Today’ supercars are more than raw powered shoved into a lightweight chassis. Ultimate performance means using engineers like a scalpel – precise and with purpose. Today, a supercar has several different systems that work together to provide an unparalleled driving experience. No longer can engineers create a high-horsepower supercar and send it on its way to world dominance. The supercars customers can buy right now combine aerodynamics, the powertrain, advanced materials, and other systems to create cars that are drivable at any speed. Take the McLaren 720S as an example. Don’t believe us? Watch the video above where a rocket scientist explains how the 720S can go so fast. 

Check Out The Latest McLaren News:

Rocket scientist Ryan W. Conversano, Ph.D., gets up close with the McLaren, focusing on the equation where acceleration equals force divided by mass, giving Newton’s Second Law of Motion, force equals mass times acceleration, a nod. The car can achieve high speeds thanks to its smooth aerodynamic shape, the supercar lacking any hard edges or sharp angles. The vehicle is designed to split the air around the car, directing it to the lower splitter for added downforce or over the car between the car’s inner and outer skin for cooling. 

McLaren 720S

Dr. Conversano then discusses the McLaren’s powertrain, a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that produces 710 bhp. This allows the 720S to hit 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 212 mph. The powertrain works in conjunction with the car’s aerodynamics to provide a stable driving experience at high speeds. Another element the allows the 720S to offer such high performance is its lightweight chassis made from carbon fibre. The lighter the mass, the more efficiently the car uses power. The use of carbon fibre for the frame allows for thinner A-pillars thanks to the material’s high rigidity. 

Dr. Conversano seamlessly breaks down how McLaren designed and engineered the 720S to provide ultimate performance. A lot of time and effort went into designing and engineering the supercar. The details Dr. Conversano points out make the 720S feel that much more special. The video isn’t filled with obscure physics terms. It’s an easy-to-follow video that’s fascinating to watch. 

2017 McLaren 720S First Drive

Gallery: 2018 McLaren 720S