McLaren 720S 2017 | new car sales price

The McLaren 720S high-performance coupe, that will lead the introduction of the company's second-generation Super Series, has been launched at the Geneva motor show – eventually revealing one of the industry's worst kept secrets.

The British sportscar-maker has finally wheeled out the production model after a protracted hype campaign of teaser images, leaked photos and the 720S moniker unofficially circulating for several weeks.

The new 720S will be priced locally at $489,900 before on roads, costing Aussie McLaren enthusiasts $25,900 more than the previous 650S.

Australian delivery of the new McLaren supercar will commence in the third quarter of this year, several months after the brand's UK customers start driving theirs.

First view of the model's new look, which introduces radical new styling such as an illuminated engine bay, segmented headlights and high-exit exhausts, has been a highlight for visitors to the Swiss show.

The McLaren 720S uses a double-skinned door to channel air back to the engine bay, unlike previous models that featured large vents behind the door.

A significant evolution in aerodynamics, a new larger V8 engine and the new engine cooling approach combine to allow the McLaren 720S to generate some serious statistics.

Traditional principals of bulk power and light weight give the 720S electrifying performance.

The British brand has moved away from its consistent recipe of 3.8 litres for the first time since it was introduced in the 2011 model year 12C. The 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 makes 530kW (720 horsepower, hence the model designation), and 770Nm of torque.

The 720S has a dry weight of just 1283kg thanks to all-new carbon-fibre 'Monocage II' construction. While the kerb weight is a slightly porkier 1419kg, the McLaren boasts a top speed of 341km/h. Zero to 100km/h comes in 2.9 seconds while 0-200km/h takes 7.8s.

Just as attention getting are the brakes. The rotors are made from light but heat resistant carbon-ceramic composite and measure 390mm at the front and 380mm at the back. Your eyeballs will likely be glued to the inside of the windscreen with 200km/h scrubbed to zero in just 4.6 seconds, and in only 117 metres.

Power goes to the rear wheels via a seven speed 'SSG' dual-clutch transmission, with a 19-inch wheel and tyre combo all round.

Traditional principals of bulk power and light weight give the 720S electrifying performance, but according to McLaren more complex technology adds further to the mix.

The company claims "an unmatched breadth of dynamic capabilities" from its next generation 'Proactive Chassis Control' system that alters suspension and damper rates during more vigorous driving to keep all four corners in contact with the road.

A unique 'Folding Driver Display' is a highlight of the new car's interior.

The display uses a large digital screen to present vehicle information such as road and engine speed via orthodox instrumentation along with trip information, oil and water temperatures during normal driving.

The entire cluster tilts and slides away into the dash exposing a minimalist bar display on its top edge for times when the driver needs their full concentration on the road.

McLaren says the 720S presents "an incredible degree of usability", adding the new Super Series has a number of features that make it possible to use the car for a daily commute.

As might be expected, the new McLaren's interior is replete with fine leather upholstery and machined aluminium switchgear in addition to the driver-focused information and entertainment interface.

The boot has 210 litres of luggage capacity while a front storage area offers a further 150 litres of space.

2017 McLaren 720S list pricing

McLaren 720S – automatic – $489,900

Does the McLaren 720S knock off Ferrari's 488 GTB? Tells us what you think in the comments below.