Faster, more direct, lighter, more aerodynamic, more exciting and limited: just a few ingredients that contribute to a Longtail, the version that a ‘normal’ McLaren must put in the shade. The 765LT leaves the 720S behind. But how?
The Longtail adventure started in 1997 with the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail. This was followed by the 675LT and 675LT Spider in 2015, the 600LT in 2018 and the 600LT Spider in 2019. Now the brand unveils the 765LT, which should give owners of a 720S a small inferiority complex.
At McLaren, Longtail stands for more involvement for the driver, less weight, a more circuit-oriented adjustment, better aerodynamics, more power and a limited edition. Now all of these are of course values ​​that an average McLaren already quite satisfies, so for an LT really everything has to be taken out of the closet. For those who are less familiar with the peculiarities of the masters from Woking: McLaren divides its range into three groups: Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series. In the Super Series we find the 720S and it has now been refined to carry the LT logo. In all superlative stages that we mention from here, the 720S is therefore the starting point.
The feeling with the powertrain is increased by making the construction in such a way that sound and vibrations come to you better. An adapted suspension, other tires (specially developed Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R, 245 / 35R19 front, 305 / 30R20 rear) and a more direct steering contribute to this. Furthermore, the gas response is made brighter.
The empty weight has been reduced by 80 kg to 1,229 kg. This was achieved through the use of even more carbon fiber, a titanium exhaust system, lighter carbon fiber shells, polycarbonate windows, lighter components in the transmission and Alcantara upholstery, ultra-light wheels (ten-spoke forged aluminum with titanium bolts) and the omission of air conditioning, audio and floor covering. Anyone who thinks the lack of air conditioning or music is going too far can optionally have them fitted (at no extra cost).
The LT was fitted with special springs and dampers, more rigidity and adapted software. The carbon-ceramic discs and claws come from the Senna and are cooled by F1 technology. From 200 km / h, the 765LT stands still within 110 meters.
Aerodynamics has been improved with a special package consisting of a front splitter, front bumper and floor, side skirts, rear bumper, diffuser and an active rear wing / air brake. That provides 25 percent more downforce. Unfortunately, McLaren never communicated the absolute number of the 720S.
The 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo has forged aluminum pistons and a three-layer head gasket from the Senna, an adapted fuel system and software and a faster transmission. With that he delivers 800 Nm and 765 hp (as tradition is incorporated in the name of McLaren), or 622 hp per ton. From 0 to 100 km / h takes 2.8 seconds, in 7.2 seconds you are at 200 km / h and the top is 330 km / h. With all those figures, the McLaren 765LT is at the same or higher level than competitors such as the Ferrari 488 Pista, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and Porsche 911 GT2 RS, McLaren reports.
Finally, the exclusivity: a maximum of 765 numbered cars will be built to order. The first episodes are scheduled for September this year.