The automotive world is often neatly categorized into supercars and hypercars, with a select few blurring the lines. While Lamborghini’s V12 lineage has long straddled this divide, and marques like Pagani and Saleen offered exclusive, limited-production exceptions, the McLaren 720S emerged as a mainstream disruptor. It brought a hypercar-level performance to the established supercar segment, a feat later echoed by Ferrari, Corvette with its ZR1, and Porsche’s GT2 RS hybrid.
McLaren’s entry-level models, initially badged as MP4-12C and 650S, were firmly in supercar territory. The models below the 720S continued this lineage. Interestingly, McLaren became known for subtly underrating their horsepower figures during this era. This meant models like the 540C and 625C often delivered closer to 594hp and 688hp respectively, exceeding their official numbers. The performance gap between the 570S and the older 650S was minimal, with the lighter 570S sometimes even holding a performance edge.
However, the McLaren 720S elevated the game significantly. While positioned as a competitor to the Ferrari 488 on paper (much like the 570S), its real-world performance was closer to hypercar territory. The 720S boasted acceleration figures that rivaled even the mighty LaFerrari. To put this into perspective, the track-focused P1 was conceived as a much more extreme machine than the LaFerrari. Yet, the 720S wasn’t far behind even the more potent McLaren models like the 765LT or the Speedtail. Some argue that the 765LT, despite its track focus, suffers from aerodynamic compromises, making its real-world advantage over a 720S on optional semi-slick tires less pronounced than expected. The Speedtail, while spiritually linked to the iconic F1, is arguably a more luxurious and less overtly sporty interpretation of the 720S platform, enhanced with hybrid assistance. In terms of sheer power, the Speedtail could even be considered a “1070GT” or even “1177GT” if McLaren’s tendency to understate horsepower is factored in. While the Speedtail might carry the spiritual torch of the F1, the P1 more logically represents the F1’s direct successor in terms of performance and technology. The Speedtail, in its essence, is closer to a modern interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren’s grand touring ethos than a direct heir to the F1’s racing pedigree.
