Novitec for McLaren has introduced a new tuning program for the McLaren 720S, one that’s focused on refining the supercar’s appearance while also injecting it with a shot of extra power. The German tuner’s kit for the British supercar includes a steady diet of Need-for-Speed style aerodynamic components, a choice of new wheels, and power upgrade options that could turn the 720S into a fire-breathing, 794-horsepower monster on four wheels.

2018 McLaren 720S by Novitec

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 McLaren 720S by Novitec
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

The genius of Novitec’s exterior upgrade on the McLaren 720S revolves around a subtle aerodynamic upgrade that encompasses the exterior of the 720S. Up front, the German tuner installed a spoiler lip, headlight inserts, front flaps, and air intakes on the trunk lid. The side section of the 720S is offered with side skirts, cover mirrors, and side air intakes, while the rear section receives a rear spoiler, a diffusor with diffusor fins, and covers to the engine, rear bumper, and exhaust tailpipes.

All these components are made from carbon fiber and have been subjected to extensive wind tunnel testing. That’s all part of Novitec’s goal of providing the best possible aerodynamic materials for the McLaren 720S. Not that the supercar needs it, but it’s certainly reassuring to know that there are still tuners out there that are looking to turn something good into something better.

That sentiment is also reflected in Novitec’s wheel offerings. The 720S doesn’t really need a new set, but it’s still good to know that Novitec has options to choose from. In this case, the tuner is offering a set of 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the back. You can choose from three standard colors — black, silver, anthracite — or if you’re feeling a bit creative, you can have Novitec paint those wheels in any color you want. At extra costs, the tuner can also pair those wheels with a set of lowering sprints and aluminum wheel spacers.

Interior

Novitec doesn’t highlight any interior upgrades to the McLaren 720S, but the tuner is known for offering interior customization options for its customers. We’ve seen a lot of Novitec-tuned supercars with interiors that look like they were taken off a catalog. Premium materials like fine leather and Alcantara are always available if you ask for them. The same thing goes with carbon fiber and the occasional dalliances with premium wood and other exotic materials.

In the event you want the interior of your McLaren 720S to remain in stock form, that shouldn’t be a problem, either. McLaren is known for its work on the interior section of its models. Adding anything necessary could ruin the aesthetic balance of the 720S. You are given a chance to choose, though, so however you want to dress up the interior of McLaren 720 S is totally up to your tastes and preferences.

Drivetrain

In standard form, the McLaren 720S is powered by the automaker’s new 4.0-liter V-8 engine that produces 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers help the 720S sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 212 mph. By all accounts, the 720S is a bonafide supercar that can go toe-to-toe with some of the best exotics in its class.

But if you want a bit of extra on your 720S, Novitec has three engine upgrade options to choose from. The first of these options involves the use of Novitec’s N-TRONIC plug-and-play software tune and not much else. Don’t sleep on what the software can do, though, because, by itself, it can increase the output of the McLaren’s V-8 engine to an impressive 773 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. The tuner didn’t release performance numbers, but it’s easy to imagine the improvements when the 720S’s V-8 engine gains 63 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque from a simple software tune.

If 773 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque aren’t enough, Novitec also has a Stage 2 kit that adds a stainless steel, power-optimized exhaust system, sport metal catalysts, and polished tailpipes to the aforementioned N-TRONIC software system. Install all these items onto the 720S and the resulting output increases to a tidy 794 horsepower and 636 pound-feet of torque. Those figures are enough to consider the 720S a full-blown hypercar, but it’s still not the full extent of Novitec’s engine upgrade program.

Sitting just above the Stage 2 kit is, well, the Stage 3 kit. This engine upgrade iteration uses almost all the components included in the Stage 2 kit but replaces the sport metal catalysts with catalyst replacement pipes. It’s a minor switcheroo in the grand scheme of the program, but it’s still enough to increase the output of the McLaren’s V-8 engine to a staggering 806 horsepower and 647 pound-feet of torque.

Do the math on how much extra power a full-blown, Novitec-tuned McLaren 720 has over its standard counterpart and you’re looking at an extra 96 horsepower and 79 pound-feet of torque to play with. There are no specific performance numbers attached to the Stage 3 kit, but don’t be surprised if the 720S can lower its sprint-to-60-time to under 2.5 seconds and potentially increase its top speed to an eye-popping 218 mph.

Pricing

The program’s price tag is still a need-to-know basis, but expect Novitec to come out with the pricing information soon. Don’t expect to be spared, though, from what you may think is a cheap tuning kit. The German tuner is known as much for its incredible programs as it is for the amount it charges for these same incredible programs. So, if you’re looking to get an idea on the program’s price range, expect to spend anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000 depending on the wheels and engine upgrades you choose.

Conclusion

You can always rely on a tried-and-test tuning outfit like Novitec if you’re looking to get some extra hot sauce out of your performance car. The German tuner’s new kit for the McLaren 720S checks a lot of boxes on what you’d want out of a program. There are a lot of aesthetic and aerodynamic upgrades, but not excessive to the point that you don’t recognize the car anymore. Interior upgrades are largely customized, ensuring that a part of the program can be personalized to your preferences. There are even small yet impactful changes to the car’s suspension, something you won’t notice until you take the finished product for a spin. Best of all, there are options on the kind of engine upgrade you want. Some owners prefer a Stage 1 kit while others want to get the all-out tuning experience. Either way, Novitec’s new program for the McLaren 720S has something for everyone.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 McLaren 720S.

Read our full review on the 2018 McLaren 720S Velocity.

Read more McLaren news.