Overview
The McLaren 765LT is a track-focused exotic sports car that weighs less than 3000 pounds and basically bolts a nuclear reactor behind its passengers. The latter constitutes a 755-hp twin-turbo V-8 that roars like a lion in heat. The letters in its name stand for Longtail, which indicates this McLaren means serious business. It shares a hollow-eyed expression, lightweight construction, and eminently customizable properties with the McLaren 720S. While its interior can be stripped down for further weight reduction, it remains a driver’s paradise thanks to fantastic outward visibility and only the most essential controls. The 2021 765LT isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s even more expensive than its shorter sibling, but that money help make it move quicker and corner sharper.
What’s New for 2021?
McLaren gives the Longtail treatment to the already incredible 720S for 2021, and the result is the slightly longer, considerably lighter, and intentionally more hardcore 765LT. While it shares a lot with the regular 720S, the LT also inherits bits and pieces from the almighty McLaren Senna. The company says it plans to produce 765 cars around the globe, with about 30 to 40 percent of those expected to be earmarked for the U.S. when the 2021 765LT goes on sale at the end of this year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While McLaren hasn’t said how much the 765LT will cost, we think it’ll start at about $75,000 more than the base 720S. We’d outfit our LT model with one of the many flamboyant paint colors and stick with the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires for maximum performance. We’d also select the MSO Clubsport Pro package that includes carbon-fiber accents, super-lightweight racing seats with a six-point harness, upgraded brakes, and the McLaren Track Telemetry system that records lap times. While we’d like to keep our 765LT as light as possible, we’d keep the four-speaker stereo and opt for the front-end lift system.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The mid-engined 765LT is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that is also featured in its 720S sibling. While the LT also feeds the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, its mill has been fortified with parts from the Senna. These upgrades help the Longtail produce 755 horsepower—45 ponies more than the 720S. Its noxious fumes and furious sounds that grow louder the harder its gas pedal is pressed are released through a set of high-mounted exhaust ports. We estimate that the 765LT will hit 60 mph in 2.4 seconds and charge from naught to 100 mph in just 5.0 ticks. The 765LT demonstrates the same preternatural track abilities and communicative feedback that makes the 720S so great. And our experience with that McLaren has proved the company knows how to tune a chassis and immerse drivers every time they get behind the wheel.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA doesn’t certify fuel-economy ratings for any McLaren models, but since we expect the slightly less powerful—and heavier—720S to achieve between 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined, it stands to reason the 765LT will be in the same ballpark. Because of its exclusive nature, we don’t plan on evaluating this Longtail’s real-world mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 765LT shares a design and layout with the detuned 720S. That means its cabin can be customized with a mix of soft-grain leather and faux-suede Alcantara upholstery as well as myriad color combinations. However, the LT’s interior has been optimized to reduce weight and boost performance, which in turn reduces refinement. Among the many weight-saving measures are lightweight seats, removed carpet, and thinner-gauge glass. Still, passenger space and outward visibility remain as excellent here as they are in the 720S. Just don’t forget that climbing in and out of the thing continues to be a pain in the ass and there’s virtually no cargo space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A vertically oriented 8.0-inch touchscreen is mounted in between the front-seat passengers. Those who aren’t fanatical about saving weight can opt to have a four-speaker sound system that brings other infotainment features that include Bluetooth connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 765LT can also be equipped with a powerful Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Of course, the entertainment equipment can be deleted at no cost to ensure the McLaren is as light as possible.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 765LT hasn’t been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—and its low-volume production numbers mean it never will be. In place of traditional driver-assistance technology, McLaren serves up useful options that are meant to keep the six-figure supercar scratch-free. Key safety features include:
- Available front and rear parking sensors
- Available front-end lift system
- Available 360-degree camera
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
McLaren protects the 765LT with a standard limited and powertrain warranty that spans three years with no mileage limit. The company also provides extended coverage for extra coin that lasts up to 12 years with a cap of 12,000 miles per year.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 3 years and unlimited miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Source: www.caranddriver.com