mclaren 765LT debuts supercar with long, technical, laser cut rear

‘I love how old le mans cars had fluid surfaces meeting technical elements, and we recreated this,’ previews rob melville, design director, mclaren, to designboom ahead of the debut of their new supercar – the mclaren 765LT. the ‘longtail’ sub-brand always delivers their most exclusive models – just like the 600LT in 2018 and spider in 2019 – but the 765LT is said to be their ‘most exciting super series yet’. following the line of airflow, carbon fiber components accentuate its precise, dramatically sculptured body. this creates an engaging juxtaposition where smooth surfaces collide into technical details and define a much harder aesthetic than previous cars.

all images courtesy of mclaren

‘the rear view is the best view,’ explains the designer. this is not just down to the mclaren 765LT’s new longtail active rear spoiler, which stretches an additional 9mm to help manage air and downforce, but also thanks to the car’s full width laser cut mesh, blade taillights and quad exhaust system. as well, the dramatically sloped polycarbonate roof and c-pillar is on view as it provides a glimpse at the powertrain inside. the result sums up its unique proportion, expression and character.

at the front, the supercar has a lower, more planted and more poised aesthetic. this is defined by a lower, sharper shoulder line that bridges the two meaner ‘eye socket’ headlights and much deeper front splitters together. its visual drama continues across the car, where, for the name of optimized aerodynamics, the surface is interrupted by deeper sculpted doors and front fender vents that are cut in the shape of the mclaren logo. finally, carbon fiber at the front flows across the whole length to finish at the rear bumper.

with as much detail and precision as you would find on an F1 car, the mclaren’s technicalities also define its interior. an exposed carbon fiber floor is combined with a carbon fiber tunnel. this sets the tone for the cockpit, which, to match its motorsport inspiration, features carbon fiber senna seats with alcantara upholstery. perforated, lightweight yet dark materials adorn the rest of the cabin, focusing the driver’s attention on the road and their performance. looking back again, passengers can glimpse the V8 through the double-glazed panel – just like you could through the polycarbonate roof from the outside.

it is the 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8, with new forged aluminum pistons, that delivers the power to match the car’s dramatic design. 765ps of power and 800nm of torque propels it from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and onwards to 124mph in 7.2mph. this is also thanks to an optimized transmission gearing that provides 15% quicker in-gear acceleration than a 720S. made from its advanced carbon fiber body components, the car has cut 80kg to offer a dry weight of 1,229kg. this helps mclaren enhance driver engagement both on road and track driving.