McLaren Artura Debuts: McLaren’s Future Is Electrified

• 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and electric motor make a combined 680PS and 720Nm.

• Paired to an 8-speed DCT, the Artura hits 100kmph in 3 seconds and tops out at 330kmph.

• It debuts the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). 

• Design highlights include a long, low slung nose, air vents all over, a large rear diffuser,  and high-mounted dual exhausts.

• Features McLaren’s new MIS II infotainment system, a driver-focused cabin, and active safety features with OTA updates. 

• Deliveries to commence by Q3 2021.

After fairly long testing and teaser campaigns, McLaren has finally taken the wraps off the Artura hybrid supercar. It's the third McLaren hybrid after the discontinued P1 and the Speedtail and also the carmaker’s first series-production hybrid supercar. Overall, the Artura boasts plenty of firsts.

 The Artura debuts McLaren’s new carbon-fibre structure, christened McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). This new platform is optimised for hybrid powertrains and latest-generation driver technologies. 

Powering the Artura is an all-new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, alongside a plug-in hybrid electric motor. The two make a combined 680PS of grunt and 720Nm of twist. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drivetrain, the supercar propels from standstill to 100kmph in just three seconds with the top speed electronically limited to 330kmph.  

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The Artura can also run on all-electric power with the 7.4kWh capacity battery pack allowing a range of up to 30km. As for charging capabilities, it can charge up to 80 percent in 2.5 hours with a standard EVSE charging station. These batteries are also capable of harnessing energy from the internal combustion engine via four driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Sport and Track. 

Notable tech under the skin includes a rear suspension layout comprising a split lower wishbone to aid stability around corners. The Artura also debuts McLaren’s electronically controlled differential to help in traction out of corners. Combined with a new carbon-fibre monocoque and carbon ceramic brakes, the Artura weighs 1,395kg.  

Performance aside, the Artura represents an evolution in terms of McLaren’s design philosophy. Up front, you get a long, low sleek nose featuring the carmaker’s trademark hammerhead line. The front splitter, front fenders, and the doors feature numerous air vents to help manage airflow, cool the radiators, and optimise downforce. Heading towards the rear, the Artura features a nice mesh design, flanked by a sleek pair of LED tail lamps and dual exhausts, with a massive diffuser below. Bespoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear alloy wheels sporting Pirelli rubber round off the sleek exterior design.

There’s also a nifty feature for the Artura’s bespoke Pirelli tyres in the form of the Pirelli Cyber Tyre system. Basically, each tyre is fitted with an electronic chip to monitor real-time temperature and pressure fluctuations. So the driver can select the ideal tyre pressures for optimal grip.

Heading inside, the driver-focus is clearly visible with the digital instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, no controls on the steering wheel, and new Clubsport seats. The new architecture has led to the Artura hosting a bunch of new cabin features such as an 8-inch touchscreen sporting McLaren’s new MIS II infotainment system. It gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, new track telemetry software, and a new Bluetooth key for locking/unlocking the car. It also gets active safety features such as high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition with over-the-air (OTA) updates. 

It will slot in between the GT and the 720S with prices starting from GBP 185,500 (Rs 1.87 crore). Deliveries will commence in the third quarter of the year.