2017 – 2022 · Super Series

McLaren 720S

710 horsepower. 2.9 seconds to 60. A twin-turbo V8 masterpiece wrapped in a carbon fiber monocage. This is the complete guide.

710
BHP
2.9s
0–62 MPH
212
MPH Top Speed
1,283
KG Dry Weight
Scroll
M840T
Engine Code
4.0L V8
Twin-Turbo
568 lb-ft
Peak Torque
7-Speed
SSG DCT
10.1s
Quarter Mile
$284K
Starting MSRP
History

Timeline of the 720S

From its Geneva debut to its successor, every milestone of McLaren's second-generation Super Series.

Launch
March 7, 2017

World Premiere at Geneva

McLaren unveils the 720S at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show. It replaces the 650S as the second-generation Super Series car, built around the new Monocage II carbon fiber chassis — 18 kg lighter than its predecessor with the roof structure integrated into the tub for the first time.

McLaren 720S at Geneva
Production
May 2017

Customer Deliveries Begin

The first 720S rolls off the line at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England. The M840T 4.0L twin-turbo V8 produces 710 bhp (720 PS) and 568 lb-ft of torque. Motor Trend records a 10.1-second quarter mile at 141.5 mph — one of the fastest production car times ever measured. Base MSRP: $284,745.

Awards
2017 – 2018

Award-Winning Debut

The 720S sweeps the automotive world: evo Car of the Year 2017, World Performance Car of the Year 2018, "Most Beautiful Supercar" at Festival Automobile International Paris, Road & Track Performance Car of the Year, Red Dot "Best of the Best" Design Award, and more. Road & Track records a stunning 9.9-second quarter mile.

Racing
August 2018

720S GT3 Revealed

McLaren unveils the 720S GT3 race car with over 90% of components modified from the road car. It features a 6-speed sequential gearbox and an FIA-homologated roll cage. Price: $564,000. On its competitive debut at Albert Park in early 2019, it claims pole position and race victory.

McLaren 720S GT3
Variant
December 2018

720S Spider Revealed

The open-top variant debuts online with a one-piece retractable carbon fiber hardtop. Just 49 kg heavier than the Coupe at 1,332 kg dry, it retains identical performance figures. Deliveries begin in March 2019 from $315,000.

McLaren 720S Spider at Geneva
Record
2018

7:08.34 at the Nürburgring

Sport Auto driver Christian Gebhardt laps the Nordschleife in a completely bone-stock 720S on standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires — no sticky Trofeo R rubber. The 7:08.34 time puts the 720S among the fastest production cars around the 'Ring, with experts suggesting a sub-7:00 on stickier rubber was entirely plausible.

Special Edition
2019

MSO Apex Collection

McLaren Special Operations releases the Apex Collection — limited to just 15 cars across five designs, each themed after a legendary European racing corner: Silverstone's Abbey, Hockenheim's Mobil 1, Paul Ricard's Signes, Spa's Eau Rouge, and Monza's Ascari. All feature Track Pack as standard with titanium roll bar and 6-point harnesses.

Track Only
March 2021

720S GT3X Unleashed

An unrestricted track-only beast: 720 PS with a push-to-pass button adding 30 PS more. Weighing just 1,210 kg, the GT3X is not eligible for any racing series — it exists purely as the ultimate 720S track weapon. Optional passenger seat included for brave souls.

Special Edition
2021

Daniel Ricciardo Edition

Only 3 units produced, exclusive to Australia. Finished in Papaya Spark Orange with Burton Blue accents, celebrating Ricciardo's victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix at Monza — McLaren's first win since 2012.

End of an Era
December 2022

Production Ends

After approximately 5,000+ units produced across Coupe and Spider variants (est. ~4,200 Coupes and ~2,700 Spiders), the last 720S rolls off the line. The final cars represent model year 2023 in the US market. Used market values today range from $171,000 to $380,000.

Racing
February 2023

720S GT3 Evo

The GT3 gets an evolution package: updated aerodynamics with a new front bumper/splitter, Öhlins TTX40 4-way adjustable dampers, and revised wishbones. Available as a new build or an upgrade kit for existing GT3 cars, ensuring the 720S remains competitive on the global GT3 racing grid.

Successor
April 2023

The 750S Takes Over

McLaren reveals the 750S — the evolutionary successor to the 720S. With 740 bhp (750 PS), 30 kg lighter at 1,389 kg, and described by McLaren as having the best power-to-weight ratio in its segment. Not a clean-sheet design, but a thorough refinement of the 720S formula that defined a generation.

