Introducing the McLaren Artura Spider
The McLaren Artura Spider is a true luxury supercar built for the demands of modern times. It is light, compact, agile, and fabulously responsive to the throttle, yet it is also capable of silent, zero-emission electric progress for up to 21 miles.
Introduced in 2023 as a Coupé, the Artura quickly established itself as a benchmark in its class. The line-up has since expanded to include a convertible Spider version, catering to those who prefer open-top driving.
The new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain delivers breathtaking performance and efficiency, while the E-mode and excellent visibility make this supercar a realistic daily driver. The latest improvements add an extra edge to the performance without detracting from its comfort or civility.
Design and Practicality
The lean and sinuous lines of the Artura with its distinctive hammerhead nose, integrated front fender louvres and headlight air intakes are pure McLaren; it looks like it is doing 150mph even when standing still.
For the Spider, McLaren’s design and engineering teams have created a retractable one-piece hardtop that can open or close in 11 seconds, while four separate ducting systems increase engine cooling and heat extraction while reducing occupant buffeting.
Such is the inherent strength of the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that there is no loss of rigidity compared with the Coupé. Kerb weight is just 1,560kg, just 62kg more than the Coupé, making it the lightest convertible supercar in its class.
Interior, Technology, and Safety
McLaren Artura Spider’s infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) features two high-definition screens, including a driver display and a central 8.0-inch vertically oriented touchscreen.
Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in navigation come as standard. A Bluetooth vehicle key detects when the driver is approaching and powers up systems to welcome occupants.
There is a choice of three interior specifications: Performance, which has a motorsport aesthetic; TechLux, where the focus is on the tech features; and Vision, which has an avant-garde look and feel.
Standard safety features include Lane Departure Warning – which retains user-preference until manually reactivated via a fascia-mounted switch - and Road Sign Recognition. Options include intelligent adaptive cruise control with switchable follow mode, auto high-beam assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.
Engines and Performance
Combine McLaren’s 697bhp 3.0-litre M630 dry-sump aluminium petrol engine with a 94bhp electric motor, and you have supercar nirvana. The petrol engine revs to 8,500rpm while the electric motor provides its full 188lb ft of torque from 0rpm; the result is instant, breathtaking acceleration at any engine speed.
Combined, the plug-in hybrid powertrain develops 690bhp and 531lb ft of torque, giving a 0 to 62mph time of just 3.0 seconds. Double that speed to 124mph, and it gets there in 8.4s; triple it to 186mph, and it is done in just 21.6 seconds.
Harnessing that sensational powertrain is a carbon fibre monocoque with aluminium front and rear subframes. Independent adaptive dampers with Proactive Damping Control (PDC) offers a choice of Comfort, Sport and Track modes.
Brakes are carbon ceramic; the transmission is an 8-speed sequential gearbox with an e-differential. A redesigned exhaust lets you enjoy the sound of that howling V6 in full surround sound with the roof down.
Test drive the McLaren Artura Spider
With its carbon fibre monocoque, ethernet electrical architecture, superformed aluminium bodywork and its V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain the Artura Spider is lean, light, and highly advanced, a tribute to McLaren’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
To experience the McLaren Artura Spider for yourself, and to discover if it could be the perfect car for you, please contact your preferred Stratstone McLaren retailer.
