Can the McLaren 720S Overtake Its Segment Rivals?

Can the McLaren 720S stick it to Ferrari and Porsche?

The media embargo has been lifted off McLaren’s latest: the 720S. McLaren handed over the keys of its new 720S to reviewers in Europe, and the reviews are trickling in. Both Carfection and Autocar caught our eye with their reviews and both reviewers gushed about the more powerful, more refined 650S replacement. Carfection asked the most poignant question, however:

“Can the McLaren compete with the established cars in the segment from Ferrari and Porsche?”

The 720S replaces the 650S almost wholesale. The new two-seater carries over only about 5 percent of its predecessor’s components. As with any supercar, the engine remains the starting point. Gone is the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8. In its place, McCLaren installed a 4.0-liter version. That 4.0L carries over some components from the prior engine, but it’s a new engine that makes, you guessed it, 720 horsepower. The bump in torque to 568 pound-feet hustles the 720S to 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds. Carfection correctly calls that “fierce acceleration.”

McLaren also redesigned the exterior and aerodynamics to create less drag, increase cooling, and improve handling. Some of the air-through-body elements recall Formula 1 design, like the vertical strakes on the front fenders. Additionally, the rear wing spans the rear deck’s width and works as an airbrake or downforce-adder.

The cabin takes on a new feel, as well, with a large greenhouse that both reviewers called “airy.” That stems from a carbon-fiber monocoque eliminated steel from the rollcage altogether. All signs point to a quality performer in terms of comfort, handling, and braking. The bucket seat provided the only major point of departure from the two reviewers: Carfection’s driver found the seat uncomfortable while the Autocar reviewer said they were “really good.”

Ultimately, does 720S answer Carfection’s question about competing with the established powers in the segment? Both reviewers responded with a resounding yes. Get the scoop from these 720S reviews, which include road testing and some track testing at the Vallelunga Circuit in Italy.