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2021 McLaren 765LT: First Look
McLaren builds some of the most impressive supercars on the road; however, certain models within the British marque’s lineup stand above — or stretch past — others in terms of performance and exclusivity. These are the Longtails, and today McLaren revealed a new one at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England: the 2021 McLaren 765LT.
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Coronavirus Curtails Unveil
Originally the 2021 McLaren 765LT unveiling was to take place at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show; however, show organizers had to cancel the event after the Swiss government prohibited gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, the unveiling was quickly relocated from Switzerland back to the United Kingdom.
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Most Potent Longtail
The all-new 765LT is the latest in a line of vehicles that started in the 1990s with the McLaren F1 GTR — a lineage of street-legal machines that most recently included the 600LT. The 2021 McLaren 765LT is the most potent Longtail ever.
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Faster and Lighter
“The 765LT is faster, lighter and more powerful than any previous car with the LT badge and delivers almost telepathic driver engagement,” said Andreas Bareis, vehicle line director of the Super Series at McLaren Automotive. “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,” Bareis noted.
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Weight Savings
Lightweight, powerful sports cars have been the hallmark of the McLaren brand, and the new 765LT takes both of these qualities to the extreme. To keep weight to a minimum, the 765LT employs a titanium exhaust system, thinner glass, polycarbonate glazing and transmission materials that are Formula One grade. Air-conditioning and audio systems are absent for further weight savings; however, buyers can add them for no additional charge. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber in the construction of the 765LT, weight gets reduced by 176 pounds versus the already lightweight 720S.
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Bespoke Carbon Fiber
Lower, wider and longer than the 720S, the 765LT possesses a much more aggressive stance. The front splitter, new front bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing and lengthened rear diffuser are all constructed of carbon fiber. Even the license-plate holder is carbon fiber. Many of these components are manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in Yorkshire, UK, making this the first road car to feature components created by the MCTC.
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Lightweight Wheels and Tires
During the 2021 McLaren 765LT’s Woking unveil, the automaker also introduced an all-new 10-spoke ultra-lightweight alloy wheel with titanium bolts for the 765LT, fitted with unique Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. This new combination reduces weight by 48.5 pounds. Designed to provide the ultimate in grip as well as steering feedback, the new Pirelli tires contribute significantly to the 2021 McLaren 765LT’s impressive performance.
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Powerful V8 Engine
Powering the new 765LT is a McLaren 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing a plentiful 755 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power gets sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed Sequential Shift gearbox. Performance numbers are stunning: 60 mph goes by in 2.7 seconds and in 7.2 seconds the 765LT is already at 124 mph. Maximum speed is listed at 205 mph.
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Limit Downshift
To take full advantage of the generated power of the 2021 McLaren 765LT, the sequential-shift gearbox has a new “limit downshift” function. In the 720S, if a downshift were selected that would result in overrevving the engine, the shift would be refused. With the new limit downshift function in the 765LT, the gear change will automatically occur as soon as the engine speed safely allows it.
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Chassis Enhancements
Driving dynamics are also improved in the 2021 McLaren 765LT. Chassis enhancements include bespoke LT springs and damper, increased front track width, a lower front ride height as well as software updates for the linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension.
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Big Brakes
Since the 2021 McLaren 765LT can reach high speeds so quickly, engineers had to ensure that the car could reign in those velocities in similarly short order. To accomplish this, the 765LT uses latest-generation carbon ceramic brakes matched with the calipers from the McLaren Senna for immense stopping power. Ensuring no brake fade from overheating, the 765LT has integrated caliper cooling that delivers cool air to the brakes, reducing temperatures by up to 50 degrees during track driving. The 765LT can come to a full stop from 62 mph in less than 100 feet.
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Driver Engagement
“The 765LT is the most accomplished and exhilarating LT model ever from McLaren Automotive,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive. “Incredible performance and astonishing levels of driver engagement — the result of hundreds of detailed engineering actions undertaken to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and car — are the stand-out attributes of an LT developed with single-minded determination to deliver a wholly immersive driving experience to those who secure one of the 765 available to customer order,” Flewitt enthused.
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Engaging Soundtrack
A particular appreciation of any McLaren is the wonderful sound generated by its turbocharged engine. This aspect of a 2021 McLaren 765LT live performance gets enhanced by the quad outlets of its titanium exhaust system. As mentioned previously, the use of titanium in the exhaust system represents a 40 percent weight savings versus a typical steel system.
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Performance-Oriented Interior
The interior environment of the 2021 McLaren 765LT continues the focus on performance with an exposed carbon fiber floor, a carbon fiber center tunnel and carbon fiber racing seats. As with other McLarens, the 765LT can be completely customized with high-end audio systems, soft-grain leather trim and a range of interior color themes. In keeping with the extroverted styling of the 765LT, a series of bright exterior colors are available, including Nardo Orange and Smoked White.
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McLaren Special Operations
McLaren offers a wide variety of customizations from McLaren Special Operations, a division of the company that allows buyers to further personalize the look and performance of their particular vehicles. Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations Ansar Ali explained that “Customers who want to further reduce the weight of their new 765LT, add individual touches of luxury or enhance the car’s already striking looks — or indeed do all of this and more — are catered for by personalization services available from McLaren Special Operations.”
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Longtail Coming Soon
With its increased power, lightweight design and chassis enhancements, the 765LT is able to achieve the fastest lap times of any McLaren Super Series vehicle. Only 765 copies of the 765LT will be available with a retail price in the U.S. of $358,000. Orders are being accepted now, with deliveries of the 2021 McLaren 765LT expected to begin in the U.S. early next year.
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