BH CORRESPONDENT: Ask any supercar maker about aspirations for a track-focused performance car and most likely the answer will be like this: we need more power and less weight. Obviously, the engineering challenge is to optimise power-to-weight ratio in order to build a perfect track machine and for UK-based McLaren does this 24/7.
Thus, whenever McLaren introduces a new product, expect it to be ruthless. The 765LT is a further development of the Gen II Super Series 720S that it was launched at the 2017 Geneva motor show.
In terms of lineage, 765LT is the fourth ‘track-focused’ Longtail model and its key USP is that it now even lighter, sharper and faster.
The 765LT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 that is placed mid-ship like its 720S sibling. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The forced fed engine gets a bump in output (when compared to the 720S) and it stands at 765PS and torque of 800Nm.
For the 765LT, McLaren borrowed some tried-and-tested parts from the road-biased Senna. As a result, brake rotors, seats, and head gasket are from the Senna. The car is also endowed with full titanium exhaust, revised transmission ratios, and to save weight, sorry there’s no carpet in the cabin.
In its construction, 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.
The 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 765L. And to cope with the extra power, chassis dynamics have been further enhanced to provide the ‘communication and feel’ that allows a driver to fully exploit the extreme performance of the car and also enjoy it at lower speeds. The steering is electro-hydraulic assistance but gets a quicker ratio and a stiffer torsion bar for even purer driver feedback.
In comparison to the 720S, front ride height is reduced by 5mm while rear remains unchanged. Front track is 6mm wider and new lightweight suspension springs feature additional ‘helper’ springs to reduce unsprung mass and maintain load in the suspension on full rebound. Roll stiffness has been increased, further enhancing vehicle stability.
On the performance level, the 765LT will do 0-96km/h in 2.7 seconds which makes it only a tenth quicker than the 720S.
For individual customisation, McLaren Special Operations (MSO) Clubsport Pro package offers carbon-fibre accents, super-lightweight racing seats with a six-point harness, upgraded brakes, and the McLaren Track Telemetry system that records lap times.
The British performance carmaker will only produce 765 units of the 765LT for global markets which means both left hand and right hand drive versions will be available.
