McLaren is ending production of its 720S and 750S supercars next year, with final orders being taken now. The 720S, introduced in 2017, and its successor, the 750S, launched in 2023, will conclude a 10-year run as McLaren shifts focus to a new generation of vehicles. This marks the end of the second generation of what McLaren once called its ‘super series’, with the company looking optimistically toward a new era following a £450 million rejuvenation of its base.
The 720S marked a significant evolution in McLaren’s super series, featuring a carbon monocell chassis, a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, and advanced aerodynamic systems. Its 710bhp output delivered 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, outperforming even McLaren’s iconic F1. The car’s design, including its distinctive ‘eye sockets’ and flowing bodywork, gave it a hypercar-like appearance, while its lightweight construction, just 1419kg at the kerb, contributed to its exceptional performance. The 720S also featured an updated dual-clutch transmission and iterations on the hydraulically cross-linked dynamic chassis control, enhancing its handling and driving experience.
A Legacy of Performance and Innovation
The 720S wasn’t just about speed. Its versatility and precision earned praise, with evo Car of the Year judges hailing it as “the best of the best.” Editor-in-chief Stuart Gallagher noted that McLaren had created a car that was both exhilarating and compliant, capable of being as commutable as an executive saloon while offering the thrill of a base jump. The model later spawned a Spider variant and the 765LT, a 755bhp track-focused edition that was lighter, sharper, and faster, though not as balanced as the 720S.
The 750S, introduced with 30% new parts, is a firmer, more focused car for more of the time. Despite its 740bhp, it couldn’t surpass the 720S’s track times, as evidenced by testing on the Anglesey Coastal Circuit. Production will end with the limited-edition MSO 788 HS, of which only 200 will be made, marking a fitting conclusion to this era of McLaren’s supercars.
Looking Ahead: McLaren’s New Era
McLaren’s £450 million investment signals a new chapter, with the company aiming to maintain its reputation for performance and innovation in its upcoming models. The 750S remains a benchmark for supercars, a sign of the 720S’s enduring legacy. As McLaren moves forward, the challenge will be to ensure that its future cars retain the same relentless brilliance that defined this outgoing era, even as it pursues more sustainable profitability.
