Introduced in 2014, but with its roots tracing back to 2011, the Super Series is McLaren's old surviving sports car. Based around the 12C between 2011 and 2014, it was redesigned into the 650S, which also spawned several versions, including the bonkers 675LT. It's been three years since the first-gen Super Series saw the light of day, and McLaren has just launched the second-generation model at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. The new sports car goes by the name 720S and was redesigned from the ground up, as well as fitted with a significantly revised drivetrain.

Styling-wise, the 720S is a pretty radical departure from the 650S. The nose is more aggressive and the headlamps are rather unconventional, being sunk deep into the fascia and black-colored recesses. The main lamps and the LED daytime running lights are separate units now. Although different if taken inch by inch, the car's profile is actually very similar to the 650S, having an almost identical beltline. What makes it different is the absence of radiator intakes. This function is now carried out by the "double-skin" aerodynamic design of the dihedral doors, which channel air to the high-temperature radiators that cool the engine. Around back, the 720S is a totally different beast. The extremely slim taillights give the car a frowning appearance, while the diffuser seems borrowed from a race car. The exhaust is different too, with the pipes mounted high in the fascia.

The interior is also new, featuring a combination of fine leathers, machined aluminum, and carbon-fiber. By far the most revolutionary item is the new McLaren Driver Interface, which includes a folding instrument cluster and an infotainment screen with optimized controls.

Motivation comes from a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8. Derived from the award-winning 3.8-liter V-8 that powers just about any McLaren since 2011, the 4.0-liter unit is 41-percent new and cranks out 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. That's 70 horsepower more than the 650S and a 44-horsepower increase compared to the 675LT. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes "less than three seconds," while the 124-mph benchmark comes in "less than eight" seconds. While these figures aren't very revealing, expect the 720S to be at least a tenth-second quicker than the 650S. Top speed is now rated at 212 mph.

But the 720S isn't just fast. The tech behind the revised engine also enables it to consume 10.7 liters per km combined. I might sound like a lot compared to a compact, but it's actually a solid figure for a track-ready supercar.

The 720S also features a new architecture based around a new carbon-fiber tub and upper structure, called the McLaren Monocage II. Extremely strong and rigid, it also lightweight and makes the 720S a very dynamic vehicle. A range of aluminium alloys are also used extensively in the chassis, as well as for some body panels.

The supercar is already available for purchase in three different trim levels with pricing set at £208,600 before options in the U.K., but U.S. pricing information is not yet available.

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Why it Matters

Arguably one of the most anticipated launches of the year, the 720S is finally here to demonstrate that McLaren is perfectly capable of taking the Super Series to a new level. And by that I mean a vehicle nearly as capable as the P1, but sold for a more affordable price. A higher performance version of the 720S will probably outrun the P1, so we should see some interesting models coming from the British manufacturer over the next couple of years.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine configuration

M840T engine, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 3,994cc

Drivetrain layout

Longitudinal mid-engined, RWD

Power

710 HP @ 7,500 RPM

Torque

568 LB-FT @ 5,500 RPM

Transmission

7 Speed SSG

Suspension

Independent adaptive dampers, dual wishbones, Proactive Chassis Control II (PCC II)

Brakes

Carbon Ceramic Discs (F: 390mm R: 380mm)

0 -60mph

2.8 seconds

0-100 km/h (0-62mph)

2.9 seconds

0-200 km/h (0-124mph)

7.8 seconds

0-300 km/h (0-186mph)

21.4 seconds

0-400 m / ¼ mile

10.3 seconds

Maximum Speed

341km/h (212 mph)

200 – 0 km/h (124mph – 0) braking

4.6 seconds/117 m

100 – 0 km/h (62mph – 0) braking

2.8 seconds/29.7 m


Read our full review on the McLaren 720S here.