Ownership

Owner's Guide

Everything you need to know to keep your 720S running perfectly — from service intervals to the quirks every owner learns the hard way.

🔧

Service Intervals

The 720S follows a 10,000-mile / 12-month service cycle (whichever comes first):

  • 10K / Annual: Synthetic oil & filter, multi-point inspection (brakes, suspension, electrics, fluids, tires)
  • 30K / 3 Year: Major service — oil + gearbox fluid change ($6,000–$7,000)
  • Brake fluid: Flushed annually as part of standard service
Typical annual service: $1,500–$2,600. Budget $2,000–$4,000/yr overall.
⚠️

Common Issues to Watch

  • Coolant leaks: Pinhole leaks in rubber hoses, turbo actuator connector chafing on coolant lines. Check expansion tank regularly.
  • Suspension accumulators: Nitrogen balls can fail, triggering cascading "Suspension Failure" warnings. ~$3,300 to replace.
  • Electrical gremlins: "Key not detected" faults, seat module failures, LIN-bus parasitic drain.
  • Door actuators: Dihedral door struts can weaken — if you need to push the door up, get it checked.
🏁

Tire Recommendations

Stock sizes: 245/35 R19 front, 305/30 R20 rear

  • Pirelli P Zero (MC): OEM spec with PNCS noise cancelling
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Most popular swap — excellent grip, ride quality (owner favorite)
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2: Street + occasional track
  • Pirelli Trofeo R: Track-focused, outstanding grip, fast wear on street
Budget ~$1,500–$2,500 per set of four.
🛑

Carbon Ceramic Brakes

All 720S models come standard with AP Racing carbon ceramic brakes. OEM pads by Textar (15.8mm new).

  • Replace pads at 5mm remaining — degraded pads damage ceramic rotors
  • Street driving: pads last 20,000–30,000+ miles
  • Full ceramic rotor + pad replacement: ~$36,000
  • Single rotor if damaged: ~$12,500
Consider an AP Racing iron rotor conversion ($5K–$8K) if tracking heavily — saves massively vs. ceramic replacement.
🛢️

Fluids & Specs

  • Engine oil: Mobil 1 0W-40 (ESP spec for 2020+). Capacity: 8 litres
  • Coolant: Glysantin G48 chemistry (Mobil 1 Antifreeze Extra). Not G40.
  • Gearbox fluid: Change every 30K miles / 3 years
  • Brake fluid: Flush annually

Some oil consumption is normal — check between services.

🔋

Battery & Storage

The 720S uses a lithium-ion 12V battery. Critical: use a Li-ion compatible tender only.

  • Battery drains in ~30 days sitting (2 weeks with faulty modules)
  • Recommended: McLaren OEM Li-Ion charger or CTEK lithium-compatible
  • Storage: Inflate tires to 42–45 PSI, fill tank with premium, do not engage parking brake, use a breathable cover
Never use a standard lead-acid charger — it will damage the lithium battery.
🚪

Dihedral Doors

The signature upward-opening doors use electric actuators and gas struts.

  • Keep hinges lubricated with silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40)
  • If the door won't hold itself open mid-travel: strut replacement needed
  • Never force a sticky door — can damage carbon fiber tub mounting points
  • Check for worn bushings/thrust washers at upper hinge during service
📋

Warranty & Costs

  • Factory: 3 years, unlimited mileage
  • Extended: Available in 12–24 month increments, up to 12 years total. Vehicle must be under 5 years / 100K miles
  • Software updates: Dealer-only (no OTA). 11 separate ECU modules, each with own firmware
Ask about VIN-flagged software updates at every dealer visit — updates can resolve electronic gremlins before expensive hardware repairs.
Performance

Mods & Upgrades

From bolt-on exhaust upgrades to 1,000+ hp turbo builds — the most popular modifications for the 720S.

Valved Catback Exhaust

Capristo (CES3)

Full turbo-back with 100/200-cell high-flow cats, valvetronic muffler, carbon fiber tips. Vacuum-actuated valve flaps for quiet cruising or full volume.

~$12,500

Titanium Valvetronic Muffler

Armytrix

60% lighter than factory exhaust. OBDII dongle install. Valve control via remote or smartphone app. Auto mode responds to RPM/boost.

