McLaren is updating supercar lineup. It started with that “entry level” Arturaand now extends to its top-of-the-range production model, which is called the 750S.
The 2024 McLaren 750S will replace the 720S, the supercar manufacturer announced on Wednesday, which also provides information on the coupe and Spider body types. The 750S will not be a completely new car. Instead, it will use 30% new or revised components, and McLaren says performance, engagement and technology have improved.
Located behind the driver in this mid-engined supercar is an updated version of the M840T’s 4.0-liter turbo V8, which boosts output to 740 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, up from 710 hp and 568 lb-ft. Improvements include more boost, twin fuel pumps, lighter pistons and a new engine management system. The new mid-exit exhaust is 4.9 pounds lighter than the previous version, and the new engine mounts have been tuned for increased engagement during launch and performance driving, as well as improved comfort during cruising.
According to McLaren, the 750S does 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, 0-124 mph in 7.2 seconds (7.3 seconds for the Spider), 0-186 mph in 19.8 seconds (the 20.4 seconds for the Spider) and cover the quarter mile in 10.1 seconds (10.3 seconds for the Spider). Both body variants will reach a top speed of 206 mph.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission helps make the car quicker with shorter ratios, quicker shifts and rev limiter, as does a 15% shorter final drive. Another reason is the lighter weight. McLaren says it has cut about 66 pounds from the car compared to the 720S, with a curb weight of 3,062 pounds for the coupe and 3,170 pounds for the Spider. This makes it the brand’s lightest production car (McLaren also offers more performance-oriented models that can weigh less).
The 750S uses the brand’s carbon fiber tub as its base structure. It is called Monocage II for the coupe and Monocage II-S for the Spider, and there is no difference in structural rigidity between the cars. The Spider has a strong hardtop that takes 11 seconds to raise or lower and can be controlled at speeds up to 31 mph.
McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control linked hydraulic suspension returns, this time in its third generation. The handling balance is slightly adjusted with 3% softer front springs and 4% stiffer rear springs, resulting in a livelier rear end. The new dual-valve shocks are also 4.4 pounds lighter. The car gets a 0.2-inch wider front track and rides on Pirelli Corsa P Zero or optional P Zero Trofeo R tires. McLaren says the wheels are the lightest on the brand’s production car, saving 30.4 pounds. The hydraulically assisted power steering has faster gear ratios and a new power steering pump. Brake tuning has also been revised for better performance and feel with a new brake booster and vacuum pump. Buyers can choose to upgrade the Senna hypercar’s track brakes with carbon-ceramic brakes.
An updated nose-lift system takes four seconds instead of 10 seconds to raise the front end on curbs and steep driveways.
The new McLaren Control Launcher setup works like a custom driving mode in other cars, allowing drivers to select their desired aerodynamic, handling and powertrain settings with the touch of a button. Greater adjustability of the throttle, brakes and steering has also been targeted, McLaren says, and notes that the suspension modifications were made to maintain the comfort of the 720S while increasing performance.
The new design is an update to the look of the 720S. This gives the car more downforce, but according to McLaren, that was not the point. Instead, the company says it sought to improve the car’s balance with aero changes. A new front bumper lengthens the front splitter, wider rear wheel arch vents increase downforce, and new lower side air intakes enhance cooling. The carbon fiber rear wing is 2.4 inches longer, providing 20% more surface area to better function as an air brake or F1 drag reduction system. The car also gets narrower intakes surrounding the headlights.
The headlights are covered in body color or in carbon fiber, and the air vents in the front and rear bumpers are made in carbon fiber. The Spider will be equipped with an electrochromatic glass roof that can be dimmed or brightened to let in light even with the top up.
Inside, the 750S features a revised driver interface that, like the Artura, moves drivetrain and handling mode settings from the center console to the binnacle. It gets an upgraded infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that now features Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Nappa leather and Alcantara upholstery will be offered, and carbon fiber seats will be standard, saving 38.6 pounds. Even lighter carbon fiber seats will be available, as will a Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Coupe buyers can opt for a glass panel on the package’s rear shelf that shows the top of the drivetrain inside the cabin.
The 750S goes on sale later this year with a starting price of $331,740 for the coupe (including a $5,500 delivery charge and a $2,240 US accessory package) and $352,740 for the Spider. Interested buyers can now reserve their cars at McLaren dealers.
HIGH RESOLUTION GALLERY: 2024 McLaren 750S
This article was originally published by Motor Authorityeditorial partner ClassicCars.com
