The McLaren 750S supercar is the British manufacturer's most capable road-going sports car to date, refining the celebrated 720S with more power, less weight and sharper driver engagement. Unveiled in 2023 and reaching customers through 2024, the 750S is available in both Coupe and Spider configurations and sits at the heart of McLaren's Super Series lineup.
Engine and Performance: What Makes the 750S So Fast?
At the heart of the 750S is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, now equipped with a new flat-plane crankshaft. The result is 750 PS (740 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque, representing a gain of 30 hp and 22 lb-ft over its predecessor. Power reaches the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. McLaren claims 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 10.1 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. The exhaust system has been redesigned specifically to produce a more aggressive note at high revs, rewarding drivers who explore the upper reaches of the rev range.
Lightweight Construction and Aerodynamics
The 750S sheds 30 kg (66 lb) compared to the 720S through extensive use of carbon fibre in the Monocage III tub and optimised body panels. A dry weight of 1,389 kg (3,063 lb) means an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Aerodynamic changes include a larger rear diffuser, revised air intakes at the rear, a revised rear end with a mesh insert and an extended front splitter that generates more downforce at speed without adding drag. The Spider variant adds just 49 kg (108 lb) over the Coupe while retaining an identical 0-60 time, thanks to a retractable hardtop that stows in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
Design Updates: Subtle but Purposeful
The exterior evolution is deliberate rather than dramatic. New dihedral doors open to reveal a redesigned interior with a revised steering wheel, updated centre console and a portrait-oriented touchscreen for infotainment. Customers can specify an optional polycarbonate engine cover that reveals the V8 in all its turbocharged glory, a crowd-pleasing detail for show events. According to the McLaren official 750S page, a full-width active rear spoiler deploys automatically to balance aerodynamic grip and low drag depending on driving mode.
How Does the McLaren 750S Compare to Its Rivals?
The 750S occupies the upper tier of naturally driver-focused supercars, sitting above the Ferrari 296 GTB and Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica in outright performance. Edmunds' first drive review highlighted the 750S's communicative steering and forgiving mid-engine balance as key differentiators, noting that despite the added power, the car feels composed and usable rather than intimidating. The 750S is ultimately about distilling decades of Formula 1 knowledge into a road car that remains accessible to skilled drivers.
Explore more track-ready machines in the Cars collection at TheArsenale, including the TDF-1 Track-Only Hypercar and the Delage D12 F1-Inspired Hypercar. If the McLaren aesthetic speaks to you, also browse the Zarooq Sandracer 500 GT Desert Supercar for a different kind of performance experience.
Photo: McLaren
