McLaren 720S

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McLaren 720S
2018 McLaren 720S V8 S-A 4.0.jpg
Overview
ManufacturerMcLaren Automotive
Production2017–present
AssemblyWoking, Surrey, England
DesignerFrank Stephenson[1]
Robert Melville[2][3]
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)
765 PS (563 kW; 755 hp) (765LT)
Transmission7-speed Graziano dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,670 mm (105.1 in)[4]
Length4,544 mm (178.9 in)[4]
4,600 mm (180 in) (765LT)
Width2,161 mm (85.1 in)[4]
Height1,196 mm (47.1 in)[4]
1,159 mm (45.6 in) (765LT)
Kerb weight3,128 lb (1,419 kg) (720S Coupé)[5]
3,236 lb (1,468 kg) (720S Spider)[6]
2,952 lb (1,339 kg) (765LT)
Chronology
PredecessorMcLaren 650S

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[]

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. The 720S according to McLaren is 91% new as compared to its predecessor.

Engine[]

Main article: McLaren M840T engine

The 720S features McLaren's new M840T engine which is an evolution of the M838T used in the 650S.[7] It is a 3,994 cc (4.0 L; 243.7 cu in) twin-turbocharged V8 engine.[8][9] 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.[10]

Suspension[]

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.[7][8]

Chassis[]

The dihedral doors in 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 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.[8]

Interior[]

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 centre console is angled away from the driver but vital controls are designed to be in the driver's easy reach. The car comes with two driving modes, default and comfort with the former focusing on an enhanced track driving experience.[8]

Performance[]

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),[10] and has a 1⁄4 mile (402 m) time of 10.3 seconds.[11] The 720S also comes with Variable Drift Mode, which manipulates the stability control to help drift the car.[12]

Efficiency[]

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)[13]—both of these figures represent an improvement of around 10% from the 650S.

Design[]

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.[7] All of the exterior features result in an improvement of 50% more downforce than the 650S.[14] The interior of the car includes a folding driver display and carbon fibre accents.[15]

Variants[]

720S (2017-)[]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.

The vehicle went on sale in 2017-03-07, with deliveries to customers starting in May 2017.[16]

720S Velocity[]

McLaren Special Operations unveiled the McLaren 720S Velocity just one day after the 720S was revealed. It featured Nerello Red and Volcano Red paint scheme, and a carbon fibre bonnet. In addition to those, the wheels are lightweight aluminium painted metallic bronze. The interior has Carbon Black Alcantara trim with red highlights and carbon fibre accents.[17][18]

720S Spider (2018-)[]

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]

  • McLaren 720S Spider at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show

  • Rear view

765LT (2020-)[]

McLaren 765LT

Unveiled on 3 March 2020, the 765LT is a limited (765 units, 12 in Hong Kong[21]) 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.[22]

The Senna's brake callipers 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.[23][24][25]

720S Le Mans special edition (2020-)[]

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.[26]

765LT Spider (2021-)[]

McLaren 765LT Spider

Unveiled on the 27 July 2021, the convertible is a limited (765 units, 11 in Hong Kong[21]) 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.[27][28][29]

Awards[]

BBC Top Gear - Supercar of the Year 2017: McLaren 720S

Most Beautiful Supercar of the Year 2017: Mclaren 720S - Festival Automobile International in Paris, the “Fashion Week” for cars

Red Dot Design Awards - Best of the Best 2018: Mclaren 720S

The McLaren 720S was named 2019 World Performance Car by World Car Awards in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show.[30] The car was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the IEEE in 2018.[31]

Motorsport[]

720S GT3

720S GT3[]

The McLaren 720S GT3 is a motorsport version of the 720S designed to take part in GT3 races.[32] 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.[33] It was originally teased through renderings in November 2017.[34]

720S GT3X (2021-)[]

In March 2021, McLaren announced the 720S GT3X,[35] 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.[36]

Marketing[]

LEGO Speed Champions McLaren 720S model kit, which also includes a minifigure car designer with design studio desk, went on sale June 2017.[37]

References[]

  1. ^ "Frank Stephenson - The Story". frankstephenson.com. Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  2. ^ "McLaren 720S - Super Series". Cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 2017-03-11.
  3. ^ Press Kits: McLaren 720S
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S First Test: The New Normal is Nuts". motortrend.com. Motor Trend. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  6. ^ "McLaren's 2019 720S Spider - A Convertible Without Compromise". caranddriver.com. Car and Driver. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  7. ^ a b c "McLaren 720S - Super Series". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  8. ^ a b c d MacKenzie, Agnus (2017-05-03). "2018 McLaren 720S First Drive: Teacher's Pet". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2019-04-28.
  9. ^ "212mph McLaren 720S officially revealed at Geneva Motor Show". Autocar. 2017-08-03. Retrieved 2017-03-08.
  10. ^ a b "McLaren Super Series - 720S - Specification". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  11. ^ Andrew English. "McLaren 720S: First look at the new hot-blooded Englishman". Autoblog. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  12. ^ Baisden, Michael (2017-03-01). "McLaren 720S: Revamping to Raise the Bar For Supercars". Art of Gears. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  13. ^ Tingwall, Eric (April 2018). "2018 McLaren 720S". Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  14. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S First Look: Recalibrating the Supercar - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  15. ^ "2018 McLaren 720S". Top Speed. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  16. ^ McLaren 720S revealed: full information and unpublished images of the dawn of a new era for McLaren's Super Series
  17. ^ "MSOooh, Ahhh: McLaren Wastes No Time with Custom 720S Velocity". Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  18. ^ "Bespoke McLaren 720lt Velocity by MSO revealed | Autocar Magazine". Autocar Magazine. 2017-03-08. Retrieved 2017-11-10.
  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. ^ a b "新車首展｜開頂版McLaren 765LT Spider港限量11輛". Archived from the original on 2021-12-30.
  22. ^ "McLaren 765LT Specifications - Top Speed, 0-100, Weight, BHP |". McLaren Automotive.
  23. ^ MacKenzie, Angus (3 March 2020). "2020 McLaren 765LT First Look: Fifth Longtail Model Is 720S-Based". Motor Trend. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  24. ^ "2021 McLaren 765LT: What We Know So Far". Car and Driver. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  25. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (7 April 2020). "McLaren 765LT supercar bows with 755 horsepower, $358,000 price tag". Motor Authority. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  26. ^ 720S Le Mans special edition celebrates 25th anniversary of legendary McLaren victory in world's most famous 24-hour race
  27. ^ "McLaren 765LT Spider debuts as brand's most powerful convertible in history". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
  28. ^ 765LT Spider: For the Fearless, retrieved 2021-09-12
  29. ^ "New McLaren 765LT Spider redefines open-top performance". Auto Express. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
  30. ^ "2019 World Car Awards - And Now There Is One - McLaren 720S - 2019 World Performance Car". . Apr 17, 2019.
  31. ^ "Top 10 Tech Cars: 2018". IEEE Spectrum. 55 (4): 30. April 2018. ISSN 0018-9235.
  32. ^ "McLaren 720S GT3 - Introduction | McLaren Automotive". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  33. ^ "2019 McLaren 720S GT3 shares little with 720S road car". Autoblog. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  34. ^ "McLaren reveals the 720S GT3 race car". Autoblog. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  35. ^ "McLaren 720S GT3X throws out rule book to go faster". Autoblog. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  36. ^ "Latest | McLaren Automotive". cars.mclaren.com. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  37. ^ New McLaren 720S builds interest among younger generations of supercar enthusiasts

External links[]

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