SUPERCAR BATTLE INTENSIFIES
McLaren and Porsche have unleashed new record-shattering sports cars, albeit with slightly different driving concepts
The Macca’s body seems to have lots of aero tricks …
After making the 720S as the new model of its latest Super Series, McLaren has unleashed a lightweight, track-capable version called 765LT (Longtail).
Replacing the 675LT, the 765LT has incremental improvements in performance to make it one of the most potent McLarens to go on sale.
The 765LT has 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 making 765hp and 800Nm compared to the 675LT’s 3.8-litre variation producing 675hp and 700Nm.
As you correctly noted, the 765LT employs aero tricks around the car for enhanced grip and vehicle control, coupled with carbonceramic brakes and Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Lightweight bits include titanium exhaust (with four pipes protruding from the rear at the same level), thinner glass and carbon fibre seats, as such. The 1,339kg overall weight is said to be 70kg lighter than the 720S.
Has it reached new levels of performance? In its own right, yes. The 765LT goes from 0-100kph in 2.8sec and 0-200kph in 7.2sec — 0.1sec and 0.7sec quicker than the 675LT.
McLaren is keen to point out that the 765LT has 15% quicker transmission response than in the 720S to the benefit of better ingear acceleration of the seven-speed dualclutch automatic.
As ever, McLaren is promising a combination of performance and driving dynamics over its intended competition like the Ferrari 488 Pista and Lamborghini LP640 Performante (both based on old donor cars, though).
A total of 765 units of the 765LT will be made worldwide at a yet-to-be-disclosed price. The 720S itself costs 26.5 million baht in Thailand.
And could that be the fastest 911 ever? After introducing the latest 992-based 911 in 385hp and go-faster 450hp S guises, Porsche has officially announced first details for the Tur b o S.
The road missile, available in both Coupe and Cabriolet bodies, comes with the latest development of the brand’s 3.8-litre (the other two 911s have a smaller 3.0-litre) flat-six featuring new intake system and larger turbochargers.
As a result, the Turbo S goes from 0-100kph in a staggering 2.7sec. That’s 0.2sec faster than before (the old Turbo S had 580hp) and the quickest time for the 911 ever; the previous record-holder for the 911 was the 991-based GT2 RS with 2.8sec.
Aiding the Turbo S dynamically are 42mm and 10mm wider front and rear tracks, 255/35 20 and 315/30 21 front and rear tyres, and 10mm lower active suspension.
Is it quicker than that McLaren?
Yes and no, if we’re talking about official performance figures. The 765LT from McLaren can do 0-100kph in 2.8sec. The 911 Turbo S is a 0.1sec quicker, which could probably be attributed to eight-speed dual-clutcher, allwheel drive and Sport Chrono launch control.
But from 0-200kph, the Porsche’s 8.9sec time is inferior to the McLaren’s 7.2sec record, possibly due to the higher power output.
The driving concepts of these two supercars are slightly different, though. While the 765LT is a lightweight special with track dynamics in mind, the 911 Turbo S is about power in a straight line. Which is to say that the 765LT and 911 Turbo S aren’t direct competitors.
Expect the 911 Turbo S to hit Thai showrooms later this year below the 20 million baht level.