts as a stability aid and can deploy as an airbrake under heavy deceleration. This example is particularly attractive thanks to its bright paint finish, paired with a black roof and pillars, as well as exposed carbon fiber on the nose and vents around the vehicle. Satin black 11-spoke wheels sit in front of a set of massive carbon ceramic brakes with black calipers. The butterfly doors pay homage to the McLaren F1, and feature glass panels in the top section that add a wonderful, airy feel to the cabin.
Swing open the doors and you are met by an all black interior that is finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara. The interior of the car is clearly driver-focused with the center screen and all controls aimed that way. The Alcantara and carbon fiber 3-spoke steering wheel frames a digital gauge cluster that, at the touch of a button retracts to a thin slit in race mode that shows only a long tach and speedometer. This car is also equipped with a hardwired K40 radar detector with laser jammers.
Sitting in the center of the car is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This engine redlines at 8,500 rpm, yet 80% of the torque is available from just 2,000 rpm and the power curve is remarkably flat throughout the revs. When paired to a 7-speed Graziano dual clutch gearbox, the 720S can achieve some incredible performance figures, including 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 210 mph. Although these place it among some of the world’s fastest cars, what sepperates McLaren is the unique suspension system. Known as ProActive Chassis Control, this system has no anti-sway bars and instead, handles all damping and roll adjustments via a hydraulic suspension with sensors at the top and bottom of the shocks. This means the car can handle with racecar precision on track, while also remaining supple and smooth around town.
When you have a car that looks as extreme as the McLaren 720S, most people wouldn’t consider it a “usable” vehicle. But that is truly how McLaren sepperates itself from other supercars. Opposed to much of its competition from Ferrari and Lamborghini, you could happily use a 720S for a commuter during the week, and then beat up on purpose-built race cars on the weekends. This example is wonderfully specced and looks stunning in that classic McLaren orange paint.
