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By Jonathan Crouch

The McLaren 750S Spider is the most desirable version of what is arguably the segment's most complete supercar. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 64

If you've decided on a McLaren 750S, the arguments in favour of this Spider version are compelling. As are the improvements that separate this car from its 720S predecessor. The 750S takes that older car's basic formula and tweaks the suspension, increases the aerodynamic downforce, ups the power, improves the styling and smartens the cabin. The result is arguably the segment's most complete supercar.

Backgroundword count: 155

One of the reasons you buy a supercar is for the sound it makes. McLaren always knew that. Now though, you sense that aural fireworks have become more fundamental to the brand's future engineering. And if that's the case, why not pick a body style that allows you to hear the V8 soundtrack that much better? Such is the appeal of this car, the company's 750S Spider. Launched in 2024, the 750S is the successor to the 720S model introduced back in 2017, a car which represented a fundamental re-think of the old 650S. The 750S represents more revolution than evolution, but it's shed 30kgs over the 720S, which accounts for nearly all the gain in weight of the Spider body shape over the Coupe version. So, price apart, there are few reasons why you might not lean towards the open-top version of this model, particularly now that it's been tuned to sound so intoxicating.

Driving Experienceword count: 230

There's been a power hike for the mid-mounted V8 - as the model name suggests, up from 720 to 750PS. And, roof-down in this Spider model, it makes an astonishingly emotive sound that you can hear it brilliantly - even without the roof down, simply by retracting the rear window. Subtle changes have been made to this twin turbocharged 4.0-litre engine to release that extra power, including revised calibration for sharper power delivery, high-pressure turbos and lighter pistons. Plus there's a shorter final drive ratio for the 7-speed dual-clutch paddleshift automatic gearbox. The result of all this is a segment-leading power-to-weight ratio of 587PS-per-tonne. And a 0-62mph figure of just 2.8s (10% faster than before), 186mph 4.4s later and ultimately on to 206mph. So it's very fast: but then you knew it would be. The chassis revisions are extensive too, with a faster steering rack and an upgraded version of the brand's clever Proactive Chassis Control system, which limits body roll and works via three selectable damper settings - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Track': 'Comfort' will be your default option most of the time. There's also a 6mm increase in front track width and lighter springs (4% stiffer at the rear and 3% stiffer at the front). The standard-fit sports exhaust sounds even wilder. And the engine mounts have been modified to give what McLaren calls 'an intensified sense of connection'.

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