McLaren 720S coupe surprised with unusual ideas
Some of the outer panels are made of carbon fiber, some are made of aluminum. The same combination is in the power structure. The length of the compartment is 4543 mm, width – 1930, height – 1196, wheelbase – 2670 mm.
The original model in the new generation of the Super Series family – the McLaren 720S – celebrated its debut in Geneva. Its M840T engine (V8 4.0 with two turbochargers) is an evolution of the 3.8 unit from the previous 650S two-door (650 HP, 678 N • m). Recoil – 720 HP and 770 N • m. Carbon fiber monocoque Monocage II allowed to bring the coupe dry weight to 1283 kg (18 kg less than the 650S with “light” options), and equipped (according to DIN) – up to 1419. The engine is combined with a seven-speed “robot” SSG.
One of the most interesting features of the exterior is the lack of visible side air intakes (apart from the tiny ones needed for the brakes). The answer is below.
Exotic design – double-skinned doors. Above, you can see how they form channels that provide air to the engine compartment.
Ideologically and constructively, everything is very similar to the previous McLaren, but each component has been redesigned. As a result, we have an acceleration time of a hundred in 2.9 s (was 3.0), to 200 – in 7.8 s (was 8.4) and a maximum speed of 341 km / h (was 333). The braking dynamics are no less impressive: from 200 km / h, the car stops at a distance of 117 m in 4.6 s. At the same time, fuel consumption in the combined NEDC cycle is 10.7 l / 100 km, which is one liter less than that of the predecessor model.
The interior features fine leather and aluminum switches. The British point out that the newcomer is setting new standards for passenger space and visibility among supercars. Trunk volume – 150 and 210 liters (front and rear).
The car boasts an eight-inch vertically oriented center touchscreen. It is the face of a completely new infotainment system capable of running multiple applications at the same time. To quickly launch the main functions (navigation, “climate”), several “hot” icons are provided. However, this progress is not as impressive as the unique Folding Driver Display.
When starting the engine, the high-resolution driver’s screen is installed vertically and gives out a lot of information. It can be switched between Comfort, Sport, and Track themes. By pressing the button, the screen goes down, revealing a narrow strip of numbers. This Slim Display Mode provides only the most important information and is less distracting from the road.
The car received a redesigned suspension and a new generation of adaptive chassis Proactive Chassis Control II. The developers say that in comparison with the 650S coupe, it has been able to improve aerodynamic efficiency. As a final touch to all the improvements – the red illumination of the engine compartment, which welcomes the driver, has only unlocked the locks. The car will have three trim levels (Basic, Performance, and Luxury), plus additional equipment packages. Delivery of the coupe to customers will begin in May, the price in Britain is 208,600 pounds (14.93 million rubles).
The transformation of the “eight” 3.8 into 4.0 consisted not only in the growth of the working volume. The M840T has 41% new parts compared to the M838T. For stopping the coupe, carbon-ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 390/380 mm (front/rear) are responsible.
Along with the base coupe, the company brought a specially decorated design version of the McLaren MSO 720S Velocity coupe to Geneva. McLaren Special Operations showcased the customization capabilities of the 720S. The price for the Velocity version is 335,000 pounds (24 million rubles).
The uniqueness of the car is given by the combination of two pearlescent paints Volcano Red and Nerello Red, as well as “bronze” alloy wheels. The car is equipped with a carbon fiber hood, side skirts, an engine compartment cover, and a number of other elements with a non-standard finish.
McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt has also confirmed in Switzerland work on the BP23, the upcoming Ultimate Series, the successor to the P1 and the F1 supercar from the 1990s. The world’s first hyper-GT (a Gran Turismo hypercar, as the developer characterizes the car) will indeed be a three-seater (the driver is in the center of the cabin).
The 720S Velocity features a combination of carbon fiber, Alcantara, and Harissa Red leather.
Flint said the coupe will receive “the most powerful, most advanced hybrid powertrain we’ve ever built in a low-drag package.” The BP23 Coupe will be the fastest McLaren and also the most refined in terms of trim. A total of 106 cars will be built (price – 1.65 million pounds, excluding taxes) and all of them have already been sold. The first samples will reach customers in 2019. At the same time, the authors of the model do not intend to create either a track or an open version of BP23.