The new McLaren 750S - AllCarIndex
The newly launched 750S from McLaren, available in both convertible and coupe forms, is the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren ever created. It is designed for car purists, combining the latest in weight-saving, powertrain performance, aerodynamics and dynamic excellence to provide a driving experience that hits new heights of emotional connection. With 30% of components either new or changed, the 750S takes the McLaren 720S and improves on every detail, offering a power-to-weight ratio of 587PS-per-tonne for the coupe, which is a remarkable 193kg lighter than its closest competitor, with a power-to-weight advantage of 22PS. The 750S Spider weighs 1,326kg at its lightest dry weight, and has a power-to-weight ratio of 566PS-per-tonne, giving it the same impressive power-to-weight terms as its coupe counterpart.
The 750S has a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, with a power output of 750PS and torque of 800Nm, offering ferocious performance, with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.8 seconds, and 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds for the coupe (7.3 seconds for the Spider). The car's light weight contributes significantly to its dynamic performance, weighing just 1,389kg, and features such as carbon fibre-shelled racing seats and ultra-lightweight forged wheels help to reduce weight even further.
The 750S also features McLaren's Proactive Chassis Control linked-hydraulic suspension, now in its new PCC III form, which delivers even higher levels of suspension performance, and softer springs at the front and stiffer springs at the rear than in the 720S, along with new suspension geometry, helps to improve the car's agility and front-end grip. The driver-focused interior is fitted with new displays for information and instruments, and the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL), a new technology that allows the driver to personalise their driving experience by storing their favourite settings for aero, handling, powertrain and transmission, can be instantly recalled with a push of a button.
McLaren's new 750S supercar is 30kg lighter than the 720S coupe, and can be further reduced with additional carbon fiber options. With these components, the 750S weighs just 1,277kg, making it 193kg lighter than its closest rival, with a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 587PS-per-tonne. The Spider variant is also 30kg lighter than the 720S Spider, thanks to its carbon fiber construction. Racing seats, wheels, and other options further reduce weight, with carbon fiber racing seats weighing just 3.35kg each.
The development of the McLaren 750S aimed to improve driver engagement, performance and the car's dynamic capabilities. Enhancements were made to the suspension system, with a new coil spring and damper design that reduces weight and a new generation of McLaren's Proactive Chassis Control hydraulic suspension. The dampers were tuned using a new method that adjusts the accumulators in the struts, and the passive hydraulic and electronic valves in the semi-active dampers were engineered to focus on low-speed performance. The steering system was honed with a faster steering ratio and greater steering linearity, and McLaren Variable Drift Control allows drivers to adjust the traction control intervention level independently of the Electronic Stability Control. Formidable braking performance is provided by the larger surface area of the active rear wing and the carbon ceramic discs, with the option of a track brake upgrade comprising 390mm carbon ceramic discs and monobloc calipers. The surface area of the lengthened active rear wing is 20% greater than the wing of the 720S and is lighter due to its carbon fibre construction. The hydraulically actuated wing has three operational positions and is built at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre using new production methodologies unique to the 750S.
The McLaren 750S has a driver-focused cabin that combines advanced technologies with exquisite materials. But hidden beneath the soft leather and finely textured Alcantara surfaces is a strong and stiff carbon fibre monocoque that is linked to Formula 1. This monocoque provides immense structural rigidity, creating a stable platform that enhances dynamic performance, and its lightweight construction brings immediate benefits to acceleration, braking, and dynamic performance. The dihedral doors of the 750S coupe hinge dramatically upwards, taking with them a section of roof, because the upper section of the monocoque can effortlessly support such a wide opening in its structure. This inherent strength is the same reason that the 750S Spider needs no additional structure reinforcement to incorporate a convertible roof.
Carbon fibre enables the design of the ultra-slim A-pillars that aid forward visibility, the glazed C-pillars of the coupe, and the compact tonneau buttresses of the Spider that improve over-the-shoulder visibility. Additionally, elements of the carbon fibre structure within the cabin can be showcased in visible carbon fibre to underline the authenticity of the construction.
The new suite of driver controls introduced on the 750S is technically advanced and brings significant benefits. The new driver-centric instrument display is mounted on the steering column and moves with it, making it easier for the driver to select Powertrain and Handling modes without taking their hands off the wheel. The area adjacent to the central touchscreen houses the buttons that control Launch and Aero settings, and the control for an exclusive new driver technology feature that debuts on the 750S - the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) - is sited here as well. The MCL allows a driver to save their favorite configuration of aero, handling, powertrain, and transmission settings using a button that features the famous McLaren Speedmark logo.
Driver convenience features include Apple CarPlay®, allowing smartphone mirroring and the use of defined apps from the Central Infotainment Screen. An upgraded in-car audio system developed in conjunction with McLaren's audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins, can also be specified as an option. The hardware of the vehicle-lift system has been comprehensively re-engineered, and it now raises the front of the 750S in only four seconds. Additionally, the 750S Spider features two switches that independently control the RHT and rear window glass.
The McLaren 750S boasts 750PS and 800Nm of torque from its mid-mounted 4.0-litre V8 engine, achieving 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds, and 0-300km/h in under 20 seconds. Its engineering advancements enhance daily usability while maintaining unparalleled performance. The engine has been optimized for high performance, with a race-inspired dry sump lubrication and lightweight connecting rods, and features an electronically controlled twin-scroll turbocharger and bespoke engine management system. The transmission has a shorter final drive ratio and a 7-speed sequential shift unit. Enhancements to the physical and emotional connection include tuned engine mounts and a central-exit exhaust system for a unique exhaust tone.
McLaren has focused on the driver in its design of the new 750S coupe and 750S Spider models. The canopy-like cabin has been created to provide the driver with an unparalleled view of the road. The car's exterior design maximises downforce, minimises drag and enhances powertrain cooling. The interior of the 750S is available in three themes and a variety of colours, with a new dark metal cabin finish and customisable ambient lighting to highlight design details at night.