Ferrari's greatest rival has built one of the best cars in the world
The McLaren 720S doesn't have "soul" in the same sense as its Italian rivals. But it does have a soul — one that's informed by the spirits of the racing champions that have been bred into every fiber of its DNA.
But back to the main question at hand. Does the 720S deliver the emotional and visceral experience supercar buyers crave? Yes, but in its own distinct way.
More importantly, the engine and exhaust system deliver the V8 growl and the requisite popping and burping necessary to satiate the appetite of even the most ardent automotive enthusiasts.
According to McLaren, the 720S can hit 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, with the 1/4 mile conquered in a brisk 10.3 seconds along with a top speed of 212 mph.
With 710 horsepower on tap, the McLaren's new 4.0 liter, twin-turbocharged V8, and crisp seven-speed gearbox deliver power on-demand.
Acceleration in the McLaren is sudden but poised and rarely brutal. Hitting 100 mph happens in what feels like an instant.
Exiting the corners, the 720S launches not like a wild animal, but rather more like an Olympic sprinter off the line.
In the corners, the 720S rides on rails — flat, smooth, and uninhibited. The suspension tuning is on point and its carbon fiber construction offers no detectable chassis flex.
And there are the brakes. If the high-speed stability impresses, then the brakes are mind-blowingly good. Stamp on the pedal and the carbon ceramic discs along with the massive rear spoiler-turned-air-brake shed speed with great zeal. The sudden deceleration is brutal and forces you forward in your seats.
Blasting down the front straight, the first thing you notice is how stable the 720S is at high speed. Even at more than 155 mph, the McLaren felt firmly planted to the tarmac with no unwarranted movement to speak of.
Also in track mode, McLaren's new adjustable instrument panel retracts to give the driver greater visibility out of the cockpit.
In track mode, all of the shackles McLaren's engineers put on the 720S for road use are stripped away. What's left is the 720S in its purest form.
Out on the track, you get the sense that 720S is where it really wants to be — a grizzled, battle-tested pro.
... I set off to unleash 720S.
Along with my driving consigliere Andre...
But first, a safety briefing.
For track work, I was assigned this 720S clad in a resplendent Memphis Red paint job.
Also present was the first MP4-12C ever produced along with a couple of 570s from the company's entry-level Sports Series.
.... I was greeted by a fleet of new McLarens upon my arrival at the track.
Following a spirited drive from our hotel in Rome to the circuit...
To launch the new 720S, McLaren set up shop at the Autodromo Vallelunga just north of Rome.
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