McLaren 720S local pricing announced

McLaren has revealed that the lighter and faster 720S will sell to local buyers in a three-variant range from $489,900.

That amount puts the driver behind the wheel of the entry-level coupe. The two other variants are Luxury and Performance models, both priced at $515,080.

Identifying features fitted as standard to the base-grade model include Satin Graphite window bezels and Dark Palladium colour matching for front splitter, front air intakes, rear aero bridge, rear bumper lower, diffuser. Inside, the basic 720S is upholstered in Alcantara or Nappa leather & Alcantara combination; with coordinating Satin Graphite and Zircon Silver brightwork.

For the extra $25,000 (which includes Luxury Car Tax), the 720S Luxury is fitted with front air intakes, front splitter, rear bumper lower, diffuser, hood air intakes, rear aero bridge, rear fender air intakes – all finished in Tungsten Slate. The window bezels are finished in Zircon Silver. Standard equipment includes electrically-adjustable and heated sports seats with position memory function. The cabin upholstery comprises premium leather, Zircon Silver and brushed Iridium brightwork.

Priced as for the Luxury variant, the 720S Performance has the based model's Satin Graphite window bezels, but adopts ambient lighting for the engine bay and Meteor Grey finish for the front splitter, front air intakes, lower side air intakes, rear aero bridge, rear bumper lower, diffuser.

Additionally, the 720S Performance comes fitted with McLaren's Exterior Carbon Fibre Pack 1, incorporating hood air intakes, door mirror casings and rear fender air intakes. Alcantara and Nappa leather combination is complemented by the Luxury variant's Zircon Silver and Brushed Iridium brightwork. As the final touch, the Performance model scores added carbon-fibre trim and ambient lighting inside.

Introduced to replace the 650S, the lighter 720S produces more engine output for faster acceleration times and yet lower CO2 emissions. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 of the earlier car is stroked to 4.0 litres and now develops 537kW and 770Nm.

Running through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, the engine's output is sufficient to propel the 720S to 100km/h from a standing start in 2.9 seconds. Maximum speed is claimed to be 341km/h – both acceleration and top speed figures the product of not only the prodigious engine output, but also the light weight of the 720S, just 1283kg.

Fitted with 19-inch alloys (9-inch wide at the front, 11-inch at the rear), the 720S rides on double-wishbone suspension and brakes are carbon-ceramic discs all round. The tyres measure 245/35/R19 93Y (front) and 305/30/R20 103Y (rear).