McLaren’s powerful beast

The McLaren 720S looks intimidating, but is surprisingly gentle. Jasper Spires reports

“Say hello to the most thrilling long-termer in motor history – the McLaren 720S,” says Cameron Kirby for Motor Magazine. Slick, speedy and dangerously fun, “the 720S sits in an interesting place in McLaren’s line-up. It is, and will remain for the time being, the most powerful series production car you can buy from the British brand”.

It tears from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, and caps out at 212mph, while the V8 engine churns with 710bhp. It’s also great fun to drive. “When you do hit the open road, the McLaren provides you with a comprehensive rewiring of what you thought possible… Even in its tamest settings, throttle response and progression is sharp, the car happy to leap forward on your command.” The sensation of speed is of the essence, while the handling is equally impressive. The “first thing you’ll notice when you go round a bend in a 720S is how light its steering is. No matter how big and shouty its motor is, simply getting around is easy”, says Alex Goy in Business Insider.

The chaos beneath your foot

It’s a good-looking car too. “There’s a real sense that it’s less styled and more shaped by aerodynamics,” says Gabriel Vega for DuPont Registry. “Take the hollow headlights, for example, which allow air to flow through to a few hidden coolers. Similarly, the interior is filled with aesthetic pleasures, such as the optional leather and suede fittings.

“Although seemingly intimidating thanks to its low and wide stance, dihedral doors, and menacing soundtrack, the McLaren 720S is quite the contrary,” says Eric Brain in HypeBeast. In fact, “it’s such a wonderful place to be that sometimes you forget what chaos lies beneath your right foot”. See cars.mclaren.com

“No matter how big and shouty its motor is, simply getting around is easy”