McLaren 720S & MSO Velocity
"Well, they're very committed and passionate," that's how a spokesman described McLaren's engineering team.
The new Mclaren 720S looks different, yet has cunning resembles on other Mclaren. An insight of a low-drag Le Mans-style tail and lower front looks defenseless against high curbs. The top seems more rounded than most Mclaren, and a double bend on the rear wheel. Otherwise, there's a disarming lack of adornment when seen from the sides, and you start to wonder how they have contrived to cool the big V8 behind the seats.
Things haven’t changed much: The carbon-fiber tub, though it trades the predecessor 650S's aluminum superstructure for carbon fiber. The engine is the familiar Shoreham-made, 90-degree, quad-cam, dry-sump, twin-turbo, but it's been stroked from 3.8 to 4.0 liters, with two Mitsubishi Heavy Industries twin-scroll turbochargers, similar in concept to those used in the P1.
The peak power rises from the 650S model's 641 horsepower to 710 at 7,250 rpm, and peak torque goes up from 500 pound feet to 568. Carbon-dioxide emissions are down, which is often an indication of a slightly more flexible power unit.
Performance: never a weak spot for McLaren, has been improved for the 720S. Compared to the 650S coupe, the 0-62 mph time is down from 3.0 to 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph is down from 8.4 to 7.8 seconds, and 0-186 mph (should your state's authorities deem it legal) is reduced from 25.4 to 21.4 seconds. Top speed increases from 207 to 212 mph, and the standing quarter-mile time is down from 10.5 to 10.3 seconds. Weight has been shed, too, down 40 pounds from the 650S to 2,829 pounds dry and 3,128 fueled.
No prices yet, but expect an increase on the $265,500 (USD) price of the 650S. It remains to be seen whether McLaren's second-gen Super Series will stand strong, but the first signs are promising.
Mclaren 720S MSO Velocity
McLaren were off-the bat showing a special version of the 720S.
Just a day after the launch at Geneva, they showed a custom version built by McLaren Special Operations. McLaren MSO 720S Velocity, and is one of five custom 720S models built by the company. The Velocity is the only one on display at Geneva. Velocity and its counterparts are meant to show buyers how the MSO split can customise a 720S to their desire. The specific paint job consists of both a light pearl red and a darker shade. The light red covers side and rear end, while the dark red covers the front and top. The two reds fade into each other, and the dark red even fades into a red-tinted hood from MSO. Other MSO carbon fiber parts adorn the exterior, too, and custom-painted bronze/gold wheels contrast with the red. Inside, the interior is wrapped in black with bright red leather accents and stitching. And of course, more exposed carbon fiber bits from MSO decorate the cabin.
If this tickles your desires - McLaren would be happy to build one just like it, or something completely original just for you. The company estimates the cost of a car like the Velocity at $407,500 (USD).
The final pricing for the standard 720S hasn't been released yet, but even if it's a bit higher than the 650S, which retailed at $265,500 (USD), the MSO version commands a steep price. But for people who absolutely must have a one-off car, it might be worth it.
