Gondola head from the Woking firm, with the exception of very limited series, the 765LT is in turn offered a variant with a retractable roof to become one of the most extreme discoverables of the moment. And one of the most expensive too.
The concept of the discoverable supercar, like the McLaren 765LT Spider, borders on schizophrenia in general. A profusion of means is implemented to lighten as much as possible an overpowered coupe before it is finally ballasted with reinforcements of all kinds once the roof has been removed.
But the brand’s approach to kiwifruit is a bit different. The two variants of the 765LT share most of their carbon monocoque, developed in parallel. Among these common elements, there is the windshield bay, conversely often the subject of specific treatment by the competition. The rear part of the chassis is barely heavier from the composite roll-over protection brackets.
Without bothering with any consolidation of its architecture itself, the Spider relies more on the retractable roof panel, cut in one piece in carbon, and the structure that accompanies it to compensate for a possible lack of rigidity. With its 1,388 kg announced empty, the British roadster, the headgear maneuverable in 11 ”up to 50 km / h, thus contains his overweight at only 49 kg compared to his cut brother and maintains a difference of 80 kg in his favor against a “simple” 720S Spider.
Anecdotal overweight which therefore has no impact on performance. With or without a roof, the 765LT remains capable of 0 to 100 km / h in 2 ”8 and 0 to 200 km / h in 7” 2. Even the memorable Ferrari 812 GTS and its intoxicating, atmospheric 800bhp V12 seem beaten on this point.
Because obviously, the mechanics remain identical from one body to another. The McLaren remains faithful to the V8 4.0 biturbo in its version of 765 hp and 800 Nm. The M840T unit is once again associated with a 7-speed robotic gearbox, the gear ratio of which is significantly shortened compared to that used by the 720S to promote acceleration.
To take full advantage of this furious mechanic, and not just in good weather, a third window at the back of the crew can be operated independently of the flag. Something to keep in tune with the titanium exhaust line which ends in a way as spectacular as ever, albeit a bit caricature, with four outlets emerging between the profiled taillights.
Always at the stern, the movable fin adopts specific management to best adapt to the position of the roof, open or closed, and contribute whatever happens to the increase in aerodynamic downforce of 25% compared to the 720S Spider.
Less designed for strolling hair in the wind than for carving lines with a line, the 765LT Spider also relies on extremely sharp undercarriages. The controlled suspension and its diagonally interconnected shock absorbers adapt their mapping to the tiny additional weight.
The 19 and 20 ”forged rims, redesigned for the occasion and secured with titanium studs, are wrapped in dedicated Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R. And behind these wheels naturally nestle carbon-ceramic brake discs that it is however possible to exchange for those, promised even more resistant, of the delirious Senna. Because the happy buyers of this 765LT Spider, whose production is planned to 765 copies (like the coupe), will obviously have plenty of time to raise a minimum price of £ 310,500, or around € 368,000. Here again, the Ferrari 812 GTS is beaten, that is to say …
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