An Impressive Record

The 2024 McLaren 750S has dethroned the Ferrari 296GTB as the quickest rear-wheel-drive car ever tested by Car and Driver. The Ferrari, with its 819-horsepower electrically assisted V-6, previously held this record. However, the McLaren’s 740-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8, combined with a lighter curb weight (3206 pounds compared to Ferrari’s 3532 pounds), helped it achieve 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds—beating the Ferrari by a tenth of a second.

Mechanisms Behind the Speed

One of the keys to the McLaren 750S’s record-setting run is its unique “rolling burnout” function. This feature is activated when stability control is fully off, and the driver presses the throttle, allowing the engine to build boost before unleashing torque. The result is not only a cloud of tire smoke but also optimal tire preparation for a launch. Testing director Dave VanderWerp credits this function with shaving about a tenth and a half off the 750S’s zero-to-60 time.

Beyond the Initial Sprint

While the McLaren excels in the zero-to-60 mph metric, the Ferrari 296GTB catches up and eventually surpasses it at higher speeds. By 70 mph, the two cars are neck and neck, and at 100 mph, the Ferrari nudges ahead, reaching the milestone in 4.7 seconds compared to the McLaren’s 4.8 seconds. In the quarter-mile, the Ferrari reigns supreme, completing it in 9.7 seconds at 150 mph, while the McLaren finishes in 9.8 seconds at 145 mph.

Handling and Braking

The Ferrari also outperforms the McLaren in braking and mid-range acceleration tests. The 296GTB stops from 70 mph in 130 feet and from 100 mph in 245 feet, compared to the McLaren’s 136 feet and 264 feet, respectively. However, the McLaren has an edge in cornering, posting slightly better grip on the skidpad (1.13 g’s compared to Ferrari’s 1.12 g’s) thanks to its lighter weight.

Despite its slight disadvantages in certain areas, the McLaren 750S stands out due to its lightweight build and unique performance features. While the era of lightweight supercars may be dwindling, the McLaren 750S showcases the remarkable capabilities that can be achieved without the added weight of electric motors and battery packs, proving itself a worthy successor in the world of high-performance automobiles.