The new super-limited 2021 McLaren 720S Daniel Ricciardo Edition has made its Australian debut, seen running through the Albert Park F1 circuit and along the nearby St Kilda foreshore in Melbourne this week.
Built to celebrate the Aussie Formula 1 ace (and carsales ambassador), just three examples of the aptly-named ‘McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S from MSO’ have been built and they’re all headed for Australia, having been commissioned with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) in collaboration with dealers in Melbourne and Sydney.
Not only is this the first time the bespoke offering has been seen on local roads, it’s also the first time we’ve seen it in right-hand drive – all of the press images up until now have been of a left-hook example which is odd given this is a car made and offered exclusively for our market.
A closer look at those initial images reveals they’re actually computer-generated, suggesting McLaren digitally inserted the bespoke Ricciardo Edition touches over a regular 720S skin and interior.
Nevertheless, it’s certainly a striking supercar in the metal and looks right at home in the pit lane of Albert Park.
“We’re delighted to see the first of this exclusive series arrive in Australia, as at home on the tarmac around Albert Park as its namesake Daniel Ricciardo,” said McLaren Automotive commercial executive director George Biggs.
“Complete with the Australian flag adorning the front haunches, this special-edition model is the perfect celebration of our Perth-born racer – we’re excited to see it out on Australian roads.”
Besides the cosmetic and cabin enhancements, there have been no mechanical changes to the 720S – which is powered by a 527kW/770Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine – meaning the 720S Daniel Ricciardo Edition will be able to lap every track and cover every drag strip as fast as the standard car, albeit with an extra level of exclusivity.
On that note, there’s still no word yet on pricing, although you can be sure it’s more than the regular 720S that starts at $489,900 plus on-roads.