McLaren Artura Arrives: Light-weight, High-Price Supercar

Join us in welcoming another hybrid supercar to the world. Introducing the McLaren Artura.

Yeah, it’s another car (or car company — we see you, Stellantis) with a weird name that sounds vaguely celestial.

The specs, at least on paper, sound a bit more down-to-earth, at least as down-to-earth as one can get in this realm of the market.

Riding on a new platform called McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, the Artura uses a body that mixes aluminum and carbon-fiber and tips the scales at 1,498 kg/3,305 pounds or so.

A 3.0-liter twin-turbo, mid-engined V6 provides the internal-combustion part of the equation, and the combined power output between the petrol engine and the electric motor is 671 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. On its own, the V6 puts out 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque.

That power gets to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission and electronic rear differential, which McLaren says is a first for the company. There’s no reverse gear, by the way — the electric motor just spins the other way when the driver needs to back up.

Other key specs include a 7.4 kWh battery, approximately 18 miles of electric-only driving range, 93 horsepower from the electric motor, a claimed 0-62 mph time of three seconds, and fuel economy of more than 50 mpg. The claimed top speed is 205 mph, and the Artura isn’t just a hybrid, but a plug-in hybrid.

Even the well-heeled worry about repairs, so McLaren has given this car a five-year vehicle warranty and added on a six-year battery warranty and 10-year body warranty.

The company aims to achieve high-performance handling via an electro-hydraulic steering setup and damping control. Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber will be fitted to the car.

Inside, the Artura offers a steering wheel that has controls for most key functions, meaning drivers should be able to keep their hands on the wheel. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen will allow the driver to adjust the driver-assist systems, and smartphone mirroring (think Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) will be available.

There are four driver-selectable drive modes — electric-only (up to 18 miles), comfort, sport, and track. McLaren is also touting the top upper wishbone rear suspension, which has two lower links and a tie rod in front of the center of the wheel.

When it comes time to stop, carbon-ceramic rotors and all-aluminum calipers should do the trick nicely.

Buyers will be able to update their car’s software via over-the-air updates and in some markets, they’ll be able to track their ride if it’s stolen. Though one would think any McLaren would stick out in traffic, making quiet getaways difficult for thieves.

Pricing starts at $185,500 pounds or about 257,000 USD. Four trim packages will be available.

[Images: McLaren]