720S Should I or shouldn't I?
Discussion
Well I've driven one and am trying to make my mind up like the OP was/is. For me it looks utterly sensational in the flesh and I love the super/hyper car look vs the more sports car looks of the 458/488/570/650 etc. I could spend hours looking at all the intricacies of how the air is managed around the car with its beautiful bodywork (to my eyes of course).
How does it drive ? I wondered if i was in the same car as some of the journos/vloggers. Speed is overwhelming. However at "low" speeds it's really enjoyable too. The front end and steering are perfect, really good. The ride isn't like a Roller's, that's nonsense. The car isn't a GT, that's nonsense. But for a car that rides so low and so flat through corners it feels completely unreal that it doesn't have jittery vertical movements and skip like a traditionally sprung car. Brilliant. And yet you get a great feel about what is going on. After a short while I can best describe it as the type of car that wants you to take it by the scruff of the neck and rag it around corners. I think in summary I'd say it is so different to what you'd expect from a car like this that you lose your reference points and I'm wondering whether it's this is what's making some think that it's unexciting. That's not the emotional sense I got from it - my heart was racing before, during and afterwards!
Engine - torque everywhere whenever you want it. Gearbox perfect (I only used paddles). Sound - with everything else going on it was hard to pick this out. The car didn't have the sports exhaust so most of what you could hear was tyre noise (and there's quite a bit) and two lovely whistles of the turbos. Yes you need the sports exhaust but don't think it's not got any character.
Interior - what I would expect from this price range and type of car. You can definitely see the difference between the 570/650 etc. which (sorry) look a bit low rent to me compared to the 458/488. Sorry again, just my opinion.
So will I ? I'm in a dilemma because I know I'll get a lot of fun out of a 458 and perhaps lose less. But the 720s to me is better than the 488 which looks a bit "old school" even though I know Ferrari also do put a lot of driving tech into their cars.
How does it drive ? I wondered if i was in the same car as some of the journos/vloggers. Speed is overwhelming. However at "low" speeds it's really enjoyable too. The front end and steering are perfect, really good. The ride isn't like a Roller's, that's nonsense. The car isn't a GT, that's nonsense. But for a car that rides so low and so flat through corners it feels completely unreal that it doesn't have jittery vertical movements and skip like a traditionally sprung car. Brilliant. And yet you get a great feel about what is going on. After a short while I can best describe it as the type of car that wants you to take it by the scruff of the neck and rag it around corners. I think in summary I'd say it is so different to what you'd expect from a car like this that you lose your reference points and I'm wondering whether it's this is what's making some think that it's unexciting. That's not the emotional sense I got from it - my heart was racing before, during and afterwards!
Engine - torque everywhere whenever you want it. Gearbox perfect (I only used paddles). Sound - with everything else going on it was hard to pick this out. The car didn't have the sports exhaust so most of what you could hear was tyre noise (and there's quite a bit) and two lovely whistles of the turbos. Yes you need the sports exhaust but don't think it's not got any character.
Interior - what I would expect from this price range and type of car. You can definitely see the difference between the 570/650 etc. which (sorry) look a bit low rent to me compared to the 458/488. Sorry again, just my opinion.
So will I ? I'm in a dilemma because I know I'll get a lot of fun out of a 458 and perhaps lose less. But the 720s to me is better than the 488 which looks a bit "old school" even though I know Ferrari also do put a lot of driving tech into their cars.
TP321 said:
What was the list price on this?
No matter how fast it is (and i have no doubt that it is), this will not save this ugly and unemotional car from savage depreciation..just doesn't cut it at this price point.
I can't say I've read all of the bile you spout on here (thankfully) but have you driven one? No matter how fast it is (and i have no doubt that it is), this will not save this ugly and unemotional car from savage depreciation..just doesn't cut it at this price point.
In my experience it's anything but unemotional.
