Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, the McLaren 765LT is the latest in a line of 'Longtail' McLarens and the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive.
The McLaren 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 highest levels of driver engagement
The dynamic ability and precision of the McLaren 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; advances made during the development of the McLaren Senna and Speedtail have seen the suspension system algorithms revised 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.
"The 765LT is faster, lighter and more powerful than any previous car with the LT badge and delivers almost telepathic driver engagement. The connection through the seat and feedback from the steering wheel is incredible, allowing a customer to fully exploit every aspect of the 'Longtail' abilities or simply take pleasure from each drive. This car is the very essence of an LT." Andreas Bareis, Vehicle Line Director - Super Series, McLaren Automotive
The aerodynamic performance of the McLaren 765LT is key to the abilities of the car on track, but also influences higher-speed road driving behaviours. The extended front splitter and elongated active rear wing work in conjunction with the carbon fibre floor, unique door blades and the extended rear diffuser to deliver aerodynamic downforce 25% greater than that available to a 720S driver, adding a further dimension to already excellent aerodynamic performance.
The new, high-set static position of the 'Longtail' active rear wing aids powertrain cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay as well as increasing downforce, while the airbrake functionality reduces dive sensitivity under heavy braking. This allows the front springs to be softer than would be required if they were solely responsible for maintaining the front ride height, which in turn enables improved front axle compliance characteristics, to the benefit on-road driving.
LT power and performance taken to another level
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 McLaren 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.
Stiffer engine mounts are used not only to meet dynamic performance targets, but also to increase the physical and emotive engagement with the V8 powertrain by transferring and radiating the engine's low-frequency sounds into the cabin. Every change in rpm is amplified, not only to occupants' ears but also as a feeling through the seats because low-frequency sounds can be both heard and felt.
"Any 'Longtail' is a very special McLaren, a car that drives our designers and engineers to question how much more we can do, how far we can go. In the 765LT this has resulted in new McLaren carbon fibre technologies enabling vital weight savings, the most power and torque ever in an LT, the quickest acceleration and the highest levels of driver engagement. " Filippo D'Adamo, Programme Manager - McLaren 765LT
The highly intense, emotional connection is further enhanced through the unique full-titanium, quad-exit exhaust. The 'LT soundtrack' the McLaren 765LT produces is not merely the result of the material choice, but also the design, diameter, angle and spacing of the four, centrally mounted round exhaust pipes. The pipe diameter increases the exhaust volume, while the relative position of each pipe to the others delivers the precise harmonic content required to create a high-pitched, engaging note that becomes sharper as it builds to an incredible crescendo at high engine revs.
Tightly packaged and engineered to reduce weight, the exhaust system has no tailpipe finishers to add weight. Depending on where the vehicle is sold, two titanium valves are additional to the titanium exhaust pipes; standard-fit under EU legislation, this arrangement enables a quieter exhaust note at lower engine speeds, or a more engaging tone and sound at higher revs.
Absolute focus on reducing weight
The lightweight design and engineering philosophy that McLaren pursues in all its cars is even more important in an LT model. Reducing vehicle weight lessens inertia while amplifying acceleration, braking and steering inputs, a recipe that creates a car that reacts immediately to every 'request' from a driver's hands and feet. Driven by a determination to minimise weight at every opportunity, McLaren engineers achieved an 80kg (DIN) saving over the superlight 720S coupé, itself a leader in power-to-weight comparison with direct competitors. At 622PS per tonne at lightest dry weight, the 765LT redefines the class, bettering rivals by more than 50PS per tonne.
The reduction in weight has been achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre - a material in which McLaren has renowned expertise - in body panels and components, as well as by optimisation of powertrain and chassis parts and deletion of comfort and convenience features (although these can in most cases be specified if preferred, at no additional cost).
"A McLaren LT really challenges us to push the boundaries of what is possible - especially with regards to weight reduction - and the 765LT is no exception. The 720S is already very light, helped by innovations developed in previous LT programmes, but we have investigated every area of the car to deliver even further savings: 'helper' springs in the suspension enable a 1.5kg reduction, a bespoke lightweight centre tunnel saves 1.4kg and optional carbon fibre fenders are 1.2kg lighter than the standard panels." James Warner, Chief Engineer - McLaren 765LT
The changes start at the very front of the 765LT, where the most everyday of items has been re-evaluated in the relentless pursuit of saving weight: the licence plate holder is carbon fibre. The elongated front splitter, new front bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing and lengthened rear diffuser are also constructed in carbon fibre - and all bespoke to the McLaren 765LT. The bonnet, front fenders, doors and rear fenders - lightweight aluminium as standard - are optionally available in carbon fibre to further reduce weight. Several 765LT carbon fibre components, including the front floor and active rear wing, are produced at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Yorkshire, UK.
