2017 McLaren Super Series engine and performance teased

McLaren has confirmed, ahead of next month's Geneva motor show, that its second-generation Super Series model will be powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

Codenamed M840T, the all-new powerplant uses a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers that help reduce turbo lag in comparison to the first-generation model.

Significantly, engine displacement increases by 200cc, which separates it from the older 3.8-litre unit that powers the entire existing range of McLaren supercars.

The automotive rumour mill continues to suggest that the next-gen Super Series will be dubbed the 720S – which follows current McLaren naming conventions – a moniker that indicates a power output of 720PS, or 530kW, which is 52kW more than the preceding 650S.

This would also mean the first time a Super Series nameplate has begun with the number seven, as the soon-to-be-former models are known as the 650S and 675LT.

The engine note of the new V8 has also been a focus for McLaren, who says a "crescendo" effect has been introduced which changes the sound produced based on the engine speed.

A hybrid petrol-electric powertrain is still on the cards for the 720S, as its introduction would follow McLaren’s Track22 future business plan, which stated that the British manufacturer will release 15 new models or variants by 2022, with over half of those employing hybrid technology.

Some performance figures for the next Super Series have also been released by McLaren, including a blistering zero to 200km/h sprint time of only 7.8 seconds and a standing quarter mile (402m) time of 10.3s.

These figures compare favourably with other supercars, including the Ferrari 488 GTB (0-200km/h in 8.3s) and Lamborghini Aventador (0-200km/h in 9.1s).

The engine note of the new V8 has also been a focus for McLaren, who says a "crescendo" effect has been introduced which changes the sound produced based on the engine speed. For even more theatre, an optional sports exhaust will also be available.

However, the new Super Series model's ultimate party trick is its illumination of the engine bay every-time the car is unlocked.

Haydn Baker said the new powerplant has almost been universally improved when judged against the current 3.8-litre unit.

When engaged, red lights surrounding the engine will activate and are externally visible through a hexagonal mesh engine cover, which helps show off the car's new V8 heart.

McLaren Super Series boss Haydn Baker said the new powerplant has almost been universally improved when judged against the current 3.8-litre unit.

"Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved," he said.

This teaser is the fourth from McLaren in the lead-up to the second-generation Super Series model's official Geneva unveiling, which will be the British brand's first next-generation model of any of its product line since their 2010 launch as a standalone manufacturer.

Previous teasers have revealed information about the new supercar's dynamic and handling improvements (including the availability of drift mode and chassis control), aerodynamics advancements, and its lightweight carbon-fibre-laden chassis.

Official details and specifications for the next-gen Super Series will be released at the Geneva motor show, which starts on March 7.

Does the potential of a McLaren 720S have your appetite whet for Geneva next month? Tell us what you think in the comments below.