TP321 has a real bug up his arse over the McLaren brand, but never once, having been asked the question numerous times, has he answered why he is so prejudiced against the brand. Plus if I not mistaken he has never driven one so has no experience on which to base his criticism. He, well I think he is a he, is just a sad little keyboard warrior
Yes he is always prepared to lay the boot in on most McLaren threads on this forum.
I think McLaren have done an amazing job in a short time and I love the brand and all it stands for.
It’s great to see a British country providing such high tech jobs in A McDonald’s based economy.
As many have said before you only live once whatever buy buy just enjoy it
I think McLaren have done an amazing job in a short time and I love the brand and all it stands for.
It’s great to see a British country providing such high tech jobs in A McDonald’s based economy.
As many have said before you only live once whatever buy buy just enjoy it
andyvdg said:
Well I've driven one and am trying to make my mind up like the OP was/is. For me it looks utterly sensational in the flesh and I love the super/hyper car look vs the more sports car looks of the 458/488/570/650 etc. I could spend hours looking at all the intricacies of how the air is managed around the car with its beautiful bodywork (to my eyes of course).
How does it drive ? I wondered if i was in the same car as some of the journos/vloggers. Speed is overwhelming. However at "low" speeds it's really enjoyable too. The front end and steering are perfect, really good. The ride isn't like a Roller's, that's nonsense. The car isn't a GT, that's nonsense. But for a car that rides so low and so flat through corners it feels completely unreal that it doesn't have jittery vertical movements and skip like a traditionally sprung car. Brilliant. And yet you get a great feel about what is going on. After a short while I can best describe it as the type of car that wants you to take it by the scruff of the neck and rag it around corners. I think in summary I'd say it is so different to what you'd expect from a car like this that you lose your reference points and I'm wondering whether it's this is what's making some think that it's unexciting. That's not the emotional sense I got from it - my heart was racing before, during and afterwards!
Engine - torque everywhere whenever you want it. Gearbox perfect (I only used paddles). Sound - with everything else going on it was hard to pick this out. The car didn't have the sports exhaust so most of what you could hear was tyre noise (and there's quite a bit) and two lovely whistles of the turbos. Yes you need the sports exhaust but don't think it's not got any character.
Interior - what I would expect from this price range and type of car. You can definitely see the difference between the 570/650 etc. which (sorry) look a bit low rent to me compared to the 458/488. Sorry again, just my opinion.
So will I ? I'm in a dilemma because I know I'll get a lot of fun out of a 458 and perhaps lose less. But the 720s to me is better than the 488 which looks a bit "old school" even though I know Ferrari also do put a lot of driving tech into their cars.
Great post. I've just done 300 miles in AutoVivendi's 720s and agree with everything you say. I've come from a 650s so was already bought into the McLaren thing but I found it utterly superb all round. Savagely fast yet comfortable and involving at all speeds. How does it drive ? I wondered if i was in the same car as some of the journos/vloggers. Speed is overwhelming. However at "low" speeds it's really enjoyable too. The front end and steering are perfect, really good. The ride isn't like a Roller's, that's nonsense. The car isn't a GT, that's nonsense. But for a car that rides so low and so flat through corners it feels completely unreal that it doesn't have jittery vertical movements and skip like a traditionally sprung car. Brilliant. And yet you get a great feel about what is going on. After a short while I can best describe it as the type of car that wants you to take it by the scruff of the neck and rag it around corners. I think in summary I'd say it is so different to what you'd expect from a car like this that you lose your reference points and I'm wondering whether it's this is what's making some think that it's unexciting. That's not the emotional sense I got from it - my heart was racing before, during and afterwards!
Engine - torque everywhere whenever you want it. Gearbox perfect (I only used paddles). Sound - with everything else going on it was hard to pick this out. The car didn't have the sports exhaust so most of what you could hear was tyre noise (and there's quite a bit) and two lovely whistles of the turbos. Yes you need the sports exhaust but don't think it's not got any character.