Determination to minimise weight while improving component performance is evident throughout the car. The front floor, for example, is a one-piece carbon panel that is both lighter and stiffer and beyond the aerodynamic benefits generated by the revised underbody design, also reduces vehicle inertia. The pinion and crown wheel within the transmission final drive are formed from 20NiCh, a high-performance nickel chrome that is more commonly used within Formula 1 rather than road cars but provides the ideal balance of weight and specification for use in the McLaren 765LT's transmission. Even the next-generation, lithium-ion battery is lightweight, saving 3.0kg over the battery fitted to the 720S.
The use of carbon fibre throughout the track-focused interior of the McLaren 765LT brings further weight-optimisation. The standard lightweight, carbon fibre-shelled racing seats are a combined 18kg lighter than the 720S sports seats. The bespoke lightweight central tunnel is of carbon composite material and has a panel thickness of just 0.8mm. Carbon fibre forms the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround, limiting every possible gram. Customers wanting to further reduce weight can specify even more carbon fibre options from the MSO Defined range developed by McLaren Special Operations.
Carbon fibre isn't the only light-weighting tactic deployed in the new LT. Lightweight Alcantara® trim is used extensively inside the cockpit of the car and there is no carpet on horizontal floor areas. Door stowage nets replace hinged door pockets and reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel is manual. Air conditioning and an audio system are not fitted as standard, although both can be optioned at no additional cost.
Track efficiency and supercar luxury - with MSO for added choice...
The cockpit of the new McLaren 765LT is an enticing blend of generous interior space and excellent ergonomics, with racetrack efficiency and supercar luxury combining to create an overall ambience of cutting-edge technology and high-level craftsmanship in an environment defined by its driver focus. A wealth of personalisation opportunities are available, from unique exterior colours and soft-grain leather to a world-class audio system, while customers who wish to explore their own unique specification can turn to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for even greater choice. A debossed 765LT logo on the facia and a numbered LT dedication plaque further underline the exclusivity of each car.
Eight bespoke 'By McLaren' interior colour themes have been designed to complement the adventurous nature of the 765LT. The first introduces a subtle hint of colour throughout the lightweight Alcantara® interior, replacing the standard Carbon Black stitching with McLaren Orange. Three themes go further, introducing an additional Alcantara® colour with a complementary stitch on specific areas - including the seats and doors - on a Carbon Black Alcantara® base. Dove Grey Alcantara® with Situs Grey stitching, Burnt Orange Alcantara® with Carmine stitching and Midnight Blue Alcantara® with Kingfisher Blue stitching are available.
These four themes each feature a graphic laser-cut into the seats, respectively exposing McLaren Orange, Situs Grey, Carmine or Azura Blue secondary colours which correspond with the coloured stitching. A further four 'By McLaren' themes offer a luxurious alternative to Alcantara®, combining Carbon Black softgrain leather with contrasting colour stitching in McLaren Orange, Situs Grey, Carmine or Kingfisher Blue. All the 'By McLaren' interiors can be specified, at no cost to the customer, with a 12 o'clock stripe on the Alcantara® steering wheel, in McLaren Orange, Burnt Orange, Blue or Dove Grey.
The primary hub in the 765LT for driver convenience, comfort and connectivity functions - including McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) - is an 8.0-inch, high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen that works in conjunction with a Folding Driver Display to provide an integrated driver information platform. The Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen surrounds are available in carbon fibre to complement the finish of the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround. Further carbon fibre is available from the MSO Defined range, including satin finish visual carbon fibre for the air vents and extended sill trims with unique 765LT branding.
Customers who value convenience features more than pursuing the maximum possible weight saving have ample choice from the 765LT's equipment portfolio. Door stowage pockets and a central tunnel with lockable stowage can be specified as options in lieu of the lightweight nets and carbon fibre central tunnel fitted as standard. A driver-controlled vehicle lift system that raises the nose of the car when needed - for instance over speed bumps or when entering or exiting a car park - is a cost-option.
0 Comments