McLaren 750S supercar unveiled
Rival machines harness the power of electricity, but this promises to be ‘peak supercar’, with an enormously powerful petrol engine.
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McLaren has bucked the growing trend for electrified sports cars by launching a V8-powered machine that shuns green tech.
Shaping up as a facelifted version of the McLaren 720S supercar, the new McLaren 750S swerves around heavy hybrid tech found in the McLaren Artura, Ferrari 296GTB and Lamborghini Revuelto.
Instead, the dramatically styled machine combines a lightweight carbon fibre chassis with a powerful V8 engine.
Motivated by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 552kW and 800Nm, the svelte machine is capable of ripping to 200kmh in just 7.2 seconds.
It’s significantly quicker than the 500kW McLaren Artura coupe that reaches showrooms in the next few weeks.
Priced from $585,800 plus options and on-road costs that push its drive-away sticker beyond $600,000, the new machine costs about $130,000 more than the Artura.
The drop-top Spider version is even more expensive at $654,600 plus options and on-road costs.
While it misses out on hybrid tech, the 750S has a more track-focused character with sophisticated suspension and sticky Pirelli tyres.
A larger rear wing increases downforce at speed, and a revised transmission lets drivers downshift sooner under hard braking.
The new machine has subtly tweaked looks, including a simpler body-coloured front bumper and new central exhaust pipe that promises to deliver a richer exhaust note.
The interior benefits from new displays, the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone features, plus ultra-light carbon fibre seats.
It might be the last McLaren powered solely by petrol.
Like the Ferrari F8 Tributo that represented something of a run-out special for the prancing horse, the 750S may give enthusiasts a final opportunity to enjoy V8 power before the range is taken over by hybrid and electric models.
The brand has invested heavily in a new platform, V6 engine and hybrid system for the Artura that may feature in more expensive models in the future.
Originally published as McLaren 750S supercar unveiled
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