[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/mclaren-720s-critics-think\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/mclaren-720s-critics-think\/","headline":"McLaren 720S – what the critics think","name":"McLaren 720S – what the critics think","description":"The 720S represents more than just a new model for McLaren; it heralds a new generation of Super Series cars and marks the first of 15 new models to come from the Surrey-based brand between now and 2022. McLaren themselves say that the 720S is \u201clighter, stronger [and] faster\u201d than the 650S it replaces and the car embodies the brand\u2019s \u201crelentless quest to push the limits of possibility\u201d. You\u2019ll find even more hokey sentiment on McLaren\u2019s official website, but going […]","datePublished":"2017-05-09","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/McLaren-720S-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/McLaren-720S-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/mclaren-720s-critics-think\/","about":["McLaren","SUPERCARS"],"wordCount":641,"keywords":["Autocar","GQ","Lotus Elise","McLaren","McLaren 650S","McLaren 720S","supercars","top gear"],"articleBody":"The 720S represents more than just a new model for McLaren; it heralds a new generation of Super Series cars and marks the first of 15 new models to come from the Surrey-based brand between now and 2022.McLaren themselves say that the 720S is \u201clighter, stronger [and] faster\u201d than the 650S it replaces and the car embodies the brand\u2019s \u201crelentless quest to push the limits of possibility\u201d.You\u2019ll find even more hokey sentiment on McLaren\u2019s official website, but going up against the Ferrari 488 GTB and Lamborghini Huracan, the 720S really has surpassed the hype.Numbers timeThe 720S uses a 3994cc, twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing up to 710bhp at 7,500rpm and 568lb ft at 5,500rpm (770Nm) of torque.Linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it can blast off to 60mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds and won\u2019t stop picking up speed until it hits 212mph.Sounds great, yes? Well, it probably costs more than your house, with the asking price starting at \u00a3208,600.After first drives took place recently, reviews have started appearing online, so it\u2019s time to find out what the no-nonsense motoring press think of the latest supercar on the block.\u2018World-class\u2019Autocar had little reservation dishing out top marks, with their five-star review hailing it as \u2018a world class supercar, no question\u2019.They remarked that it is \u201cso fast, so usable and so controllable that it might be the best supercar on the planet\u201d, adding that McLaren has come a long way in just seven years of existence, delivering \u201ca new generation model that answers nearly every criticism thrown at the car it succeeds\u201d.So in other words, everything wrong with the 650S has been fixed by the 720S.\u2018Holy Grail\u2019GQ isn\u2019t a name we usually turn to for motoring opinion, but the men\u2019s magazine sent along YouTuber Mr JWW to test the 720S, who was so impressed that he actually bought one.As you\u2019d expect, Mr JWW, who also owns an R8, F12 and 458 Speciale, had almost nothing but nice things to say about the 720S, praising it as \u201ca near-impossible balance of ludicrous performance and comfort\u201d that lets you \u201cdo your week\u2019s shopping and spank a Veyron on the way home\u201d.He added that as an everyday supercar, \u201cit may just be the Holy Grail\u201d.Soundtrack lackingEvo managed to find fault though, albeit with nothing too major. They gave the thumbs-up to the 720S\u2019 superb ride and chassis control, but felt underwhelmed by the uninspiring engine note.They were disappointed to encounter \u201cjust a lot of hissing and wooshing as large amounts of air gets ingested, compressed and turned into power, rather than what a supercar should have, namely a thrilling, engaging engine note\u201d.One of the key changes they did like though was to the suspension, with a new control system that knows more accurately what the car is doing, what road inputs there are and how the car should respond.More five-star reviewsVisually, the 720S is \u201ca difficult shape to categorise\u201d, according to the Telegraph, with \u201ca lot going on\u201d due to all the \u201ccuts, slices curves, vents, spoilers, wings and aerodynamic-enhancing barge boards along the side\u201d.But what\u2019s it like to drive? Easy, really easy, so says Top Gear, which likened the car\u2019s movements to that of \u201ca big Lotus Elise\u201d.Auto Express, which joined Autocar in dishing out five stars, reckoned that 0-100mph was possible in little more than five seconds and the car feels even quicker than the numbers on the spec sheet suggest.So there you have it – the 720S is a mid-range supercar with next to no negatives. The biggest of those negatives though is the fact few of us will be able to rustle together the \u00a3208k necessary to buy one *sad face*."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Supercars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"McLaren 720S – what the critics think","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/supercars\/mclaren-720s-critics-think\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]