mclaren 720S supercar's dihedral doors channel air to cool the engine

the mclaren ‘720S’ makes its global debut at the 87th geneva international motor show, while elevating previously accepted limits of performance in the supercar sector. the second-generation of mclaren’s ‘super series’ confirms both the ‘720S’ and 720 ps horsepower of the first model. its expressive form makes it instantly recognizable as a mclaren, and the british-autmaker reckons the ‘720S’ is arguably its most distinctive car to date. 

all images © mclaren automotive

the mclaren ‘720s’ is lighter, faster and even more dynamically capable than its ‘650S’ predecessor, with unparalleled levels of interior space and sophistication.  one glance at the car identifies it as a reinterpretation of mclaren’s design language; rooted in aerodynamic principles, the elegant form has nothing superfluous about it. one of the key aspectsof its design is the noticeable absence of radiator intakes on the side of the vehicle; this function is carried out instead by the unique ‘double-skin’ aerodynamic form of the dihedral doors, which channel air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the mid-mounted engine.

every road car built by the british manufacturer since the mclaren ‘F1’ in 1993 has had a carbon fiber chassis – this underpins the construction of the ‘720S’. the architecture of the vehicle is based around a new carbon fiber ‘tub’ and upper structure, the mclaren ‘monocage II’. this technology delivers extreme strength and rigidity in a lightweight structure and is an ideal base structure for any supercar. a range of aluminum alloys are used extensively in the chassis, as well as for some body panels. 

the hand-crafted luxury in a mclaren with the authenticity of fine leathers and machined aluminum, is complemented by a revolutionary new driver interface, which comprises a folding driver display and central infotainment screen. in combination with a cabin environment that establishes new standards in the supercar segment for visibility, space and comfort, these give the new mclaren ‘720S’ an incredible degree of versatility.

the ‘M480T’ engine powering the supercar continues the lineage of  the british-automaker’s award-winning twin-turbocharged ‘V8’ engine series. the 4.0 liter engine, which has a 41% new part content compared to the 3.8 liter engine that continues to feature in the mclaren ‘sports’ series, generates a maximum power output of 720 ps and 770 nM of torque.

a standstill sprint to 100km/h (62 mph) takes less than 3 seconds, and just 5 seconds later the car has surpassed the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark on its way to a top speed of 341km/h (212 mph). braking is equally impressive in the ‘720S’, halting from 200 km/h (124 mph) in 4.6 seconds, covering just 117 m.

mike flewitt, CEO mclaren automotive, comments, ‘super series is the core of the mclaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the mclaren heartland. this is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new 720s is absolutely true to mclaren’s pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment.’