~$7,880 (Ti) · ~$4,980 (SS)

Race Power Optimized Exhaust

Novitec

Stainless steel base with optional Inconel upgrade. Available with 999 gold hi-temp protection. Pairs with Tectronic module to prevent CELs.

~$6,200 – $11,400+

3.5" Sport / Competition Exhaust

Soul Performance Products

Sport downpipes with HJS 200-cell cats or competition catless options. OEM-like heat shields. Full packages or individual components.

$3,100 – $9,650

Valvetronic Cat-Back

Fi Exhaust (Frequency Intelligent)

Intelligent ECU valve control with dual carbon fiber tips. Optimized acoustics. Optional catless downpipe add-on available.

~$7,000 – $9,000

Catback X-Pipe (Titanium)

RYFT

Full titanium construction. Aggressive X-pipe design for maximum sound. Available through 1K Motorsports and authorized dealers.

Contact dealer

N-Tronic ECU Module

Novitec

Plug-in piggyback ECU. Reversible install, no permanent modifications.

Stage 1: 773 hp / 626 lb-ft  |  Stage 2: 806 hp / 648 lb-ft
~$3,500 – $5,000

ECU Flash Tune

Gintani

Reprogrammed torque management, throttle response, RPM limiter raise, top speed removal, octane-optimized ignition timing.

~$2,500 – $3,500

Stage 2 Self-Tune

Bootmod3

Self-tuning via OBD port with laptop. Adjusts boost, AFR, ignition, valve lift.

91 oct: +17% hp, +25% tq  |  100+ oct: +28% hp, +31% tq
Contact bootmod3

Performance Calibration

Eurocharged

Gains of +150 hp and +130 lb-ft. Best combined with exhaust and intake modifications for maximum results.

~$2,500 – $3,500

ECU Flash

1K Motorsports

Pump gas tune delivering +161 whp and +197 wtq on stock hardware.

Contact 1K Motorsports

Bench Flash Tune

DME Tuning

ECU must be removed and shipped. Available for all 2018–2023 720S models. Known for aggressive and reliable maps.

Contact DME
Typical Gains: Stage 1 (tune only): 760–810 hp · Stage 2 (tune + downpipes): 810–870 hp · Stage 3 (full build): 900–1,050+ hp

BMC F1 Air Filters (Pair)

BMC (FB01022)

Drop-in replacement for factory filters. Washable cotton element provides ~40% greater airflow than paper. 7-micron filtration. Fits OEM airboxes.

~$150 – $250

Hi-Flow Silicone Inlet Pipes

PureTurbos

Larger-bore silicone construction replaces restrictive factory inlet pipes. Improved turbo spool and airflow. Fits OEM turbos.

~$600

PURE1200 Turbo Upgrade

PureTurbos (PT1200)

Drop-in upgraded turbochargers supporting 1,000+ whp. Billet compressor wheel, larger turbine, upgraded bearings, VSR balanced. Uses OEM housing for bolt-on fitment.

~$6,995 (pair)

W.3 Turbo Upgrade

Weistec

Proprietary upgraded turbocharger design for the M840T. Best combined with Weistec ECU tune, downpipes, and high-flow intake for a full Stage 3 build.

Contact Weistec

R101LW Forged Monoblock

HRE Wheels

20" front / 21" rear. Extremely lightweight: 8.07 kg front, 8.84 kg rear. The gold standard for lightweight forged 720S wheels.

~$14,000+ per set

M-X3 / HF-3 Series

Vossen

Forged M-X3 for boutique builds, HF-3 hybrid forged for the best value. 20/21" stagger. Also available: Novitec × Vossen MC2 collab.

$3,500–$5,000 (HF) · $8,000–$14,000 (Forged)

MC3 Forged Wheels

Novitec (by Vossen)

20×9 front (255/30) / 21×12 rear (325/25). Center-lock look design. Designed by Novitec, produced in the USA by Vossen.

~$13,800 per set

ADV510 Track Spec

ADV.1 Wheels

Three-piece forged construction. Available in 19/20 or 20/21 stagger. Fully customizable finish and offset.

$8,000 – $15,000+

Forged Custom

Brixton Forged

20×9 front / 21×12 rear. Boutique quality with custom finish options. Popular on high-end 720S builds.

$7,000 – $12,000+

Troppo-ECL & Custom

Forgiato

Bold, statement-making designs in 21" and up. Wide variety of multi-piece forged options with custom finishes and colors.

