McLaren 765LT

In 1997, McLaren presented the F1 GTR Longtail, their first vehicle whose rear end design was modified for greater performance. 18 years later, the British sports car brand implemented this concept for the first time for a limited version of their modern models and presented the 675LT as a Coupé, which was soon followed by a Spider version. In 2018, another model followed with the 600LT, this time based on the smaller Sports Series. For the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), which was cancelled due to Corona, the world premiere of the new 765LT based on the 720S had been planned. This now took place at the company headquarters in Woking and in a livestream. As the most dynamic model in the history of the brand, the latest LT is again aimed at those customers who like to drive their vehicles on race tracks or winding country roads, for example in the mountains.

As with the previous LT models, the 765LT also features tailor-made body parts at the front, sides and rear as well as on the underbody, which specifically improve aerodynamics and increase downforce by around 25 percent. The active rear wing is 20 percent larger than on the 720S and sits higher. Thanks to the targeted use of carbon fibre and a new titanium exhaust system, as well as thinner glass and polycarbonate windows at the rear, the DIN weight has been reduced by 80 kilograms compared with the 720S to now 1,339 kilograms. The four-flow exhaust system at the rear alone is around 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel component. In addition, the performance of the four-liter V8 biturbo engine has been increased to 765 hp and 800 newtonmeters of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, like springs and dampers, has been given a new setup for 15 percent faster gear changes. This catapults the car to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and to 124 mph in 7.2 seconds. McLaren specifies a topspeed of 205 mph. Behind the 10-spoke forged wheels with titanium wheel bolts and Pirelli Trofeo R tyres sits a carbon-ceramic brake system with calipers from the McLaren Senna and cooling channels integrated into them, inspired by the in-house Formula 1 team. Senna brake discs are available as an option. For the electro-hydraulic steering, a stiffer torsion bar and a more direct transmission ratio have been developed to improve tfeedback to the driver. The hydraulically coupled chassis ‘Proactive Chassis Control II’ has also been modified on the software and hardware side, so that the front of the car is five millimeters lower than the 720S and has a six millimeters wider track.

Inside, McLaren continues the motorsport-oriented look with carbon fiber bucket seats and the extensive use of Alcantara as upholstery fabric. The center tunnel and the exposed floor are also made of carbon fiber. An optional double-glazed area can be integrated in the storage compartment behind the seats, through which you can catch a glimpse of the V8 biturbo engine. The 765LT has neither air conditioning nor an audio system as standard. However, both can be added at no extra cost, although this will have a negative effect on the weight balance.

In addition to the normal color range of 17 paint colors, including two exclusive colors for the 765LT, MSO also offers an almost infinite number of color options for body and interior. Next to that, soft leather can be added to the vehicle on request. The design department has put together eight tailor-made ‘By McLaren’ color themes to help customers with configuration. Optional extras include a nose lift, door storage pockets, a lockable compartment in the center console, a powerful Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a rear view camera or a 360-degree parking aid system. MSO also offers a roof scoop to direct additional cooling air to the engine. Customers with racetrack ambitions can choose the MSO Clubsport or MSO Clubsport Pro package. The former includes the ultra-light Senna carbon fibre bucket seats, Senna braking system, McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) with three cameras and carbon fiber diffuser, while the Pro package also includes six-point seatbelts and a dark titanium seatbelt holder.

McLaren didn’t yet disclose the price of the special series, which is limited to 765 units and individually numbered on a metal plaque in the interior.

Images: McLaren