McLaren 750S vs. GTS comparison test drive: “Examining the true essence of each hard-core brand on winding roads”

McLaren 750S X GTS

It’s hard to believe it’s the same McLaren

If you look at these two cars without any prior knowledge, you would hardly think they are sports cars from the same brand. Despite their vastly different appearances, as you know, the structure of all series production models since the 2011 MP4-12C, the first model of the new McLaren (except for the latest PHEV Artura), is basically the same.

In other words, both the 750S and the GTS are equipped with a V8 twin-turbo engine mounted behind a bathtub-shaped carbon center monocoque called the Carbon Monocell. However, the characters of the two models are very different.

The GTS is notable for its practical luggage space, which is unparalleled among super sports cars of this type, but more than anything, its styling is authentic as a “supercar.” The sharp and flowing body lines, which make the most of the overall length, which is about 110 mm longer than the 750S, seem to directly express the cool mid-engine car that is ingrained in the hearts of car enthusiasts.

Attitude to create new value

The 750S, on the other hand, is clearly different. Not only does its insect-like front end resemble a face, but the forward-facing cockpit also gives it the appearance of an organic living organism rather than an industrial product. Its minimalist form, embodying the “form follows function” principle of American architect Louis Sullivan, a leader in modernism, reflects McLaren’s design philosophy, which started from scratch with performance as the top priority, and its unique attitude of seeking to create new value without being bound by common sense or convention.

The reason they can be made to have such different shapes despite sharing the same basic structure is because the body panels don’t have to bear the stresses of a racing car. However, their organic and purposeful form will divide car enthusiasts into those who like it and those who don’t.

It’s easy to understand the counterargument that a body designed solely based on wind tunnel test data is beautiful, or that performance alone is what makes a sports car so appealing, but at the same time, absolute performance and track record remain overwhelmingly persuasive, regardless of time or place. Moreover, with the recent rise of GT3 racing, the power of a car is perhaps even more intense and direct.

The difference between top speed and acceleration

The best way to get a glimpse of the power of aerodynamics, which is hard to appreciate on regular roads, is when braking from high speed. The 750S’s active rear wing also functions as an air brake, rising up suddenly when needed. The effect is astounding, slowing the car down as if it were being grabbed by the scruff of the neck from behind and glued to the ground.

You should be able to feel what downforce is like even on public roads, but be careful not to surprise the surrounding traffic. Incidentally, downforce is said to have increased by 15% compared to the previous model 720S, but in return, the 750S’s top speed has dropped slightly to 332km/h (the 720S was 341km/h). If you pursue optimal design from the start, there’s no need for flashy GT wings.

Even though the top speed has been slightly sacrificed, I don’t think anyone would complain about a figure of over 330km/h, but at this level, details like this are important. The 750S’s 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo unit produces 750PS/7500rpm and 800Nm/5500rpm, and is boasted to be the lightest and most powerful McLaren in history, and the final gear ratio is also set 15% lower than the 720S, so the 750S’s 0-100km/h acceleration is 2.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the 720S (0-200km/h is 7.2 seconds, 0.6 seconds faster!).

The GTS produces 467kW (635PS) at 7500rpm and 630Nm at 5500-6500rpm (15PS more than the previous GT), but performance remains the same: 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 326km/h. This may be a little tame compared to the 750S, but it’s important to remember that this is an incredibly high-performance car.

A vastly different ride

As its name suggests, the GTS, which is said to be more focused on comfort, has a comfortable ride. McLaren was originally a rare super sports car with a smooth ride, and was free from rough, exposed bumps, but the 750S seems to be more clearly tightened than before, and it behaves a little nervously on rough roads.

On the other hand, in Comfort mode, the GTS is rather soft, as before, and may show a little pitching when driving gently on the highway, but there is no need to worry as it becomes very stable as the speed increases.

The V8 twin-turbo is flexible but revs bluntly and businesslike at low revs, but then suddenly changes from around 4000 rpm and instantly revs up to over 8000 rpm, just like the 750S. Of course, it doesn’t have the sharpness of the 750S’s sword, but even on mountain roads it shows a sharpness that is incomparable to other sports cars. Put simply, the difference between the two cars is whether they are driven on a circuit or not.

PHOTO／Kenji ICHI

SPECIFICATIONS

McLaren 750S

Body size: Length 4569, Width 1930, Height 1196mm

Wheelbase: 2670mm

Vehicle weight: 1277kg (Dry)

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 3994cc

Maximum output: 552kW (750PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 800Nm / 5500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension type: Front and rear double wishbone

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc (carbon ceramic)

Tire size (rim width): Front 245/35ZR19 (9J) Rear 305/30ZR20 (11J)

Vehicle price: 41.7 million yen

McLaren GTS

Body size: Length 4683, width 2045, height 1213mm

Wheelbase: 2675mm

Vehicle weight: 1466kg

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 3994cc

Maximum output: 586kW (635PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 630Nm (64.2kgm) / 6500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension type: Front and rear double wishbone

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc (carbon ceramic)

Tire size (rim width): Front 225/35R20, rear 295/30R21

Vehicle price: 29.7 million yen