Aussie F1 ace gets his very own special edition road car – and it’s available to order!
BY MATT BROGAN
MCLAREN has revealed its Australia-only Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S, specially commissioned by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) in collaboration with McLaren dealerships in Melbourne and Sydney to celebrate the Australian McLaren Formula 1 driver.
The limited edition 720S includes an autographed carbon-fibre sill, unique race number three door design, Australian flag motif, and is finished in the same Papaya Spark orange and Burton blue paint as Ricciardo’s MCL35M F1 car.
Slated to arrive in locally later this year, the McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO was revealed to celebrate McLaren’s success at the Italian Grand Prix, Ricciardo’s first race win with the team.
“Daniel Ricciardo’s relentless determination and pursuit of excellence are qualities that perfectly reflect the McLaren ethos,” said McLaren commercial executive director George Biggs.
“Following McLaren’s outstanding performance with a landmark one-two finish for the team at the Italian Grand Prix, it’s the perfect time to reveal this limited series in celebration of the Aussie driver.
“The 720S is a fitting model to celebrate Daniel’s achievements and we’re delighted to see it adorned with the Australian flag,” added Mr Biggs.
Ricciardo is understandably delighted with having a special-edition McLaren named in his honour, saying the occasion is one of the team perks.
“One of the great privileges of driving for McLaren is getting behind the wheel of many of the brand’s exhilarating supercars, and while each offers something unique, the 720S is the absolute benchmark,” said Mr Ricciardo.
Local pricing is yet to be confirmed but with the “regular” 720S priced from $510,000 we guarantee is won’t be cheap. McLaren says the McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO will be available for order shortly.
While the limited edition 720S doesn’t feature any mechanical upgrades over the standard road-going variant, McLaren’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 is certainly fast enough. Making 720hp (536kW) and 770Nm the M840T bent eight can propel the 720S to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds, and to 200km/h in just 7.8 seconds!
The M840T utilises a super-stiff crankshaft and advanced port fuel injection to provide tractability throughout the rev range. Peak power is delivered at an F1-like 7250rpm, the 720S topping out at 341km/h with a feral, stirring exhaust note to match.
McLaren has positioned the engine low between the front and rear axles to maximise weight distribution. It’s always-alert Proactive Chassis Control II system keeping the 720S flat and composed in fast directional changes, while also offering a modicum of ride comfort.
Perth-born Daniel Ricciardo has achieved eight F1 victories to date. After stints with Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, he joined the McLaren team in 2021 taking his first victory for the team at the Italian Grand Prix that same year.
A fan of NASCAR, Ricciardo adopted his race number ‘3’ in honour of driver Dale Earnhardt, the same number now adorning the side of the Australian ace’s very own special edition McLaren. Lean, athletic, and with a hint of on-track menace, we reckon pairing of Riccirado and the 720S is a match made in heaven.
“Every profile, every curve on the McLaren 720S has been engineered for a single purpose – maximum driver engagement,” said McLaren design director, Rob Melville.
While pricing has yet to be revealed, we reckon the McLaren Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO will sell out fast. If you’re feeling financial, it’s best to get that order in pronto!
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