There are few car manufacturers whose racing history and pedigree are as close to their production cars as McLaren. A longtime fixture in the technical and engineering giant that is Formula 1 racing, the Woking, UK-based business presents its learnings at the world’s biggest grand prix courses for sale to well-heeled buyers.
The 2026 McLaren 750S Spider puts that sense of competition to use better than any other car in its current lineup (and better than all but a handful of cars around the world). A mid-engined two-seater, the 750S offers world-class speed and handling built for the track.
McLaren dropped a fine-tuned, 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with 740 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque in the Spider. Those numbers may not seem overly ambitious since Bugatti, Ferrari, Aston Martin and other McLaren rivals are building V16s or V12s, pushing more than 1,000 horses out of their reserves. But the 750S makes the most of its equine ability by staying a little Grade A. Using the science of racing materials correctly, McLaren shaved 30 pounds off the 2025 750S. Converted to state numbers, the 2026 version weighs only 3,170 lbs.
With the V8 pushing the lightweight chassis with the help of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this rear-wheel drive rocket ship will do 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds. It joins a very small club of fully gasoline-powered cars on the consumer market that can accelerate that much without the help of any electric motor. Going back to McLaren’s weight briefly, one way to make any car lighter is to avoid putting a layer of lithium-ion batteries in its belly.
In terms of straight-line speed, the 750S will do a reported 206 mph. It can be said that McLaren is limiting its production to that already large number because it once fought with other stratospheric automakers over who can build the fastest cars in the world year after year. The 750S could no doubt climb north of the 210 in the hands of mentally challenged men and women if its engineers let it do so.
Such scientifically shaped energy needs precise guidance and management to keep it pointed in the right direction. McLaren uses a power-assisted rack-and-pinion system with double wishbone suspension front and rear to dampen at least some road bumps at speed. The car is able to lift the front on demand at the push of a button to survive speed bumps and other irregularities.
The driver should expect—need, really—more sensitivity and connection to the road surface as this McLaren honors its mission as a high-performance car. The machine wants to connect and communicate with its operator with that race-specific steering wheel, and that means it will respond more sensitively to driving situations than a luxury car that might float up in comfort.
Still, the 750S is by no means an uncomfortable endurance test for driver and passenger. Although it rides very low to the ground for optimal aerodynamics, the ergonomics of the carbon fiber racing seats camel the passengers with adequate support. Although the car’s dry fuel consumption numbers (15 mpg on a good day) make this McLaren an unsuitable tourer, it doesn’t make people’s bodies pay for their sportiness.
When you consider a $386,000+ car with performance capabilities like the 750S, the envious question leaves the lips of those who don’t live in the realm of automotive enthusiasts. It’s always like: “What’s the use of all that speed? You’re not going to do anything with it.” If the driver was expected to answer that question who owns the McLaren 750S, the best answer is to activate its launch control and silence any other nonsense with the sound of the violence of the machine, the Valkyrie of engine noise. After such a wonderful trip, there are effective ways to suppress the excitement.
All that power proves to be a great gift when it comes time to pull out onto a busy street or escape wolf packs on the freeway. The high and fast speed of the McLaren has wide open even the smallest windows in the traffic flow.
Admittedly, the 750S is a completely impractical car. Yes, the car has a “frunk” big enough to fit a bag or suitcase. Its cockpit can hold two backsides comfortably enough inside those contoured racing seats. In line with its ancestors “Spider”, the roof opens to the outside air in only 11 seconds and closes again at a speed of about 30 mph It has all the necessary safety features; a modest, but effective 8-inch touchscreen; and a Bowers & Wilkins stereo system.
But in reality, the McLaren 750S Spider exists to transport innocent, extreme adrenaline junkies, perhaps at raw speeds. The car’s lack of sensible applications is the point of this track beast turned road car. McLaren designers and engineers have been slaving away in Surrey to create a top-down offering of driving pleasure for owners who aren’t afraid to bark a little on the road.
More car updates
