The 2020 Geneva Motor Show was cancelled due to the Coronavirus, but that didn’t impede the thrill of the McLaren 765LT press release. With a 755 hp and 590 lb-ft torque twin-turbo V8, the 756LT hits 0-60 mph in a blistering 2.7 seconds and will reach a 1/4 mile in less than 10 seconds. Many supercars have similar 0-60 speeds (making the measurement a bit irrelevant these days), but the lightweight 765LT will hit 124 mph in just 7.2 seconds (yowza!).
Speaking of the weight, McLaren states that the 765LT is an entire 176 lbs lighter than the already impressive 720S – coming in at a dry weight of 2,709 lbs, providing an insane power-to-weight ratio. Just think about this, in the mid 2000’s, the “benchmark” Ferrari F430 weighed 245 lbs more and had 265 less hp (OK, if used the Scuderia specs it would have been a tad closer, but I’m trying to make a point here!). It’s crazy how powerful and light cars have become.
The interior of the car uses lightweight materials and is strictly business. The carbon fiber racing seats and exposed carbon fiber floor are sure to make you feel like you’re in a fighter jet. Comforts like air-conditioning and an audio system are omitted standard for weight savings too, but not to worry, they’re available for no extra cost. I think I’d add the extra weight for some AC (755 hp won’t provide any breeze if you’re stuck in hot sticky beach traffic), but the lightweight titanium exhaust system may provide enough of a soundtrack on its own.
The press release goes into great detail about additional weight savings and improvements in aerodynamics on the 765LT, take the snippet on the “Longtail” rear wing for example: “Lengthened compared to a 720S wing – and with a surface area 20% greater – the 765LT rear ‘wing’ sits proud of the rear deck, curving upwards towards the middle, rather than swooping downwards in line with the rear bodywork. The newly elevated static position increases downforce levels even when the wing isn’t deployed and with the new design having a minimal effect on drag, aero efficiency – the downforce-to-drag ratio – also increases by 20% over the 720S. A cut-out in the center section of the wing both maintains rear visibility and ensures that high temperatures from the exhaust do not impact the wing when a vehicle is stationary after extended circuit running.”
Delivery of the 2021 765LT is planned for September 2020 with no official pricing announced, but many are estimating in the $350-$375k range. Yeah, that’s a lot for a car without AC.