Interior - what I would expect from this price range and type of car. You can definitely see the difference between the 570/650 etc. which (sorry) look a bit low rent to me compared to the 458/488. Sorry again, just my opinion.
So will I ? I'm in a dilemma because I know I'll get a lot of fun out of a 458 and perhaps lose less. But the 720s to me is better than the 488 which looks a bit "old school" even though I know Ferrari also do put a lot of driving tech into their cars.
I have one on order and it arrives soon. Can't wait
RamboLambo said:
About list price then and What a car for the money especially with Ferrari increasing their prices by 7% WTF ?!
Well no one is biting...also both Romans and Alastair Bols have reduced the price of theirs, so that tells you something. Ofcourse someone will mention that these are Launch Spec cars and not to everyones taste...blah, blah...The obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
TP321 said:
Well no one is biting...also both Romans and Alastair Bols have reduced the price of theirs, so that tells you something. Ofcourse someone will mention that these are Launch Spec cars and not to everyones taste...blah, blah...
The obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
Not seeing huge premiums on 488 GTB's. The whole supercar market, in fact whole car market is significantly down. Brexit, rate rise and winter season are all having an effect and come spring we will see things rebound to a degreeThe obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
TP321 said:
Well no one is biting...also both Romans and Alastair Bols have reduced the price of theirs, so that tells you something. Ofcourse someone will mention that these are Launch Spec cars and not to everyones taste...blah, blah...
The obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
You mean like the huge premium the same Alastair Bols is selling the blue 488 for? The obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
You seem to think that having to wait 18-36 months to order a 488 is in some way a good thing? I am one of the many who has also ordered a new 720s, and being able to actually order a car to spec and get it within six months, for a car that driven back to back is better in every way possible than a 488, is actually a huge positive!
Your narrow minded view of driving enjoyment (or forum posting, no idea if you actually drive) through the lens of second hand prices is beyond comprehension. There is no where I would put £250k of my hard earned cash right now into anything other than a 720S in return for driving pleasure. I voted with my wallet.
And don't preach about how I am going to lose money...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my 993 GT2 new, when Porsche were having trouble selling them...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my Diablo SV new when Lambo were struggling to sell them....
I used the same reason to buy a Cobra Lightweight when they were not shifting.....
I used the same reasoning to buy a 964 Turbo S flatnose when it was struggling to sell......
I used the same reasoning to buy a 430 Scuderia when the big discounts were being offered...
I could go on and on, but hey, if I had listened to your inane ramblings about basing buying decisions on second hand prices rather than driving experience, I'd have bought none of the above, not enjoyed every minute of driving, and not enjoyed the increase in value they have brought because they are revered drivers cars.
I think the forum you are looking for is moneysupermarket.com, this is a McLaren driving forum
There looks like a nice one a JZM Porsche too which has dropped down below £250K. If production really is 70 cars a week, then that's still a pretty small percentage of all the cars that are on the market. The question is, is it better to wait for more falls on these or order a new one from Mclaren and wait (how long is the wait, does anyone know?) All of these cars are now pretty close to their list prices, I don't think any are below though.
TP321 said:
RamboLambo said:
About list price then and What a car for the money especially with Ferrari increasing their prices by 7% WTF ?!
Well no one is biting...also both Romans and Alastair Bols have reduced the price of theirs, so that tells you something. Ofcourse someone will mention that these are Launch Spec cars and not to everyones taste...blah, blah...The obvious conclusion is that there is no demand ...and that those who do want one, can order one to their spec and get it very quickly, otherwise they would be buying these... Whereas with Ferrari you have to wait 18 -36 months, and any car that does make it to the market is snapped up immediately at a huge premium.
rs200evo said:
You mean like the huge premium the same Alastair Bols is selling the blue 488 for?
