BY PETER BARNWELL
ELECTRIC vehicle naysayers are gonna love this… McLaren’s new 750S supercar with pure V8 internal combustion engine power rated at a stonking 552kW (750 metric horsepower) enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 2.8 seconds.
The thing would absolutely howl and possibly even shatter windows late at night.
It is a serious push back against performance BEVs and at the same time, throws down the gauntlet to other “supercar” manufacturers. The British specialist manufacturer has essentially dialled-up the already exceptional qualities of its 720S in the new 750S making it the lightest and most powerful series production McLaren ever with associated gains in performance and handling.
But you’ll need deep pockets as the 750S coupe is priced from $585,800 plus on-roads with the Spider variant from $654,600 +ORCs.
McLaren is not backward in coming forward billing the new hottie as capable of delivering “peak supercar performance, pure exhilaration,” a claim obvious when you look at the spec’ sheet.
Those impressive statistics show the Mac’s segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 432kW/tonne (coupe, at lightest dry weight) – which McLaren says gives the 750S a 16kW advantage over its closest competitor.
Among them is a raft of ultra-desirable and ultra-fast supercars including the Aston Martin Vantage F1 DBS at $536,412, Ferrari 812 Superfast at $613,888, Ferrari F8 Tributo at $484,888, Lamborghini Huracan STO at $596,000, Maserati Cielo at $528,000 and even the Porsche 911 3.8 Turbo S at $527,500, all plus on-roads.
The 750S puts its prodigious power through the rear wheels while the V8-engine is a refined version of the previous 720S model. Engineers and designers at McLaren sifted through every aspect of the earlier model analysing each part and system to yield around 30 per cent of components new or changed. The net result is a car that is more powerful, lighter, quicker and “even more thrilling and engaging.”
It is built on a carbon fibre monocoque that contributes to the car’s light weight of an astonishing 1277kg, some 30kg less than the earlier 720S and McLaren claims is 193kg less than its closest rival. It makes EVs with similar specs and performance seem positively porky… as they are.
Contributing further to lightness are carbon-fibre-shelled racing seats and the lightest wheels ever fitted as standard on a series-production McLaren. The drop top 750S Spider with a carbon-fibre upper structure and composite retractable hard top (RHT) is a mere 49kg heavier than coupe.
Bulk power comes from the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine rated at 552kW coupled with a robust 800Nm of torque running through a seven-speed automated manual transmission with revised ratios to optimise acceleration.
Speaking of which, as well as clocking an astonishing 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, the 750S goes on to clock a 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds, both claimed by McLaren to outpace the car’s competitors. The Spider is a tenth slower to each benchmark.
Increased downforce keeps it pinned to the road along with improved “aerodynamic balance” compared with the earlier 720S.
Inside is a new cockpit with instruments and controls designed for driver engagement. The centrepiece is a new “driver-centric”, column-mounted instrument display flanked by rocker switches that control Active Dynamic settings, a McLaren innovation that allows suspension and powertrain modes to be changed with hands on the steering wheel.
TechLux and Performance interior themes offer full Nappa leather or Alcantara and Nappa leather materials.
If you aren’t happy with the standard 750S interior, you can option up to Super-Lightweight carbon-fibre racing seats and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. Apple CarPlay is standard, as are USB-C and USB-A for fast charging of devices.
Underlining the 750S’s lineage as a driver’s car is the system that allows a driver, with the push of one button, to store favourite dynamic settings via the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) feature that alters settings to the car’s aero, handling, powertrain and transmission.
In case you feel the need, the car is equipped with tyre shredding drift mode to entertain the animals on a Sunday afternoon.
Distinctive and stirring tones are emitted from the centre mounted exhaust that is inspired by McLaren P1.
The 750S rides on the latest iteration of McLaren’s linked-hydraulic suspension called PCC III that makes its first appearance on this car. The suspension features bespoke accumulator tuning, new lightweight springs and dampers and revised geometry that are said to deliver even greater agility, feel and feedback.
Steering is by an electro-hydraulic system sharpened with faster steering ratio thanks to a new power-assistance pump for greater refinement.
Braking is upgraded from the 720S to include an option for track brakes that combine ceramic discs and monobloc callipers that was derived from the McLaren Senna system with a new booster and vacuum pump.
In case a driver encounters a steep drive, the 750S has a vehicle-lift system operated by a single button to raise the front of car in four seconds.
Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by an extended front splitter with narrower eye-socket intakes, new rear wheel arch vents, lengthened carbon-fibre active rear wing and new front and rear bumpers.
“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,” said McLaren Automotive CEO, Michael Leiters.
“This is what we have done with the new 750S and the light weight, 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.”
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