14 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 28 AUGUST 2019
Mule’s rear spoiler
is a test prelude to
extended bodywork
M
cLaren is readying a
faster, lighter, Long Tail
version of the 720Sfor launch next year –
and a new prototype caught
testing appears to confirm
development is well under way.
This test mule looks at first
to be a standard 720S with
some modifications, but tell-
tale cues include Gurney flaps
and a much larger front splitter.
Although the traditional Long
Tail extended rear end – foundon models such as the 600LT
- doesn’t feature on this early
mule, the extended spoiler
plastered in tape suggests
engineers are testing for such
bodywork modifications prior
to completing them.
McLaren is yet to confirm
whether or not it’ll use the
750LT name for the Long Tail
model, but earlier this year,
CEO Mike Flewitt told Autocar
that the power gain from S to
LT will be “at least” as much
as that which turned the 570S
i nto th e 6 0 0 LT. A s su c h , a
740bhp (750PS) power output
is expected.
However, Flewitt also stated
that engineers have been
struggling to shed the 100kg
now expected of LT models
“because we made the 720S
as light as we could in the first
place”. It’s expected McLaren
will still be capable of removing
a meaningful amount of weight
for the LT, though.
The Woking firm is also
battling to find an aesthetically
pleasing way to incorporate the
top-exit exhausts seen on the
600LT into the 720S’s body
- something this prototype
doesn’t have. That suggests a
decision still has to be made.
A production limit has yet
to be set for the model, which
could arrive in the middle of
next year. “Part of me wants
to keep it open, as Porsche
does with its GT models,” said
Flewitt, “but we might limit it
to something like 750 of each
[coupé and Spider].”
LAWRENCE ALLAN
McLaren hones 750LT for 2020
Lighter, Long Tail version of the 720S, due next year, is tipped to get at least 740bhp
Bentley to give Bentayga a timely shot in the arm
BENTLEY WILL UPDATE
its best-selling model, the
Bentayga SUV, next year
to bring it into line with its
latest models – and disguised
prototypes have hit the road.
The Bentayga has been
around since 2016 withno significant styling or
technology upgrades. Since its
launch, an all-new Continental
GT has arrived and the latest
generation of the Flying Spur
will appear in dealers soon.
To ensure the Rolls-Royce
Cullinan rival is brought up to
date, revisions to the exterior
will bring it into step with the
brand’s latest look. It’s too
early to tell how extensive
these will be, but expect a
reshaped grille, fresh bumpers
and tweaks to the front andrear lights.
Just as significant will be
the technology overhaul inside.
The current car’s infotainment
system has been criticised for
feeling out of date next to those
of VW Group siblings from Audi
and Porsche, so Bentley will
bring in the latest system
from the Continental GT and
Flying Spur. A fully digital
instrument display is also
likely to feature, and the range
of active safety technologyshould increase.
The flagship W12 engine is
tipped to receive upgrades
to boost efficiency, but don’t
expect anything dramatic
across the rest of the range.
The V8 is still relatively new
and the six-cylinder plug-in
hybrid model will return. A
revival of the diesel model,
axed in 2018, is unlikely.
Disguise hides
Bentley’s latest
corporate look
NEW PLUG-IN VOLVO S 60 GETS 385 BHP
The Volvo S60 now has a 385bhp plug-in hybrid
T8. Offering 36 miles of electric range and
0-62mph in 4.6sec, it’s priced from £49,805.
Elsewhere, Inscription and R-Design trims have
been replaced with higher-spec Plus packages.
E-CORSA RALLY CAR OPEN TO ALL-COMERS
Opel has revealed the Corsa e-Rally, the world’s
first electric rally car for customers. Built for a
new 2020 German one-make series, the e-Rally
has the same 134bhp motor as the Vauxhall
e-Corsa. Prices start at less than £50,000.
SPY SHOT
McLAREN 750LT
SPY SHOT
BENTLEY BENTAYGA