MOTORING
today’s supersized supercars feel simply too wide for a British B-road. The 720S is no Lotus Elan, but its fairly modest footprint means you can carry speed with confidence where others are forced to slow down. At 1,930mm, it’s actually 165mm narrower than its 570S sibling, and 254mm shorter and 100mm narrower than a Lamborghini Aventador. On the B488 in Bedfordshire, those millimetres matter. Special mention also goes to the McLaren’s
interlinked, ECU-controlled hydraulic suspension, which obviates the need for anti-roll bars. It’s far too complicated to explain here (indeed, it was the subject of a PhD thesis) – suffice to say it makes the 720S both pliant and utterly planted on challenging Tarmac.
DRIFT MODE IS A TAD DAUNTING You know about the Ford Focus RS and its infamous Drift Mode. Well, the 720S has a more advanced version of the same thing. Variable Drift Control offers seven-stage adjustment for the stability control, allowing you to decide how much the car will oversteer before the electronic nanny intervenes. There’s even a graphic on the touchscreen to select your angle of attack. Now, I’ll level with you. Variable Drift Control or not, I’m not a good enough driver to start sliding 720hp supercars on the road. My faith
in technology only goes so far. However, MR’s Peter Burgess previously tried VDC on-track at Vallelunga and found it a “very effective tool”. He also noted that “tyre smoking images you see are all taken with those systems fully disengaged”. Good man.
A WEEK IS NOT ENOUGH Spending seven days with the 720S was rewarding and revealing. During its time in our care, the McLaren tackled lengthy commutes, school runs, M25 tailbacks, London gridlock and even, yes, the odd B-road blast – and never felt less than sensationally special. The Lamborghini Huracan Performante has the
Flying high: the McLaren 720S features futuristic gull-wing doors and state-of-the- art Drift Mode
edge in terms of outright excitement. Perhaps the Ferrari 488 GTB does, too: I haven’t driven one. But a Performante isn’t a well-rounded supercar like the 720S, and both the Italians have – to my mind – a rather divisive image. Being from somewhere as incongruous as Woking doubtless helps, but the McLaren seems the epitome of tech- led, wildcard cool. With Spider and hotted-up LT versions in the
pipeline, there’s more to come from the McLaren 720S. It may be our benchmark supercar for a while yet. n
BEHIND THE WHEEL
To read more reviews and expert advice on all things motoring, go to motoringresearch. com or follow the team onTwitter @editorial_mr
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