Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, the McLaren 765LT is revealed as the latest in a line of ‘Longtail’ McLarens and the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive....
The 765LT opens a new chapter in the ‘Longtail’ story that began with the McLaren F1 GTR race car in the 1990s and since 2015 has seen road-legal LT models introduced. The new car elevates to new levels the attributes that underpin every LT: driver engagement, track-focused dynamics, minimised weight, optimised aerodynamics and increased power are all amplified – particularly the first two. The LT promise of being ‘limited to the few’ is also fulfilled, with just 765 individually numbered cars available globally for customer order.
Advanced carbon fibre technologies and bespoke carbon fibre LT body panels and aerodynamic features are key to an 80kg (DIN) weight reduction over the 720S. Together with power of 765PS and torque of 800Nm from the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, transmission gearing optimised for scintillating in-gear acceleration and LT-specific suspension springs and dampers, this is the basis for the wholly immersive driving experience the new 765LT delivers.
The dynamic ability and precision of the 765LT on both road and track is simply outstanding, taking circuit performance to new heights and making every road drive a joy. Driver satisfaction is guaranteed by extraordinary levels of engagement between driver and car, the result of absolute focus on delivering unparalleled feedback and connection.
The renowned McLaren Super Series chassis dynamics have been further enhanced in the 765LT, to provide the ‘communication and feel’ that allow a driver to fully exploit the extreme performance of the car when appropriate, but also enjoy it at lower speeds. The steering of the 765LT retains McLaren’s distinguished electro-hydraulic assistance but has been further honed with a quicker ratio and a stiffer torsion bar for even purer driver feedback. The state-of-the-art, linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension introduced with the 720S features updates to both software and hardware to meet the dynamic requirements of the 765LT to ensure even greater precision and control.
In comparison to the 720S, front ride height is reduced by 5mm (rear is unchanged) and front track is 6mm wider, changes that together improve both grip and balance. New lightweight main springs feature additional ‘helper’ springs to reduce unsprung mass and maintain load in the suspension on full rebound, while the use of two springs saves weight in comparison with one larger dual-rate spring. Roll stiffness is increased, further enhancing vehicle stability.
A new 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheel has been created for the 765LT. Together with titanium wheel bolts and bespoke Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres, the wheels – which are standard specification – enable a weight saving totalling 22kg over the standard 720S wheel and tyres, further benefiting dynamic performance.
The Pirelli tyres developed for the 765LT play a significant role in both ultimate grip and steering feedback. Engineers from McLaren and Pirelli worked closely together to ensure the bespoke tread and construction of the tyres heighten the sensations reaching the driver’s fingertips, as well as operating in conjunction with the revised chassis dynamics and increased performance to help enable the fastest lap times of any McLaren Super Series car.
The performance of the 765LT more than lives up to the expectations set by its looks. The engineering philosophies that underpin the car have their roots in the first-ever LT, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ race car, but push onwards in the 765LT well beyond the credentials developed with the previous road-legal modern-day models.
The new 765LT is the most powerful and responsive road-legal McLaren LT to date. A 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren M840T engine – which has a flat-plane crankshaft and dry sump lubrication, together with ultra-low inertia twin-scroll turbochargers and electronically controlled wastegates – features LT-specific forged aluminium pistons, a three-layer head gasket used in the McLaren Senna and ultra-efficient, carbon-coated followers in the valve train. An additional fuel pump and revised oil pump optimise flows and a recalibrated engine management system controls the increased power, with torque delivery and throttle response tuned for maximum driver engagement. Peak power is 765PS (755bhp) at 7,500rpm and maximum torque 800Nm (590lb ft) at 5,500rpm.
Transmission gearing is optimised for acceleration, delivering virtually instant response to throttle inputs and in-gear acceleration up to 15% quicker than the class-benchmark 720S, itself a remarkable car in this respect. The extraordinary performance of the 765LT is summarised by its benchmark acceleration statistics: 0-100km/h (62mph) in 2.8 seconds (0-60mph in 2.7 seconds) and 0-200km/h (124mph) in 7.2 seconds.
As well as being the most powerful McLaren LT ever, the new 765LT is physically the most extreme. For those interested in ordering one of the 765 examples of McLaren 765LT that will be offered should contact a McLaren retailer.
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