From its global headquarters at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre in Surrey, England, to the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the new McLaren 750S has been unveiled to the Australian supercar community.
The model, which becomes the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren to date, features a new rear-wheel drive configuration and is available in coupe and convertible form. Combined with a V8 engine, the model uplifts the already impressive attributes of the renowned 720S to new heights, achieving a segment leading power-to-weight ratio of 587PS-per-tonne (coupe, at lightest dry weight) – a 22PS advantage over its closest competitor.
Designed following meticulous analysis of 720S, the new 750S demonstrates technical advances in weight-saving, powertrain performance, aerodynamics and dynamic excellence to create a supercar built for purists.
The construction of the carbon fibre monocoque, carbon fibre-shelled racing seats and the lightest wheels ever fitted as standard all work towards delivering a low weight vehicle. 750S is lighter than 720S by 30kg (DIN) with its lightest dry weight just 1,277kg, a remarkable 193 kg less than its closest competitor. This process has included the lengthened active rear wing which is 20% larger than the wing of the 720S – further optimising aerodynamic efficiency, yet is 1.6kg lighter due to its carbon fibre construction. Built at the state-of-the-art McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Yorkshire, UK, angle configurations are unique to Coupe and Spider with three main operational positions to improve downforce, reduce drag and the performance of high speed braking.
Founded in 1963 by racer, engineer and entrepreneur Bruce McLaren, the Group is formed of McLaren Automotive, which hand-builds lightweight supercars; and a majority stake in McLaren Racing which competes in the Formula 1 World Championship and INDYCAR in the USA. McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries and in 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.
“For 60 years, our past has fuelled our future. At McLaren Racing, every second can make a meaningful difference on the track for our F1 drivers. At McLaren Automotive, this same DNA drives us, every small change yields significant results.
It is this ethos from which the 750S was created, carrying this DNA into a new era. It improves everything that matters to a driver and raises the supercar benchmark that we previously set so high with the 720S,” said Paul Harris, Managing Director – APAC and China, McLaren Automotive at the 750S launch this week.
The new 750S is fitted with the familiar 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering up to 750PS and a torque output of 800Nm. Capable of achieving 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds (Spider 7.3 seconds), 750S is quicker than its closest competitor over both distances. In-gear acceleration is amplified by the optimisation of the 7-speed transmission’s gearing, which can be manually changed using the most gorgeous paddle selectors in any supercar I have ever seen, and the introduction of a revised kickdown control strategy, which can
At the heart of the improved dynamic capabilities of 750S is McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control linked-hydraulic suspension. The new generation system, PCC III, means that the dynamic capabilities of 750S are even greater while maintaining the same levels of comfort while improving overall circuit performance.
Better front-end grip is also a noticeable feature of the new 750S helped by a 6mm wider front track and new suspension geometry – and McLaren’s electro-hydraulic steering, which is widely recognised for its precision and clarity of feedback, now has a faster steering ratio and new power-assistance pump.
Also debuting on 750S is the McLaren Control Launcher (MCL) technology adding another dimension to the driver’s interface with the car. Activated using a button featuring the famous McLaren ‘Speedy Kiwi’, MCL allows the driver to personalise their McLaren driving experience by storing a bespoke dynamic preference – their favourite combination of aero, handling, powertrain and transmission settings – that can instantly be recalled with a push of a button.
The interior has also been reimagined to be even more driver-focused. The instrument display is fitted to the steering column which is now 1.8kg lighter as the pursuit for light-weighting continues into the interior. Mounted on a binnacle, the instrument display has controls to select both Powertrain and Handling on either side allowing the driver to move seamlessly between Comfort, Sport and Track Active settings while maintain their focus on the road ahead. Apple CarPlay® has also been introduced while the new richer graphics on the Central Information Screen feature richer more detailed graphics.
A comprehensive three-year vehicle warranty and a three-year scheduled maintenance/service plan are included as standard with the new 750S. Additionally, the 750S is eligible to be covered by the McLaren Extended Warranty in Australia, which is available in 12- or 24-month periods from time of first purchase until the vehicle is 15 years old.
The McLaren 750S Coupe is priced from $585,800 plus on-road costs and the 750S Spider is priced from $654,600 plus on-road costs, both are available to order now from McLaren retailers in Australia.
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.