What: 2023 McLaren 765LT
Where: Queensland Raceway, QLD
Conditions: Warm, sunny and dry
What is it?
McLaren’s track-ready supercar, designed to do battle against the likes of the Ferrari 488 Pista, Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Lamborghini Huracan STO. The 765LT is based on the already-impressive 720S but with its performance and handling turned up to 11. This is McLaren’s hero model, so much so that the company’s Formula 1 star, Lando Norris, has one in his personal garage.
READ MORE: McLaren 765LT detailed
Why does it deserve a track test?
The 765LT is the latest in McLaren’s ‘Longtail’ series that goes back to the original McLaren F1 when it was redesigned for the Le Mans 24-hours, so it’s steeped in racing history.
Back then the squared-off tail of the F1 was extended for improved aerodynamics on the famous French circuit and while this modern take is slightly longer than the 720S, the ‘LT’ is more about intent rather than length.
READ MORE: McLaren 720S Spider review
What’s it like inside?
McLaren may not have the road car heritage of Ferrari or Porsche but the British brand has quickly built its own unique design aesthetic. While it would be easy to call it a plain design, the truth is McLaren interiors are efficient and have an understated style.
In the case of the 765LT it feels more purposeful, with racing-style seats and loads of Alcantara on most surfaces. In the case of the specific 765LT we tested, it feature a huge number of MSO options, include orange highlights throughout the cabin (and exterior) that really pop.
How’s it go down the straights?
The newer twin-turbo V6 Artura has seen McLaren launch its first all-new motor since the return of the brand with the 12C, but the 765LT relies on McLaren’s dependable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
While it’s fundamentally the same as you’ll find in the 720S a raft of upgrades for the 765LT to make it more powerful and offer more torque. The 765LT has 570kW at 7500rpm and 800Nm at 5500rpm, that’s a 40kW and 30Nm improvement over the 720S; enough to make it the most powerful road-legal Longtail model yet.
It feels every kilowatt on the track, launching out of the pitlane with ferocity. That initial shove over power gives way to a steady stream of acceleration as you keep your foot down, allowing the 765LT to really rocket down Queensland Raceway’s straights.
Coming out of the last corner and squeezing on the throttle feels like you’ve hit the afterburners on a fighter jet, it just keeps pulling and pulling, making turn one come up in what feels like no time at all.
What’s it like in the bends?
As you’d expect from a track-ready, flagship performance model from a brand with a long and illustrious history (and present) in F1 and sports car racing, the 765LT has a sophisticated aerodynamic system to ensure it handles like a race car.
Underlining just how different the 765LT is from the 720S it comes with a unique extended front splitter, carbon fibre floor, unique door blades, a longer rear diffuser and a rear wing, all of which work together to generate 25 per cent more downforce than the 720S. The rear wing is set 60mm higher and further back than the 720S too, which helps justify the ‘Longtail’ name.
Like the 720S though, the rear wing is hydraulically-operated so it can pop up under braking to work as an ‘airbrake’ and help you stop even quicker.
The 765LT uses the same linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension system used on the 720S, but features upgrades to both the hardware and software taken from the limited edition Senna hypercar. The front end geometry has been changed, with the track now 6mm wider while the ride height has been reduced by 5mm at the front too.
The springs are new as well, made of a lightweight material in order to save unsprung mass while retaining the same ride performance.
The steering ratio is now quicker and there is a stiffer torsion bar for greater feedback to the driver.
All this adds up to a car with lightning-fast responses, feeling almost telepathic whenever you adjust the steering or hit the brakes. Few cars turn in with the precision or directness that the 765LT can, allowing you to place it exactly where you want it and boosting your confidence as a driver.
The stopping power is immense too, with the standard carbon ceramic brakes which are fitted with the same calipers as the Senna. The 765LT was the first McLaren to feature the F1-inspired ‘integrated caliper cooling’ which delivers cool air directly to the front brakes for better performance and stronger pedal feel.
This is genuinely one of the best handling cars I’ve ever driven, feeling not only comfortable on a racetrack but completely at home – like the track is its natural habitat despite its number plates.
Is it a front-runner or backmarker?
McLaren only offered 765 examples of the 765LT and for those fortunate enough to be on that list find themselves with one of the best examples of a modern supercar. The British brand may not have the road car history of Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini, but just as it has done on the racetrack, it is capable of standing wheel-to-wheel with the best in the business.
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