Lighter, more powerful and more engaging: McLaren unveils the 765LT

Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, McLaren has revealed the 765LT as the latest in a line of 'Longtail' McLarens and as the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive.

The renowned McLaren Super Series chassis' dynamics have been further enhanced in the 765LT, to provide greater 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, 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, with the advances made during the development of the McLaren Senna and the Speedtail resulting in revised suspension system algorithms to ensure even greater precision and control.

In comparison to the 720S, front ride height of the 765LT is reduced by 5mm 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 aerodynamic performance of the 765LT is also key to its abilities on track as well as during higher-speed road driving. 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.

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 function 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.

Latest-generation carbon-ceramic discs, together with calipers from the McLaren Senna provide precise pedal feel and astonishing stopping power. Formula One-inspired integrated caliper delivers cooling air to the front calipers and discs, reducing brake pad temperatures by up 50 degrees during track driving and ensuring that both consistency of pedal feel and outright braking performance remain impeccable.

The new 765LT is the most powerful and responsive road-legal McLaren LT to date. A 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren engine sports a flat-plane crankshaft and dry sump lubrication together with ultra-low inertia twin-scroll turbochargers and electronically controlled wastegates.

LT-specific forged aluminium pistons, a three-layer head gasket used in the McLaren Senna and ultra-efficient, carbon-coated followers in the valvetrain further add to the engine’s performance. Peak power is 755bhp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque is 800Nm at 5,500rpm.

The cockpit of the new 765LT is an enticing blend of generous interior space and excellent ergonomics. 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 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.