New 4.0L turbo V8 to power McLaren 720S – 0 to 200km/h in 7.8s

McLaren has announced that the next-generation Super Series supercar will be powered by a new twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine that will raise the limits of supercar performance.

Set to premiere at the Geneva motor show on March 7, the new McLaren Super Series will utilise the new M840T engine equipped with ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers that can spool up more rapidly than the previous 3.8-litre turbo V8, delivering reduced turbo lag and quicker throttle response.

The elevated performance will enable the new McLaren supercar to sprint from 0 to 200km/h in a blistering 7.8 seconds, accompanied by a crisp exhaust note that is said to be soulful, clean and the most emotive of any McLaren.

“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter mile in 10.3 seconds,” commented McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”

The new 4.0-litre engine signals its performance credentials with an exhaust sound achieved through a sophisticated balance of harmonics and delivering a ‘crescendo’ characteristic, according to engine rpm and load. A sports exhaust is optional for those who still want more aural excitement.

Owners will also be able to showcase the heart of their new car – in particular, the cast-aluminium air intake plenum with McLaren Speedmark logo on top of the new V8 engine – with engine bay illumination that operates on vehicle unlocking.

Previewed earlier this month via a leaked Instagram photo, the successor to the 650S will be called the 720S. Among the engineering essentials for the new model is increased downforce and improved cooling. The car’s ultra-lightweight carbon fiber structure is also said to be more rigid and 18kg lighter than that of the 650S.

Another highlight in the new model is the active rear wing that extends over the full rear width of the car. It is able to move upwards and increase in angle to optimise aerodynamic efficiency and also deploys to its most extreme angle as an airbrake in less than half a second, optimising balance when braking from speed.

More details of the second-generation McLaren Super Series 720S, including engine and performance specifications, will be confirmed on March 7.