McLaren 765LT checks in from $609,650

THE most powerful Longtail McLaren to date, the 765LT, has arrived in Australia priced from $609,650 plus on-road costs yet every one of the 765 units being produced worldwide has been sold.

Ultimately a harder, faster and more focused version of the already rabid 720S, the 765LT is powered by a 563kW/800Nm version of McLaren’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 while power to channelled to the rear wheels via a reworked seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With more power on tap as well as 80kg less weight than the 720S, the 765LT races from 0-100km/h 0.1 seconds faster than its donor car to stop the clock in 2.8s before bringing up 200km/h in 7.2s and then onto a top speed of 330km/h.

Carbon ceramic brake rotors clamped by callipers pinched from the Senna help haul it back up again.

According to McLaren Asia Pacific and China managing director George Biggs, the Longtail name is embedded in McLaren’s heritage and history as a brand.

“The very essence of this supercar is to question the rules of traditional engineering, challenge the parameters of performance and engagement, and push the boundaries further than we ever have before.

“With only 765 units available, the 765LT will deliver an immersive sensory experience with the purest possible connection between driver and car.”

As an indication of the even more extreme performance on offer compared to the 720S, the 765LT flaunts a myriad of more aggressive aerodynamic features, bigger and more numerous vents around the body and an increased number of carbon-fibre trim pieces.

Those aero features improve downforce by a claimed 25 per cent with the whole package riding 5mm lower on a reworked suspension set-up now featuring lightweight main springs paired with ‘helper’ springs.

The 80kg weight saving meanwhile comes from the extensive use of carbon-fibre both on the body and within the interior, a titanium exhaust, lighter transmission, thinner windscreen and glass windows and Alcantara upholstery.

Befitting of its Longtail nomenclature, the 765LT is 59mm longer than the regular car however only nine of those extra millimetres are found at the back; the majority of the added length comes from the new bespoke nose.

McLaren sold five cars last month, marking a 25 per cent increase on the four it shifted in January 2020.