You seem to think that having to wait 18-36 months to order a 488 is in some way a good thing? I am one of the many who has also ordered a new 720s, and being able to actually order a car to spec and get it within six months, for a car that driven back to back is better in every way possible than a 488, is actually a huge positive!
Your narrow minded view of driving enjoyment (or forum posting, no idea if you actually drive) through the lens of second hand prices is beyond comprehension. There is no where I would put £250k of my hard earned cash right now into anything other than a 720S in return for driving pleasure. I voted with my wallet.
And don't preach about how I am going to lose money...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my 993 GT2 new, when Porsche were having trouble selling them...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my Diablo SV new when Lambo were struggling to sell them....
I used the same reason to buy a Cobra Lightweight when they were not shifting.....
I used the same reasoning to buy a 964 Turbo S flatnose when it was struggling to sell......
I used the same reasoning to buy a 430 Scuderia when the big discounts were being offered...
I could go on and on, but hey, if I had listened to your inane ramblings about basing buying decisions on second hand prices rather than driving experience, I'd have bought none of the above, not enjoyed every minute of driving, and not enjoyed the increase in value they have brought because they are revered drivers cars.
I think the forum you are looking for is moneysupermarket.com, this is a McLaren driving forum
Refreshing. Love it. Passion seems almost eliminated from cars nowadays and it's great to see someone who very much has it. Completely different snack brackets but so many people tell me how much money I'll lose on my M3 circuit car. I don't care You seem to think that having to wait 18-36 months to order a 488 is in some way a good thing? I am one of the many who has also ordered a new 720s, and being able to actually order a car to spec and get it within six months, for a car that driven back to back is better in every way possible than a 488, is actually a huge positive!
Your narrow minded view of driving enjoyment (or forum posting, no idea if you actually drive) through the lens of second hand prices is beyond comprehension. There is no where I would put £250k of my hard earned cash right now into anything other than a 720S in return for driving pleasure. I voted with my wallet.
And don't preach about how I am going to lose money...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my 993 GT2 new, when Porsche were having trouble selling them...
I used the same reasoning when I bought my Diablo SV new when Lambo were struggling to sell them....
I used the same reason to buy a Cobra Lightweight when they were not shifting.....
I used the same reasoning to buy a 964 Turbo S flatnose when it was struggling to sell......
I used the same reasoning to buy a 430 Scuderia when the big discounts were being offered...
I could go on and on, but hey, if I had listened to your inane ramblings about basing buying decisions on second hand prices rather than driving experience, I'd have bought none of the above, not enjoyed every minute of driving, and not enjoyed the increase in value they have brought because they are revered drivers cars.
I think the forum you are looking for is moneysupermarket.com, this is a McLaren driving forum
Todd Bonzalez said:
Refreshing. Love it. Passion seems almost eliminated from cars nowadays and it's great to see someone who very much has it. Completely different snack brackets but so many people tell me how much money I'll lose on my M3 circuit car. I don't care
I love my E46 M3 track car too! Yes, spent too much on that as well Edited by rs200evo on Friday 10th November 10:39
Read through this with particular interest, as I have a 720 on order.
Having thrashed 488’s around Thruxton, that car is an awesome piece of kit, but the following week I tried a 720 and I was blown away by the sheer power it had.
The door design is fantastic, especially for my not so slender 6’1” frame.
Visibility is soooo much better that the typical cars in this bracket too.
The sound is different and quieter for sure, but I’ve plumped for the sports exhaust so hopefully that’ll liven it up a bit.
But the road holding and power were different league to other cars I’ve got/tried.
As for the cars not selling ...
I was told that the order book is full, however, there were delays in the earlier cars which pushed back delivery times. Quite a number of people who had ordered a car for July/June/August delivery got their delivery dates pushed back to December/January and have now said they don’t want to take delivery, as the car will sit in the garage over the winter, so have been pushed back to when it gets warmer.
This has created some gaps during this 2-3 month period where (lucky) people can get their orders in and their car built/delivered quite quickly. Mine was one of these orders and my car should come mid February.
