Here’s the first thing you probably want to know about the 2025 McLaren 750S Spider: 2.7 seconds. That’s how little time it takes for this rear-wheel-drive, V-8-powered supercar to reach 60 mph on its way to a 206-mph top speed. Of course, to experience such exhilarating acceleration, you’ll have to pony up $364,500. That’s more than the median price of a condominium in the U.S., which stands at $357,600, according to the National Association of Realtors. Then again, if you have to ask how much, you probably can’t afford it.

The car in question is the latest new thrill ride from the folks at McLaren, a British automotive race car and supercar manufacturer based in Woking, Surrey, England. Its sportscar credentials aren’t a mere affectation. McLaren is one of three manufacturers to compete in the Triple Crown of Motorsports — which comprises the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. (For the record, the other two automakers are Mercedes-Benz and Ford).

Given McLaren’s pedigree, you can rightfully expect that its street cars owe much to its race cars. And the 750S certainly does. Offered as coupe or convertible, it’s best to opt for the coupe if you’re track bound. It’s 108 pounds lighter than the drophead, according to the automaker. In fact, at a dry weight of 2,715 pounds, the 750S Coupe weighs 425 pounds less than its nearest rival.

That light weight is due to the 750S’ carbon fiber monocoque construction using a carbon fiber upper structure and composite retractable hardtop. Also, about 30% of its components are new or updated. Inside, you’ll find carbon fiber-shelled racing seats and the lightest wheels ever fitted on a series-production McLaren. It all contributes to the 750S being 66 pounds lighter than the 720S.

My mango-colored supercar was not the best choice for those in the witness protection program. But its muscular, curvilinear form contrasts with the chiseled, sharp angles that decorate most supercars, ones that still tread carefully in the stylistic shadow cast by the 1974 Lamborghini Countach. There’s little change from its predecessor, the 720S, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s still a mesmerizing car to behold — particularly its center-mounted exhaust.

And with a 740-horsepower, 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V-8 mounted midship to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, 0-to-60 requires a mere 2.7 seconds; 0-to-124 mph happens in a completely bonkers 7.3 seconds. Its responsiveness is immediate, as if the car is wired to your central nervous system. As you might expect, the powertrain, aerodynamics and chassis can all be adjusted to suit your preference. Once on the highway, I threw caution to the wind and switched them all to track mode. That’s when the unbridled fury of the 750S becomes apparent, something not to be taken lightly. If you’ve never driven a car of this ilk, and you sample the 750S, my advice is to leave it in comfort mode — at least initially. This is very much the track rat, an insanely fun-to-drive machine that rewards you with extraordinary performance that few cars possess.

But the items that make it a great performance car make it less satisfactory shuttling across town, as it’s loud, so there’s no hiding your arrival. The infotainment touchscreen is adequate at best, and it’s compatible with Apple CarPlay only, not Android Auto. Then there’s the trunk space, consisting of a 5.3 cubic-foot cargo hold up front and a 2 cubic-foot space in the back. So, this reduces packing for an overnight trip to a toothbrush and condoms.

On the plus side, you can hydraulically lift its nose, to prevent any scraping of the front end. And the hydraulic suspension makes for a surprisingly smooth ride along neglected roadways. Vision out of the car is better than you’d expect.

The 2025 McLaren 750S Spider is not a dramatic change from the 720S it replaces. Its updates are incremental at best. But its incredible agility, speed and style make it unique among supercars, while its light weight makes it one to watch for on track days.

And you won’t have trouble spotting it. It’s a rare bird in a sea of Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis. And that’s what makes this ride truly special.

2025 McLaren 750S Spider

Base price: $364,500

Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V-8

Horsepower/Torque: 740/590 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 17 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 180/76/47 inches

Ground clearance: 4.2 inches

Curb weight: 3,170 pounds

Cargo capacity (front/rear): 5.3/2 cubic feet

Towing capacity: Not rated

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