The wizards at McLaren Automotive made an interesting discovery during the lifespan of their 650S supercar: Many of the car's wealthy owners used it as a daily driver.
So, when it came time to follow up the 650S with the 710-hp 720S — the first time McLaren has replaced a car since the company was formed in 2010 — engineers had to accommodate some features that had nothing to do with blindingly fast performance.
For example, the midmounted, Ricardo-developed twin-turbo V-8 engine was lowered to provide more luggage space behind the seats. There is also more space around the driver and passenger, while visibility is improved by making the pillars slimmer.
"We have been very successful in penetrating the petrolhead market," McLaren's global head of sales, Jolyon Nash, told Automotive News Europe. "Now our challenge is to broaden our appeal to those who buy for other reasons."
For sure, McLaren didn't exactly become preoccupied with the practical on the 720S, which starts at £208,600 ($293,000). Still missing are any camera- or radar-activated semiautonomous safety features such as adaptive cruise control.
McLaren spokesman Wayne Bruce said: "Our customers are just not asking for that."