McLaren 720S Performance was never just another fast McLaren. Launched at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, it rewrote the Super Series playbook. Its 212 mph top speed still turns heads, years after the final example left the factory.
McLaren 720S Performance Numbers That Shock
Power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from rest, the car hits 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Turbo lag never fully disappears, but once the boost arrives, very few rivals keep pace.
The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends everything to the rear wheels. On paper, rear-drive supercars struggle to hook up, yet the 720S planted its power with surprising composure. Its lineage peaked with the 765LT Carbon Edition by TopCar Design, proof that the platform had more to give.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M840T) |
| 🐎Power Output | 710 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 772 Nm (568 lb-ft) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.9s |
| 🚀Top Speed | 212 mph (341 km/h) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $284,745 (launch MSRP) |
Carbon Tub and Hydraulic Feel
The Monocage II tub carries a 2,828 lbs dry weight, while rivals tipped the scales above 3,000 lbs. Integrated roof and windscreen surrounds stiffen the structure and slim the A-pillars. Hydraulic steering, meanwhile, transmits the road surface with a directness that electric racks struggle to replicate.
Adaptive dampers and carbon ceramic brakes came standard, extras on many rivals. Even so, the chassis stays composed over mid-corner kerbs. Few cars deliver this kind of biting front-end grip alongside a lightweight, analog connection. Driving the McLaren 720S Performance on a technical road is a lesson in chassis balance.
Price, Practicality and Lasting Appeal
Launching at $284,745, the car commanded a premium over the 488 GTB and Huracán. Storage totals 12.7 cubic feet, with more usable space than its rivals offered. Depreciation has been unkind, but I predict collectors will eventually reward the 720S as a purist’s benchmark.
Ultimately, the 720S stands as an honest, mechanical supercar. Its blend of lightweight engineering and unfiltered steering deserves a place in any serious enthusiast’s garage. For more analysis, visit Auto News Magazine or the official McLaren website.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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