With the now-retired Lamborghini Aventador SV around since 2015 and the fresh-out-of-the-oven McLaren 765LT having already earned drag racing superstar status (hypercar-beating 9.3s 1/4-mile times in factory trim), it's not difficult to anticipate what happens when the two get together at the drag strip. Or is it?
Judging by the best quarter-mile times delivered by the Italian exotic and the British missile, it's clear that they play in different leagues, with about one second separating them.
The McLaren is up to 100 hp more potent (here's an independent dyno test showing that the Macca's TT 3.8L delivers up to 850 hp in the real world, albeit with race gas being involved). Perhaps more importantly, it's also well over 500 lbs (250 kg) lighter.
Besides, the Brit's dual-clutch tranny can't even be compared to the automated manual ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) gearbox of the Raging Bull when it comes shift times, with the latter also not being as launch-friendly (it can cause bogging at times).
As for what happens in the quarter-mile confrontation we have here, the Lambo in question is a Roadster, which increases its scale footprint disadvantage. Furthermore, its tires might not be in the best condition, at least judging by how all four wheels struggle to find traction on certain occasions. Inconsistency is the word that best describes the Aventador Superveloce's launches, with the behavior ranging from pulling small wheelies to spinning until the gearbox drops out of the automatic shifting mode, leaving the driver unprepared for the manual labor.
Thus, the extra horses the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 of the Sant'Agata Bolognese machine received via a custom exhaust and a tune might not have the desired effect, at least during the takeoff phase. Note that the McLaren came to the battle in stock form, albeit while using Toyo R888R rubber.
Speaking of which, YouTuber Brooks of the Drag Times channel, who delivered this adventure to us, agreed to give the Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster a bit of a head start, as you'll notice in the only successful run (out of three), which awaits you at the 5:00 point of the clip below.
Did we say a bit of a head start? We meant a massive lead since the drivers agreed that the McLaren 765LT would only set off once the Lamborghini completed the 60-foot sprint, with the latter's time shown on the drag strip display. And yet we have to warn you that nothing can prepare one for the race's sheer visual impact.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News