Review: McLaren unveils 750S, raising the supercar bar and my anxiety

Dec 28, 2023

The McLaren 750S is lighter than its predecessor, the 720S, by about 30 kilograms.Courtesy of manufacturer

I’m anxious about the prospect of driving the all-new McLaren 750S supercar if I get the chance. In 2019, when I drove its predecessor, the outgoing 720S, I ended up parked well off the racing line, emptying the contents of my stomach over the guardrail. It was the first time I experienced violent car sickness in more than two decades of high-speed track action.

Of course, I blame the car, with its prodigious acceleration and cornering capabilities and the ease with which it sailed over the curbs at the Thermal Club in California. The $360,000 750S, which McLaren unveiled in a virtual presentation on Tuesday, has more horsepower, more torque, more downforce and less weight. Sounds downright frightening, doesn't it?

Here are the details of this highly anticipated supercar. The twin-turbocharged four-litre V8 engine has been retuned to develop 730 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic has been recalibrated for heightened response. The result is scary levels of acceleration: Zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 2.8 seconds and zero to 200 in 7.2 seconds.

The 750S is also lighter than its predecessor by about 30 kilograms; this reduction ensures that the new McLaren has the highest power-to-weight ratio in the supercar class. Representatives at the British carmaker are quick to call the straight-line performance of their latest effort class-leading, but there's much more to the 750S.

The goal during development of the car, according to McLaren Automotive chief engineer Sandy Holford, was to take a benchmark supercar and raise the bar. To that end, the engineering team set about increasing driver engagement and sheer fun behind the wheel.

He's likely biased, but it's worth noting that Holford says driving the 750S "puts the biggest smile on my face." (This is a man who's been with the carmaker for 14 years and has driven the McLaren P1 hypercar.)

There's a long list of changes to the 750S over its predecessor. More than 30 per cent of the car is new, so while the new car resembles the old, there's a lot going on under the surface. Many of the changes target stability, balance and grip. The front track, or distance between the front wheels, is increased by six millimetres, the suspension geometry is revised and the steering ratio is faster. The springs at the front of the car are softened by 3 per cent and those at the back are stiffened by 4 per cent. Also, a new power-assisted steering pump is incorporated. These changes are designed to give the 750S more bite at the front end, along with improved precision and feedback.

Visually, there are other changes that are also engineered to boost performance. The front splitter is extended, the front bumper is redesigned and the side air intakes are revised to improve engine cooling. The active rear wing is now 60 millimetres longer, which creates improved stability and reduces braking distances. The surface area of the rear wing is actually 20-per-cent larger than that of the 720S.

The McLaren 750S Spider convertible starts at $392,700.Courtesy of manufacturer

All of these physical changes are further aided and abetted by a new version of McLaren's active hydraulic suspension system. Dubbed Proactive Chassis Control III, this system promises more precise control and helps give the 750S a greater dynamic range, from cushy comfort to all-out track attack.

For those drivers obsessed with the latter, there's more to consider – namely, an optional track brake upgrade. This package includes ceramic brake discs and monoblock calipers from the McLaren Senna, as well as a new brake booster, vacuum pump and caliper cooling system inspired by the work of the McLaren F1 team. Other standalone options for the hardest of the hard core include super-lightweight carbon fibre seats, titanium wheel bolts and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires.

In describing the experience of driving the McLaren 750S, company representatives use the term "theatre of engagement" – meaning, it's akin to attending a dramatic performance or perhaps like entering a battlefield. Considering my last experience with the 720S, I’m hoping for less drama and less warfare if I get the chance to drive the latest McLaren.

Pricing for the McLaren 750S starts at $363,700 for the Coupe and $392,700 for the Spider convertible version. Cars can be ordered now, but McLaren hasn't said when delivery will begin.

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