The McLaren 765LT is rated at 755 hp and priced at $358,000.

McLaren has a relatively small but solid track record of not resting on its laurels. While other supercar manufacturers are content to release the same model for a decade or more, McLaren is constantly introducing new models. And thanks to the fast car cycle, a long-tail (LT) version of the McLaren 720S is now available.

See McLaren 765LT model.

Like previous LT cars, the 765LT is longer and lighter than the base car. However, in this case, the overall length of the 765LT is 57 mm longer than the 720S due to an enlarged front splitter. McLaren claims that the LT represents a performance improvement and does not require a longer tail.

In terms of weight reduction, extensive changes throughout the car brought the total weight down to 176 lb (8.6 kg). A number of other modifications also reduced the car's weight: titanium wheel nuts, a titanium exhaust (with a new four-piece design), polycarbonate windows, and interior trim. Of course, plenty of carbon fiber has been used instead of heavier materials. The lightest version now weighs just 2,709 pounds unladen.

McLaren also tweaked the 720S's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, adding a few more horsepower. Maximum output is now 755 hp and maximum torque is 590 hp, compared to the 720S's 710 hp and 568 lb-ft. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was also tuned for quicker acceleration when shifting gears, and the suspension springs (two smaller springs were installed instead of two heavier double stiffener springs) and shock absorbers underwent special tuning.

As a result of all the modifications, the car could accelerate to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and to 124 mph in 7.2 seconds.

In addition to the aforementioned front splitter, the body received a unique aerodynamic package with new side skirts, a rear diffuser and a large rear wing. McLaren also increased the front track width by 6mm and lowered the front strut height by 5mm to further increase downforce and add aggressiveness. The result is 25% more downforce than the 720S.

Braking power is provided by carbon-ceramic rotors adapted from McLaren Senna track car calipers, with F1-style cooling ducts to prevent the rotors from overheating. The brakes are mounted in 10-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires as standard.

In the cabin, the instrument panel and part of the center console are made of lighter carbon fiber. In addition, the carbon fiber floor is left bare and the air conditioning and audio system are removed. In addition, a "cold" window can be added behind the seats to allow access to the V8 engine. Speaking of the engine: the engine mounts have been reinforced, allowing a lower-frequency rumble to penetrate the cabin.

Prices for the 765LT start at $358,000. US$358,000 and include a number of standard options, including the aforementioned titanium exhaust pipes and carbon fiber aerodynamic elements. Also standard are a liftgate, forged alloys with titanium tips, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and alcantara trim; a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is a free option; the 765LT features the aforementioned titanium exhaust and carbon fiber aerodynamic elements.

The 765LT has a number of possibly expensive options offered by McLaren's MSO customization department. These include racing bucket seats with carbon fiber frames, durable brake pads for long track days, boom and six-point seat belts, a data logger and other gadgets borrowed from Senna, and a special Circuit package. The package includes.

Only 765 examples of the 765LT will be sold worldwide, and orders are already being taken. Given the performance offered, the production quota is likely to be short lived.