Forza Motorsport 7: The newest McLaren sportscar

The Super Series range of McLaren served as their comeback for making fast cars that can compete against Italian dominance in this fast-changing world. From the 12C to the 650S, the Super Series is all about showcasing its British engineering to the rest of the globe in speedy levels and by showcasing how much racing know-how they've invested during their F1 heydays, they really mean business.





By the time the Super Series is ready for its metamorphosis, McLaren gave us their latest sportscar which serves as the evolved form of the 12C and the 650S, and here it is...







This is the new McLaren 720S and I just picked it up from Forza Motorsport 7's Top Gear Car Pack. Man, looks like the SCAMCO boys gave up the keys of the new McLaren to the Forza producers, eh? Such luck but anyway, let's talk about the 720S.



The second chapter of McLaren's Super Series range begins with the launch of their all-new supercar made to tackle both roads and tracks with its racing pedigree in mind, known as the 720S.

The 720S is powered by brand new 4.0L V8 twin turbo engine that delivers a titular 720PS power output and 770Nm of torque. Armed with the double clutch gearbox, it does 0-60mph in less than three seconds and onwards to 341km/h (212mph). Even though the performance is rather extreme, it's still a high-tech supercar that is 91% new inside out. Instead of massive gaping intakes, the 720S uses channels along the bodywork to feed air into the engine bay. All of the bodywork is mostly carbon fiber, resulting to a much lighter weight compared to the 650S and lower center of gravity. Coupled with an improved computer-controlled suspension and the result is a much better handling car compared to its predecessor.

With its form and functionality combined as well as its extreme performance and racing know-how, the 720S marks a fresh new chapter in McLaren's history and it will give its Italian foes a run for its money.

In BBC Top Gear Season 25 Episode 2, Chris Harris tries out the 720S at Portimao, Portugal, and it even had a shootout against the P1 as well.



Although completely different than the old 12C and the 650S, the 720S still drives like a McLaren due to its high-tech wizardry surrounding beneath its striking looks and when you get your hands onto this beauty, its raw firepower makes it a real beast. It maybe razor sharp but it's somewhat enjoyable to drive when you take your time on this car and this car won't let you go until you are fully satisfied. Sounds reasonable? I think so because having exercise most of its ups and downs, the 720S is a challenging but enjoyable McLaren that wants to be taken seriously but light-hearted for the fun of it.

Seeing that the 720S is an evolution of the Super Series, I'm going to the Top Gear Test Track to see what is all about.





While enjoying my drive with the 720S at the Top Gear Track, I had a little thinking that will put McLaren's newest supercar to the test. You see, the fastest production car to lap round the Top Gear Track is the old 675LT with a lap time of 1:13.7. So the challenge was to see if I can match that lap time using the new 720S. This is time where I'm going to put this new generation McLaren to the test.



After my run with this car at the track, I posted a 1:16.424 lap time round the track, which means I failed this challenge. I know, I find the steering to be quite tricky to handle and quite tricky to brake and because of having so much power, it's hard to get away from its wheelspin. Wheelspin kills lap times and everybody knows that.



Despite my flawed attempt, I'm glad that I'm driving McLaren's newest supercar full stop. Although only a selected drivers can master its full potential, there are some drivers who can appreciate how much of a McLaren this new 720S is doing. Either way, I am more than welcome to drive the 720S anytime when needed.