The valet in front of the DEC on Dragon Street in the Design District resembled an exotic car show as a seemingly endless parade of McLaren, Porsche, Bentley and Rolls-Royce supercars arrived with a symphony of snarling and guttural engine notes. Park Place Premier Collection recently unveiled the new McLaren 720S, the second generation model in the Super Series segment, to an invitation-only crowd.
Guests enjoyed the Speedy Kiwi craft cocktail made with Reyka Vodka and modern bites like seared ahi tuna and lobster tacos while awaiting the electrifying reveal, which was orchestrated to a pulsating light show.
Designed with a new, lighter carbon-fiber chassis and powered by an astonishing 710 horsepower twin turbo, 4.0 Liter V8, the beautiful beast can leap from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive, it will rocket from 0-to-124 mph in only 7.8 seconds, and tackles the quarter miles in just over 10 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph. And it does so with unparalleled control due to the innovative Proactive Chassis Control II, developed using advanced algorithms in a Cambridge University doctoral program. But don’t worry; it’s still ultimately driver-focused. Variable Drift Control allows the driver to determine the amount of drift and oversteer the traction control allows before intervening.
Twin-hinged dihedral doors sweep forward and up to an 80-degree angle for easy access to the stylish cockpit. The 720S generates 50-percent more downforce than the 650S, double the overall aerodynamic efficiency and 15-percent more efficient cooling. The integrated rear spoiler automatically adjusts to the optimal aerodynamic needs. It adapts to its most extreme airbrake angle in less than half a second to stop on a dime.
Starting at $289,000, driver engagement was clearly the focus for the design and technology behind the new 720S. But it also offers features to make this supercar supremely comfortable as a daily driver. Because even supercar drivers need storage, the 720S features best-in-class storage; static, adaptive headlights that follow the cars directions even on steep corners; and 360-degree park assist with four cameras, four front parking sensors and four rear sensors.
Mere words and photos are incapable of describing this stunning supercar. Stop by the Park Place Premier Collection, located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue near Love Field, to get up close and personal with this ravishing beauty.