McLaren’s new supercar – The 552kW 750S

McLaren this morning surprised its fans by revealing its latest supercar, the 750S, which is the lightest and most powerful series-production vehicle the British automaker produces.

Available in coupe and spider guise, the 750S takes the already-brutal 720S platform to new heights with more performance, more aerodynamics, and much more drama.

Power-to-weight champion

The 750S boasts a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 432kW per tonne, a 16kW advantage over its closest competitor, said McLaren.

It weights 30kg less than its predecessor for a dry weight of 1,277kg (spider = 1,389kg) and is treated to an uprated version of the automaker’s now famous 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbocharged powerplant that generates 552kW and 800Nm.

Completing the rear-wheel-drive powertrain is a refined seven-speed sequential shift transmission that enjoys swifter gear changes and the newest-generation linked-hydraulic suspension with semi-active dampers providing sharper levels of performance than before.

What this configuration allows the 750S to do is absolutely mindblowing.

Accelerating from a standstill sees 100km/h arriving in 2.8 seconds, 200km/h in 7.2 seconds (spider = 7.3 seconds), and 300km/h in 20 seconds (spider = 20.4), with a top speed in excess of 330km/h on the books.

The McLaren further benefits from two all-new functions making their debut.

The first is the “limit downshift” transmission feature that senses when a downshift would over-rev the engine, and avoids changing cogs until such time when engine speed and road speed are “harmonized.”

The second is the new McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) which enables the driver to save their favourite configuration of aero, handling, powertrain, and transmission settings using a button with the McLaren Speedmark logo.

Moreover, it boasts better front-end grip than the 720S helped by a 6mm-wider front track, bespoke engine mount tuning, and new suspension geometry that reduces weight by 2kg; as well as a unique engine sound courtesy of a new central exhaust system that is 2.2kg lighter.

Refined aerodynamics

Refined aerodynamics were key in developing the 750S with several notable changes over its ancestor and around 30% new or changed components.

As before, the supercar’s foundation is a carbon fibre monocoque and the shell is designed in a teardrop shape for aerodynamic efficiency and high levels of visibility from the inside.

The “eye sockets” perform a double function, integrating digital LED lighting with unique aero ducts that feed the radiators with cool air, and below them sits an extended front splitter and redesigned bumper that dissects airflow with lower friction.

The windscreen pillars and door blades channel the airflow coming from the front to the rear, while larger channels incorporated into the lower section of the doors guide air towards the sill intakes ahead of the back wheels.

Perhaps the most apparent design changes took place at the rear, encompassing a reimagined central-exhaust outlet, new rear wheelarch vents, and a new bumper.

Moreover, the hydraulically-actuated wing is 20% larger than before and weighs 1.6kg less, whereas three operational positions are offered:

DRS – Automatically delivers drag reduction functionality when accelerating in a straight line.
Driver Downforce – Engaged when the Aero button is pushed in the cabin, increasing downforce levels during high-speed cornering.
High-Speed Braking – Fully deploys the active wing in less than half a second, delivering significantly increased rear downforce that improves high-speed braking.

Where McLaren then cut most of the fat from the 720S is with carbon fibre-shelled racing seats that shave a combined 17.5kg, new 10-spoke ultra-lightweight forged wheels that are the lightest ever on a series-production McLaren and save 13.8kg, a new driver instrument display that is lighter by 1.8kg, and even new windscreen glass that contributes a 1.6kg saving.

For the Spider, the removal of the fixed roof necessitates a revised gas strut position and door hinge system, but in this area, the only visible exterior differences to the 750S coupe are a longer front wing, shorter door, and frameless window surround.

Carbon fibre is also used for the one-piece retractable hard top with a built-in rollover protection system, which can open or close in 11 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h.

Ultra-premium interior

The interior of the 750S is trimmed as standard in Alcantara, with two other themes available. The “Performance” interior combines Alcantara with Nappa leather, whereas the “TechLux” specification has Nappa leather throughout.

A bespoke Bowers & Wilkins stereo is also included, Apple CarPlay is now supported by the infotainment system which itself features enhanced graphics, the surround-view cameras have been upgraded, and a new lift system raises the nose in only four seconds compared to 10 seconds in a 720S.

Additional options include a Premium Bowers & Wilkins system, super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats, 390mm carbon-ceramic brakes, high-performance and winter tyres, and three different wheel designs available in five colours.