$8,000 – $20,000+

N-Largo Widebody Kit

Novitec — Limited to 15 units

Full carbon fiber widebody: fender extensions (+60mm/side), front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing, new hood. Wind tunnel tested. Pairs with MC2 wheels in 20/21".

~$55,000 – $65,000

Full Carbon Body Kit

1016 Industries

Available in standard weave or signature forged carbon finish. Front lip ($8K), rear diffuser ($8.9K), race hood ($7.5K), fenders ($8.5K), side skirts ($6.8K), wing ($7.2K).

~$47,000 – $50,000 (complete)

Silverstone Edition

Vorsteiner

Pre-preg autoclaved 2×2 glossy carbon fiber. Aerospace-grade process, 20–30% stiffer than wet-lay. All pieces direct bolt-on — no cutting.

$7,595 – $13,195 per piece

"Fury" Body Kit

TopCar Design

50 individual carbon fiber pieces including vented hood, chin spoiler, side blades, rear diffuser, and signature "horn" aero elements over the rear wing.

~$70,000+

First Edition Package

Mansory

Full dry carbon body kit, 755 hp tune, sport exhaust, Yavin forged wheels (20/21"), lowering springs. Complete turnkey builds sell for $450K–$600K+.

Custom pricing

Limited Edition Package

DMC

Full aero package with replacement wing, side skirts, rear diffuser. Performance package claims up to 1,000 hp with turbo and ECU upgrades.

Starting at $89,990

Sport Spring Set

Novitec (manufactured by KW)

Adjustable up to -30mm drop. Threaded body on factory shocks, retains factory damping. Compatible with nose lift and electronic suspension. TÜV approved.

~$2,040

Progressive Rate Lowering Springs

VelocityAP

~22mm (7/8") drop. Progressive rate works within factory active damping parameters. Subtle, OEM+ approach.

~$1,200 – $1,800

About Full Coilover Swaps

Important Note

The 720S uses Proactive Chassis Control II — a linked hydraulic suspension with no anti-roll bars. Full coilover replacements (KW, Öhlins) are extremely rare due to this system's complexity. Most aftermarket solutions use lowering springs on the OEM dampers rather than replacing the entire system.

XPEL Ultimate Plus

Paint Protection Film

Industry standard for supercars. Self-healing, hydrophobic top coat. Premium pricing but best track record for long-term clarity and protection.

$7,000 – $12,000 (full body)

SunTek Ultra / 3M Scotchgard Pro

Paint Protection Film

Strong mid-range PPF options. SunTek Ultra offers good balance of protection and cost. 3M is well-established with slightly lower pricing than XPEL.

$5,500 – $9,000 (full body)

Color-Change Vinyl Wrap

3M 2080 · Avery Dennison · Inozetek

Satin and matte finishes are especially popular on 720S builds. Reversible, protects original paint. Pair with PPF on high-impact areas for best results.

$4,000 – $8,000 (full wrap)

Full Body PPF + Ceramic Coat

Best Protection Package

Full XPEL Ultimate Plus or STEK DYNOshield PPF with a ceramic coating on top. The ultimate protection for a 720S. One owner reported every surface covered for $12,000.

$10,000 – $15,000
Novitec
Stetten, Germany

The premier McLaren tuner. Famous for the N-Largo widebody kit (limited to 15 units), N-Tronic ECU to 806 hp, Inconel race exhaust, Novitec × Vossen MC2 wheels, and KW sport springs. Full builds: $100K–$150K+ in parts.

1016 Industries
Miami, USA

Specialists in exposed and forged carbon fiber. Created the first fully exposed carbon fiber 720S with 3D-printed parts. Signature purple carbon finish. Complete kits from ~$47,000.

Mansory
Brand, Germany

Over-the-top luxury builds. Full dry carbon body, 755 hp tune, Yavin forged wheels, bespoke interior. Complete 720S builds sell for $450K–$600K+.

TopCar Design
Moscow, Russia

The "Fury" package: 50 individual carbon fiber pieces including signature horn aero elements. Body kit alone starts at ~$70K. Known for dramatic, aggressive styling.

Vorsteiner
City of Industry, USA

Silverstone Edition aero with aerospace-grade autoclaved carbon fiber — 20–30% stiffer than wet-lay. All pieces are direct bolt-on, no cutting required.

PureTurbos
Chatsworth, USA

The go-to for big power. PURE1200 drop-in turbos support 1,000+ whp using OEM housing for bolt-on fitment. $6,995/pair. The backbone of most high-HP 720S builds.