McLaren maintains the rage with new ICE supercar

MCLAREN has dialled-up the exceptional qualities of its 720S in the new 750S model making it the lightest and most powerful series production McLaren ever with commensurate gains in performance and handling.

The McLaren 750S coupe is priced from $585,800 plus on-road costs with the Spider variant priced from $654,600 +ORCs.

McLaren bills its newbie as delivering “peak supercar performance, pure exhilaration,” a claim emphasised on viewing its specification.

Underlining the impressive stats is the Macca’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 said competitors 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-road costs.

The 750S retains rear-wheel drive and a V8-engine refined from the previous 720S model.

McLaren sifted through every aspect of the earlier model analysing each part and system that sees 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 retains a carbon fibre monocoque construction that contributes to the vehicle’s light weight of 1277kg, some 30kg less than the earlier 720S and McLaren claims is 193kg less than its closest rival.

Contributing further to lightness are carbon fibre-shelled racing seats and the lightest wheels ever fitted as standard on a series-production McLaren. The 750S Spider with a carbon-fibre upper structure and composite retractable hard top (RHT) is a mere 49kg heavier than coupe.

Copious 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, the 750S is capable of clocking an astonishing 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 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 spend more for 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.

With the push of one button, drivers can store favourite dynamic settings via the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) feature that alters settings to the car’s aero, handling, powertrain and transmission.

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.

Moving to the tiller we find electro-hydraulic assistance sharpened with faster steering ratio thanks to a new power-assistance pump for greater refinement.

And the brakes are similarly upgraded from the 720S including 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.”