The new McLaren 750S is the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren thus far. The V8-engined, rear-wheel drive supercar is the successor to the 720S series, and is available in Coupé and convertible variants.
While the new 750S shares a lineage with the 720S, it has undergone extensive weight-saving, powertrain performance, aerodynamics and handling improvements to elevate the 750S’ driving experience. According to McLaren, around 30 per cent of 750S components are either new or changed.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said: “When you have a car recognised by so many drivers as a benchmark, to do something even better you have to examine every detail and really push hard for improvements that raise the bar again. This is what we have done with the new 750S and the lightweight, V8 engine performance and outstanding dynamic abilities combine to deliver a supercar driving experience that hits new heights, with truly exhilarating levels of emotional connection.”
Visually, the 750S distinguishes itself from the 720S with a new lower nose section. It features an extended front splitter, narrower ‘eye socket’ intakes that enclose the headlights, new sill air intakes and rear wheel-arch vents. Rear aerodynamic revisions incorporate a redesigned and lengthened rear deck that channels air towards a raised and lengthened carbon fibre active rear wing. The latter is positioned above the central-exit exhaust. Headlight surrounds are now optionally body coloured or in carbon fibre, as are the new rear and front bumper vents.
McLaren 750S Coupé
The carbon fibre monocoque construction offers improved 360-degree visibility, with a low scuttle, ultra-slim A-pillars. The Coupé features glazed C-pillars. This layout brings ample natural light into the cabin. Meanwhile, new, customisable ambient lighting highlights cabin design details at night. In the Coupé, the V8 engine is visible from within the cabin via a double-glazed panel set in the rear luggage shelf, exposing the top of the powertrain behind the driver’s shoulder.
The 750S Spider features glazed flying buttresses which, in addition to guiding airflow over the rear tonneau, enhance rearward visibility. To bring additional light into the cabin, the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) is optionally available with electrochromic glass. This enhances the feel of an open-air environment even with the roof closed. The RHT can be opened in under 11 seconds at speeds up to 50kmph.
A full Nappa leather-trimmed interior or a combination of Alcantara and Nappa leather are available with new TechLux and Performance interior themes. McLaren’s audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins, has developed a new system for the 750S, with a more powerful amplifier and the company’s proprietary Continuum cone speakers.
The 750S was designed and engineered with a similar focus on minimising weight as its predecessor. With all available carbon fibre and lightweight options selected, the coupé weighs 1,277kg in its dry lightest form, while the Spider is 49kg heavier at 1,326 kg. The coupé’s DIN weight (fluids plus 90% fuel) is 1,389kg, which is 30kg less than a 720S coupé. This, in turn, delivers a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 587PS per tonne.
McLaren 750S Coupé
The 750S Spider’s Retractable Hard Top, rollover protection system and a new rear upper structure to the monocoque are all constructed from carbon fibre. The strength of the carbon fibre monocoque is such that no additional reinforcement is needed. This ensures the Spider is equally impressive with its power-to-weight, at 566PS-per-tonne.
Other weight-saving measures include features such as carbon fibre-shelled racing seats that are a combined 17.5kg lighter than the base seats in a 720S. The new 10-spoke ultra-lightweight forged wheels are the lightest ever fitted as standard on a series-production McLaren and save 13.8kg. The new driver instrument display is lighter by 1.8kg. Even the windscreen glass contributes, being 1.6kg lighter.
The 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine has a reported power output of 750PS at 7,500rpm, thus the model name. Peak torque is 800Nm at 5,500rpm. The transmission is a 7-Speed SSG, supporting Comfort, Sport and Track modes. This combination enables the Coupé and Spider variants to accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 2.8 seconds. However, the Coupé takes 7.2 seconds to reach 200kmph while the Spider takes 7.3 seconds.
McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control linked-hydraulic suspension, renowned for combining exceptionally precise body control with a compliant ride, has been upgraded to the new PCC III form. This new-generation system is designed to deliver higher levels of suspension performance and is integral to the dynamic abilities of the 750S.
McLaren 750S Spider
The suspension springs are softer at the front and stiffer at the rear, compared to the 720S. The reconfiguration of the passive and active elements of the valve stack and a new approach to tuning the suspension improves ride comfort, roll control, steering feedback and cornering balance. Additionally, the new spring and damper design is 2kg lighter.
The 750S is also more agile than the car it replaces, with a better front-end grip. It has a 6mm wider front track and new suspension geometry. McLaren’s electro-hydraulic steering, which is widely appreciated for its precision and feedback, has a faster steering ratio and a new power-assistance pump.
The interior of the 750S fuses innovation with exquisite materials while being more driver-focused in design. At the heart of the driver experience are new displays for information and instruments. The new instrument display is fitted to, and moves with, the steering column.
McLaren 750S Spider
This display is mounted in a binnacle that has the controls to select Powertrain and Handling modes located on either side. This means the driver can move effortlessly between Comfort, Sport and Track Active Dynamic settings while keeping the hands on the wheel and focusing on the road ahead.
The McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) is another new technology debuting on 750S and adds another dimension to the driver’s interface with the car. Activated using a button bearing the McLaren Speedmark, MCL allows the driver to personalise the 750S driving experience by selecting the preferred combination of aero, handling, powertrain and transmission settings. The preferred setting can be instantly recalled with a push of the MCL button.
Other new convenience features include Apple CarPlay and the new Central Information Screen, which features richer, more detailed graphics. The Rear View and Surround View camera system has been upgraded for higher definition and clarity. A new vehicle-lift system raises the front of the 750S in only four seconds compared to the 10 seconds it takes in a 720S.
McLaren 750S Coupé
To heighten the emotional connection with the car, the 750S has a new engine mount tuning. Also, a new central-exit exhaust layout inspired by the McLaren P1 is acoustically tuned to give a distinctive clear tone and sharp crescendo at high engine speeds.
For extensive circuit driving, the 750S optional extras include a track-oriented brake system featuring ceramic discs and monobloc callipers, derived from the McLaren Senna system. This breaking system features a new brake booster and vacuum pump, and Formula 1-inspired integrated calliper cooling technology. New super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats are also available as an option, as are track-focused Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo R tyres and lightweight titanium wheel bolts.
The new 750S is available to order now. It comes with a comprehensive three-year vehicle warranty and a three-year scheduled maintenance plan included as standard.
