In a way, this is all you really need to know about the new McLaren 750S: that it is available as a coupe or a convertible. Top of the class among this summer’s new supercars, the 750S is the result of tons of research, during which McLaren designers and engineers came up with advances in weight-saving, powertrain performance, dynamics and aerodynamics that resulted in 30 percent of the components of this new jaw-dropping beast being completely new.
Think new lingerie and a year of personal training. This is what the 750S is to the 720S. Quicker, lighter and designed to provide both driver and passenger with a limitless number of exhilarating experiences.
In terms of looks, tiny modifications have been introduced to make the 750S even sexier and, most importantly, more aerodynamic. For example, the front track is 6mm wider, the nose is slightly lower and the car has softer, rounder curves than its predecessor. Details like narrower headlight sockets, new sill air intakes and rear-wheel arch vents, as well as a lengthened rear deck and active rear wing (that is what I call a beautiful backside) not only contribute to the “don’t mess around with me” look, they also exert more downforce and are key to the improved aerodynamics and stability of the vehicle. Like making a bit of noise? The new exhaust is louder and clearer than that of its predecessors, adding drama to the majestic presence of the new McLaren. Want to impress passers-by even further? Now you can lift the nose of the car in just four seconds, and open or close the roof in 11.
The McLaren 750S active rear wing is fundamental to its improved aerodynamics and overall stability.
The whole car is designed following the mantra “make it lighter”. So, apart from the carbon-fibre monocoque construction, bumpers and headlight surrounds are available in this lightweight material. And the windscreen and wheels are the lightest ever fitted as standard on a series-production McLaren.
The improved suspension, which has withsofter springs at the front and stiffer springs at the back, further reduces the weight of the car.And not. Not only that – but I’ve been told it makes control and handling even more exhilarating. At its lightest, the 750S is just 1,277kg. There is nothing on the market close to that weight, even the convertible option, which is only 49kg heavier.
An extra advantage of the monocoque construction is visibility, which is dramatically increased in the 750S. No more stretching and crooking your neck giraffe-style to check what’s going on around you. Which brings me to the interior: more driver-focused than ever, with new standards for engagement with displays and controls. The new instrument display, for example, is flanked by rocker switches that control Active Dynamic settings, allowing suspension and powertrain modes to be changed with both hands on the steering wheel. Another innovation is the McLaren Control Launcher feature, which stores your favourite aero, handling, powertrain and transmission settings and returns to them with the push of a button.
The McLaren 750S is the lightest vehicle in its category, even with the 49kg extra of the convertible version.
The ergonomic seats are made of carbon fibre and covered in Napa or Alcantara leather. In order to save weight, Head of Colours and Materials Jo Lewis came up with the idea of aerating the material, making it 30 percent lighter than standard leather.
Like its older cousin, the 750S is real-wheel drive, with a V8 twin-turbocharged 4-litre engine that produces 750PS and 800Nm and a seven-speed transmission that has been tweaked a tiny bit to optimise acceleration. In plain English, 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200km/h in 7.2.
Specialised breaks are available as an option so you can play hard on the track.
While the comfort of driver and passenger has been at the centre of the McLaren team’s worries, it hasn’t taken anything from performance. You only have to take it to a track to check the truth in these words. If you do, though, I’d recommend you upgrade your brakes to the track option, which uses ceramic discs and monobloc calipers derived from the McLaren Senna system, together with a new brake booster, vacuum pump and Formula 1-inspired integrated caliper cooling technology. Exactly what its Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo R tyres deserve.
For McLaren’s 60th Anniversary, Tumi has created a limited-edition collection in their own Papaya orange with exclusive finishes.
In terms of infotainment tech, all the screens are new, and have more detailed graphics, and the cameras have been upgraded with higher definition. Apple CarPlay is fitted as standard, as are fast-charging USB-C and USB-A ports. Music lovers will enjoy the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, developed especially for the 750S, with a more powerful amplifier and the company’s proprietary Continuum cone speakers.
Obviously, you can’t just put any old duffel in the boot of this babe. And for that reason, Tumi has design a set of luggage for the 750S that utilises every inch of space available and looks unequivocally McLaren.
Coupe from £243,500; Spider from £267,900. Build yours HERE.
Words: Julia Pasarón
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