After McLaren debuted the 720S at the Geneva Motor Show this week, the British car manufacturer started sharing a series of brief YouTube videos showcasing different features of the new supercar. These clips cover the 720S’s engine, design, and exhaust sound—each offering a mix of informative content and entertainment. However, after watching the segment about the newly designed exhaust note, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite McLaren’s extensive efforts in researching and crafting the sound, it felt oddly familiar.
“What could it be?” I wondered. After some contemplation, I recalled that McLaren’s M408T engine isn’t the only twin-turbocharged cross-plane crank V8 currently available. The engine also appears in the Ferrari 488 GTB, which marked the Italian automaker’s return to turbocharged V8s after decades. Both engines share a similar design, with comparable power outputs and engine sizes (the McLaren boasts a displacement of 4.0 liters and 710 hp, while the Ferrari has a displacement of 3.9 liters producing 661 hp).
So, can you distinguish between the sounds of a McLaren and a Ferrari? Watch the video below and test your ability to tell them apart. Good luck!.
