By Pursuitist Special Contributor Kimatni D. Rawlins
With over 60 years of motorsports experience, McLaren, the iconic British supercar marque, recently assembled automotive media for the launch of the 2024 750S amidst the glitz and pageantry that is Las Vegas, Nevada. So when I received an invitation for the drive event, I was all in, and packed my Tumi McLaren luggage with the latest McLaren gear.
Supercar Philosophy
The goal of the McLaren 750S is to raise the bar with driver engagement while combining the best of the 720S and the mighty 765LT. Introduced in 2017, the 720S is renowned for its iconic styling while delivering incredible track capabilities. Yet, it was comfortable and refined. Met with critical acclaim, the supercar won a multitude of awards that gave McLaren product planners even more confidence for future builds. Thus, the 750S is an evolution of the 720S which the company will no longer produce. McLaren increased the vehicle’s power, and enhanced aerodynamics, making the 750S the lightest and most potent McLaren series to date.
Powertrain and Performance
The 750S’ mid-mounted twin-turbocharged four-liter V8 engine delivers 740-horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The potent engine pairs with a seven-speed, dual-clutch “Seamless Shift” transmission (with Comfort, Sport, and Track modes), and the combination propels the 750S from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds while topping out at 206 mph.
An additional factor in the development of the 750S was the enhancement of body shell aerodynamics. Key aspects include a carbon fiber active rear wing that rises for high-speed stability, and a new front bumper and splitter to balance the spoiler and feed air into the radiators for proper cooling.
Performance and handling goodies include electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering, a new centrally-located stainless steel sports exhaust system inspired by the McLaren P1, and staggered Pirelli P-ZERO tires. Racetrack-focused P-ZERO Trofeo R and P-ZERO Corsa tires are optional. Lastly, as we all know, what speeds up must slow down. Therefore, McLaren gave the 750S 15.4” front and 15” rear carbon ceramic discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear aluminum brake calipers.
Lightweight Attributes
A supercar weighing less than 3,000 pounds is impressive, as it makes you wonder if the vehicle is too light to stay planted. No worries, as the 750S sprints with an “S” on its chest, which equates to added capabilities from downforce and stability to stopping power and cornering ability. The Spider tips the scale at 2,923 pounds while the 750S Coupe arrives to the match at an astounding 2,815 pounds. The active rear wing has 20% more surface area than the outgoing 720S but is 3.5 pounds lighter. McLaren additionally saved 30.4 pounds on the new 10-spoke ultra-lightweight “Turbine” forged 19” rims. The Spider, with its carbon fiber and composite retractable hardtop, is only 108 pounds heavier than the Coupe but maintains the same level of rigidity and lowers in 11 seconds. My only quibble with the Spider is that it lacks the Coupe’s engine window to view the V8, which is as impressive to view as the performance it offers.
British Racing Cockpit
Walk up to your sleek McLaren and gently lift the handle to raise the twin-hinge “dihedral” (scissor) doors, a traditional design statement for the Woking, England-based automaker. Not only are they ergonomic for accessing the cockpit with ease, but the doors also feed the radiator with air directed from side intakes. Slide in and grip the thick steering wheel while familiarizing yourself with the latest enhancements of the new driver-centric display. The 8″ infotainment touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
You can choose the TechLux or Performance interior theme with full Nappa leather or Alcantara. Super-lightweight carbon fiber racing seats, the Carbon Fiber Interior Pack, and titanium paddle shifters will have you feeling like a McLaren F1 driver. The 750S interior also features the following:
- An aero control switch to raise the rear wing manually
- Rocker switches over the steering wheel to control Active Dynamic settings. The left switch is for suspension adjustments (Sport, Comfort, and Track), and the right switch is for altering the engine and transmission (Sport, Comfort, and Track)
- Relocated Launch Control switch
- New Vehicle-Lift System raises the front end in 4 seconds
- Famous McLaren Speedy Kiwi button for saving your favorite dynamic mode settings.
Once I settled in with the updated technology features it was time to relax and enjoy the morning breeze as I let the top drop while on the move. I also rolled down the rear glass to drown my thoughts in the reverberation of the V8 before takeoff.
Design Implementation
No McLaren drive event is complete until you explore the outer limits on a racetrack. Las Vegas Motor Speedway served as our test bed.
When I first rolled into the garage area of the track, a vibrant spectrum of McLarens grasped and held my attention. Eye-popping and intricate paint schemes include Lantana Purple, Saros, McLaren Orange, Mantis Green, Papaya Spark, Tanzanite Blue, Tokyo Cyan, Aurora Blue, and Ludus Blue. Moreover, McLaren loves experimenting with carbon fiber so the contrasting Exterior Carbon Fiber Pack is a must to accentuate the carbon fiber “Monocage II” chassis and rear aluminum subframe. Other implementations include LED headlamps and running lights, gloss carbon fiber headlight surrounds, new front deck vents and rear bumper to improve cooling, an orange ring around the Pirelli P-ZEROs on some models, and a variety of rim options such as the 10-spoke super-lightweight forged alloy “Strike” wheels or the 5-twin spoke ultra-lightweight forged alloy “Vortex” wheels finished in Silver, Dark Stealth, Gloss Black Diamond Cut, or Gloss Black.
Our 750S on-road drive route took us through the surreal Valley of Fire State Park in the Mohave Desert, a geologic wonderland world-renowned for stunning petroglyphs carved into massive red sandstone formations.
McLaren Experience Center at Wynn Las Vegas
What is a Las Vegas getaway without a stay or visit to the spectacular Wynn Las Vegas, where hospitality and excellent client service are the priority? The Wynn offers everything from delectable gourmet foods to high-end shopping to unique spa experiences. And now you can immerse yourself in all things McLaren at the 2,500-square-foot McLaren Experience Center near the Wynn Plaza shops.
Brought to you by O’GARA, pioneers in the luxury automotive space since 1976, the boutique provides brand loyalists with the opportunity to purchase McLaren gear, commission a vehicle, select your own TUMI McLaren luggage, or try out the same racing simulator used by McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris.
Pricing and Warranty
The 2024 McLaren 750S has a starting MSRP of $324,000 for the Coupe and $345,000 for the Spider.
A three-year service plan is included in the base MSRP and is transferable to new ownership. But keep in mind the current allocation is sold out, and McLaren is not taking new orders until spring 2025. What a problem to have from a sales perspective! McLaren will build roughly 1,400 to 1,500 units of the highly coveted 750S over its lifecycle.
Final Reflections
McLaren is applying its historic motorsports achievements to usher in a brave new era of supercar performance with the scintillating 750S. With charisma defined by transcendent driver engagement, aerodynamic styling, athletic handling, and a racing pedigree, the latest prodigy by the British automaker is primed for industry success and continued consumer reverence.
Thank you, Team McLaren, with special thanks to President of Americas, Nicholas Brown for a truly worthy experience!
