What's the difference?
Like most people in this day and age, I like to consider myself fairly green-minded. I recycle. I canvas bag. One time I even took public transport, despite having a perfectly good car at my disposal.
But most importantly, at least as far as our only planet is concerned, I’ve embraced electrification in the automotive world, confident in the knowledge that, 99 times out of 100, introducing a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrain to the equation improves both the driving experience and your fuel bill.
The one out of that 100? That would be the McLaren 750S — the British brand’s new apex predator, and a vehicle that might just be the marque's last non-electrified series-production supercar ever.
It’s powered by a spectacular twin-turbo V8 engine that contributes to a drive experience so raw, so pure, and so unfiltered, that to sully it with heavy batteries or silent electric motors would just about qualify as a crime against humanity, or at least against the parts of humanity fortunate enough to be able to afford one.
So, is this McLaren 750S the best of the current supercar bunch? Let's find out.
Lamborghini's Aventador S is the last living link to supercars of old. Wild-looking bedroom-poster material, gigantic anti-socially loud V12 that actually spits flame and the kind of performance that will rustle the jimmies of even a seasoned supercar driver.
It harks back to a time when supercars actually sucked, but it didn't matter because they were proof you had both the money and patience to nurse it into life and then wring its neck, because that was the only way it made any sense. While the Huracan is a thoroughly modern supercar, the Aventador is an unashamed, unabashed, hairy-chested, head-banging, rock ape.
Not just a love letter to the intoxicating delights of the mighty V8 engine, the McLaren 750S is a genuine joy across the board.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Aventador isn't the best car you can buy for the money and truth be told, it isn't the best Lamborghini, which is a bit tough when you remember the only other car they make at the moment is the V10 Huracan. But it's all about the theatre as much as being a very capable supercar.
I'm not a Lamborghini fanboy, but I completely get the Aventador. It's a because-we-can car, just like the Murcielago, Diablo and Countach before it. But unlike those cars, it's thoroughly modern and with the upgrades introduced to the S, it's faster, harder and enormously entertaining.
As the last of a dying breed it delivers on everything a Lamborghini should - amazing looks, nutty price tag and an engine that excites not just driver and passenger but anyone with a heartbeat. It's by far the most charismatic car you can buy, no matter how many zeroes are on the cheque.