The McLaren 750S of 2024 is not significantly different from the 720S it replaces. The subtle exterior changes of the new McLaren 750S might lead some to jump to conclusions. They may accuse McLaren that it has given its supercar in series production a facelift. Some will predict correctly that a lot is going on beneath the 750S’ similar-looking exterior.
2024 McLaren 750S Changes
The changes made to the successor of the 720S are more evolutionary than revolutionary. McLaren claims that around 30% of the parts in the 750S are new or upgraded. The twin-turbocharged V-8 engine is still located in the middle of its carbon-fiber body, but the boost pressure has increased to give it an additional 30 horsepower and 22 pounds-feet, bringing the peak output up to 740 horsepower and 590 pounds-feet.
The 765LT track-focused flat-plane-crank V-8 shares lightweight pistons as well. Formerly separate exhaust pipes have now been merged into a single center-exit system, similar to the McLaren P1. This, we’re told, makes the 750S even more powerful and ferocious at high revs. The larger air intake in front of the rear wheels will improve cooling. A new mesh grille sits beneath the redesigned bumper.
McLaren claims that the 750S gearbox is shorter in final drive ratio, even though the power still goes to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. The 750S also has a new feature that prevents the engine from being over-revved by downshifts. Weight-saving measures are used to optimize these mechanical upgrades. According to the manufacturer, the 750S coupe weighs up to 66 lbs less than its predecessor (a 2018 model registered 3161 lbs on our scales). The new carbon-fiber racing seat standard in the 750S is said to reduce weight by up to 66 pounds. A set of even lighter carbon buckets is also available.
McLaren also did a good job of imitating the Atkins diet in other areas, such as the new standard forged rims that are said to be the lightest wheels ever used on a production model. These rollers are said to save 30.4 lbs. Add another 4 pounds to the total thanks to the new digital gauge cluster mounted on the column, another 3.5 for the lighter windscreen, and 4.4 more pounds to the revised suspension components, and it is clear that McLaren wanted to improve the car’s weight-to-power ratio.
The 750S is lighter and more powerful than ever before, and both the Coupe and Spider (read as convertible) can reach 60 mph within 2.7 seconds. The Spider with its retractable hardtop is said to be 108 pounds heavier than the Coupe and reach 124mph in 7.3 seconds one tenth slower than the Coupe. Both body styles are claimed to reach 206 mph.
A new brake package for racetracks is helping to bring these exotic animals to a halt. The kit, which includes parts inherited from McLaren Senna’s rotors and monobloc brakes (also known as calipers), features 15.4-inch carbon ceramic rotors. The front calipers are made of a single piece to resist wear and fade. The new brake boosters and vacuum pumps are supposed to improve braking performance even without an upgrade. A rear active wing that is 3.5 pounds lighter, but has a larger area, provides more downforce and helps with brake duties at high speed. Customers can choose to upgrade from the standard Pirelli P Zero rubber to either the more sticky P Zero Corsa or even the ultra-sticky Trofeo R.
The 750S comes with the third generation of McLaren’s Proactive chassis control. Customers will not have to pay an additional fee for this suspension. The PCC III system, like the PCC II on the 720S, uses a network of hydraulic hoses to reduce body roll while maintaining ride quality. PCC III features retuned dampers, a revised geometry, and lighter springs and dampers. According to the manufacturer, the spring rates will be slightly softer at the front of the car and slightly stiffer at the rear. The 750S has a 6mm wider front track than its predecessor. The car uses the same hydraulic steering system as before, but now it has a faster ratio. McLaren’s representative explained that the hydraulic setup is what defines their brand and they cannot switch to an electric system.
The 750S is not much different than the 720S. There’s also a new infotainment touchscreen system with an 8.0-inch screen that supports Apple CarPlay. Android Auto users will have to wait. There’s also customizable ambient lighting in the cabin, and a Bower & Wilkins audio system is available for those who want to rock out. The steering wheel now has power adjustments and the driver can access individual drive modes without having to remove their hands from the wheel. McLaren Control Launcher allows drivers to configure their preferred drive-mode settings, and then activate or deactivate these on the fly.
McLaren provides a clear panel that allows owners of coupes to see the V-8 engine behind them. A front-axle lift system is another desirable feature. It now raises the nose of the car in just 4 seconds, instead of 10. It’s hard to tell that the car has a nose with a front splitter extended from the lower fascia. This is a far cry from the “eye sockets” signature spacing. The area around the headlights can be painted in the same color as the body or decorated with carbon fiber.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA still hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for McLaren’s latest model. But a potential 750S buyer is not likely to worry about gas prices any more than a prospective owner would be concerned with the price of a gallon of milk. We expect that the supercar will consume fuel at the same rate as the 720S. The slightly less powerful twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 in the 720S earned an impressive 15 mpg city and 22 highway. Visit the EPA website for more information on the 765LT fuel economy.
Interior
The interior of the 750S is perhaps the most simple part of this rolling sculpture. Alcantara comes standard in the interior, but you can upgrade to a Performance Interior that includes napa leather, or the TechLux Package that prioritizes leather and increases its quantity. McLaren’s interior is primarily dark, but customers can choose to have the stitching in a different color for an extra cost.
The 750S steering wheel has no buttons, unlike many other cars. The central dashboard is reserved for driving controls and mode selection. The Spider’s rear cargo space is less than that of the Coupe due to the space required for the power folding roof. However, both versions share a trunk space about half as large as the Corvette.
Connectivity and Infotainment
Most controls, such as climate control, Apple CarPlay, and ambient lighting, are located on the 7.0-inch vertical screen. The 360-degree camera has a higher resolution for greater clarity than the 720S. If you want to drown out that P1 exhaust note, a Bowers & Wilkins system with McLaren’s Continuum con speakers and an amplifier is available.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
McLaren offers several useful alternatives to traditional driver assistance technology that will help keep your six-figure supercar free from scratches. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS), websites for more information on the 750S crash test results. Safety features include:
- Parking sensors are available for both the front and rear of vehicles
- Front-end lift system available
- 360-degree camera available
2024 McLaren 750S Price & Release Date
What is the cost of all this performance, you ask? McLaren states that the 750S Coupe starts at $324,000, and the Spider at $345,000 Customers in the United States will need to budget $5500 for destination fees and $2240 for the “Americas Accessory Pack,” a mandatory package for U.S. purchasers that includes items like a front plate mount, battery tenders, and tire cradles.