McLaren’s Fastest ICE Road Car Hits the Road

McLaren has unveiled its lightest and most powerful series-production car to date in the shape of the V8 ICE powered McLaren 750S.

The coupé version claims a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 578bhp-per-ton, a 21.7bhp advantage over its closest competitor. This rear-wheel drive beast 30kg (66lbs) lighter than its 720S predecessor with dry weight of just 1,277kg (2,809lbs) while boasting 740bhp and 590ft-lbs of torque from the twin turbo-charged 4.0-liter V8 engine.

Claimed outright acceleration from standstill to 62mph is 2.8 seconds, 0-124mph in 7.2 seconds and 0-186mph in less than 20 seconds. The McLaren M840T V8 engine is mid-mounted for ideal weight distribution and uses a flat-plane crankshaft, race-inspired dry sump lubrication, lightweight connecting rods that reduce powertrain mass and electronically controlled turbocharger wastegates to provide precise boost pressure regulation.

Boost pressure of the ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers increased, raising air pressure within the cylinders. In conjunction, an additional high-flow fuel pump meets the greater fuel flow pressure requirements. For optimal efficiency, the second pump only ‘tops up’ pressure when demand is higher.

Lightweight pistons, the same as those in a 765LT, reduce inertia mass, while a bespoke engine management system controls the increased power and torque. Engine management electronics also reconfigures performance of the powertrain when run on high-octane 99 RON gasoline.

The transmission is a 7-speed sequential shift unit, engineered for the highest performance applications; the pinion and crown wheel within the transmission final drive, for example, is made from 20NiCrMo, a high-performance nickel chromoly alloy more often seen Formula 1.

A new ‘limit downshift’ transmission function means that if the driver calls for a downshift that would over-rev the engine, the software acknowledges the request but changes down only when engine speed and road speed can be harmonized. This feature is available in Sport and Track modes, and when braking pressure exceeds a certain threshold.

Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive, said: “When you have a car recognized by so many drivers as a benchmark, to do something even better you have to examine every detail and really push hard for improvements that raise the bar again. This is what we have done with the new 750S and the light weight, V8 engine performance and outstanding dynamic abilities combine to deliver a supercar driving experience that hits new heights, with truly exhilarating levels of emotional connection.” Order books are open and prices start around $324,000.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_