The second-generation McLaren Super Series is only a month away from its global debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show and the British manufacturer is releasing new information about its brand-new sports car. After they told us that the upcoming Super Series will generate outstanding downforce, the Brits revealed that the new-generation car will use a new version of the multi-mode, Proactive Chassis Control system.
Developed to deliver "the optimal balance of cornering grip, dynamic response, and comfort to best suite the individual mode and driving conditions," the Proactive Chassis Control II has three different modes -- Comfort, Sport, and Track. The new-generation system uses 12 more sensors than on the outgoing Super Series, including accelerometers on each wheel hub to read inputs from the road and measure tire contact patch. The information is analysed in milliseconds by the ‘Optimal Controller’ algorithm at the core of the system and the suspension damping is immediately optimized accordingly.
The upcoming Super Series will also feature Variable Drift Control, a system that will provide "even greater involvement for a driver who wants to fully explore the dynamic ability" of the sports car. Details are scant as of this writing, but McLaren did say that it will allow the level of Electronic Stability Control intensity to "be varied with the swipe of a finger across a control displayed on the central infotainment screen."
“Proactive Chassis Control II generates a significant amount of additional grip, but not at the expense of the balance and feel of the car,” said Mark Vinnels, Executive Director of Product Development at McLaren Automotive. “The depth and breadth of handling precision and ride comfort in combination with the peerless level of driver involvement in the second-generation McLaren Super Series is simply extraordinary.”
Full details of the second-generation Super Series will be announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March, but stay tuned for updates, as McLaren should give us more info before then.
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Why it Matters
Although it has yet to break cover, we already know a lot about the new McLaren Super Series. For starters, we know that the main model will be called the 720S. From this nameplate, we can also conclude that the sports car will have 720 PS, which converts to 710 horsepower. Reports also claim that the twin-turbo, 3.8-liter V-8 will be replaced by a larger, 4.0-liter unit with larger turbines. What's more, the car's exterior design was leaked recently after a potential owner took a photo of a 720S shown at a private event. Needless to say, the new Super Series looks wild to say the least and the drivetrain information we know so far suggest tremendous performance, clearly superior to that of the 650S. All told, the new Super Series should be exciting to say the least. The 2017 Geneva Motor Show can't come soon enough!
Specifications
McLaren 650S |
McLaren 675LT |
McLaren 720S (est) |
|
Engine |
3.8-Liter V-8 Twin Turbo |
3.8-Liter V-8 Twin Turbo |
4.0-liter V-8 Twin Turbo |
Power |
641 HP @ 7,250 RPM |
666 HP @ 7,100 RPM |
710 HP |
Torque |
500 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM |
516 LB-FT @ 5,500-6,500 RPM |
550 LB-FT |
Transmission |
Seven-Speed Dual Clutch |
Seven-Speed SSG |
Seven-Speed SSG |
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
3.0 seconds |
2.9 seconds |
2.7 seconds |
0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) |
8.4 seconds |
7.9 seconds |
7.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
207 mph |
205 mph |
210+ |
Weight |
3,148 Lbs |
2,927 Lbs |
2800 Lbs |
Weight distribution (Front/Rear) |
42.5%/57.5% |
42.5%/57.5% |
42.5%/57.5% |
2018 McLaren 720S
Read our full review on the upcoming 2018 McLaren 720S here.