This is the story I’ve been given and it does make some sense to me, as I’m guessing most would prefer their new supercar to be delivered in warmer months when they can use it.
Supercars do tend to hang around over the winter periods, so this is no different and the story stacks up. I can understand people who need to get out of their cars dropping prices in the run up to Christmas as cars don’t move as quickly this time of year, but I can’t see these cars dropping their value like a stone any time soon, regardless of any scare mongering that’s written on forums (owners will decide how long they keep their cars and I haven’t seen any real complaints from any owner who has already taken delivery).
Having been down to the factory this week, they are producing more and more cars.
There were lots of 720’s and 570 Spiders going down the lines. TAKT time of the factory is being reduced (I.e. more cars off the line per day) and they’re even talking about going on shifts to cope with demand. Having met and spoken to the technicians who are actually building the cars, they are all very passionate about their cars and the brand. There were cars in every station and it was extremely busy down there.
McLaren are still fairly new to making production road cars, so of course it’ll take some time to get it completely right, but they are planning on opening more dealers, so it’s a positive story from the factory shop floor (not just press releases).
Appreciate opinions will always vary and everyone’s entitled to their own, but as a fairly patriotic guy, I think it’s fantastic to see a British Car Brand producing such cars and “really having a go” against their far more established competitors. The engineering that goes into these cars is something else and based on my test drive .... I cannot wait for mine to arrive.
That red is a great colour choice btw. Hope you’re enjoying it.
Having thrashed 488’s around Thruxton, that car is an awesome piece of kit, but the following week I tried a 720 and I was blown away by the sheer power it had.
The door design is fantastic, especially for my not so slender 6’1” frame.
Visibility is soooo much better that the typical cars in this bracket too.
The sound is different and quieter for sure, but I’ve plumped for the sports exhaust so hopefully that’ll liven it up a bit.
But the road holding and power were different league to other cars I’ve got/tried.
As for the cars not selling ...
I was told that the order book is full, however, there were delays in the earlier cars which pushed back delivery times. Quite a number of people who had ordered a car for July/June/August delivery got their delivery dates pushed back to December/January and have now said they don’t want to take delivery, as the car will sit in the garage over the winter, so have been pushed back to when it gets warmer.
This has created some gaps during this 2-3 month period where (lucky) people can get their orders in and their car built/delivered quite quickly. Mine was one of these orders and my car should come mid February.
This is the story I’ve been given and it does make some sense to me, as I’m guessing most would prefer their new supercar to be delivered in warmer months when they can use it.
Supercars do tend to hang around over the winter periods, so this is no different and the story stacks up. I can understand people who need to get out of their cars dropping prices in the run up to Christmas as cars don’t move as quickly this time of year, but I can’t see these cars dropping their value like a stone any time soon, regardless of any scare mongering that’s written on forums (owners will decide how long they keep their cars and I haven’t seen any real complaints from any owner who has already taken delivery).
Having been down to the factory this week, they are producing more and more cars.
There were lots of 720’s and 570 Spiders going down the lines. TAKT time of the factory is being reduced (I.e. more cars off the line per day) and they’re even talking about going on shifts to cope with demand. Having met and spoken to the technicians who are actually building the cars, they are all very passionate about their cars and the brand. There were cars in every station and it was extremely busy down there.
McLaren are still fairly new to making production road cars, so of course it’ll take some time to get it completely right, but they are planning on opening more dealers, so it’s a positive story from the factory shop floor (not just press releases).
Appreciate opinions will always vary and everyone’s entitled to their own, but as a fairly patriotic guy, I think it’s fantastic to see a British Car Brand producing such cars and “really having a go” against their far more established competitors. The engineering that goes into these cars is something else and based on my test drive .... I cannot wait for mine to arrive.
That red is a great colour choice btw. Hope you’re enjoying it.
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