McLaren Artura revealed: top three features

McLaren’s new hybrid supercar has made its debut. Named the Artura, the 205mph model represents a significant step towards electrification for the British brand, following on from the famous P1 hypercar.

It’s a futuristic take on the traditional McLaren formula. The £182,500 Artura may utilise twin-turbo V6 grunt and plug-in electric power, but light weight and rapid performance are still factors the manufacturer has truly obsessed over.

For more detail, here are three key features you need to know about…

Powertrain

In the Artura, gone is the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 commonly associated with McLaren’s current line-up. In its place is a 577bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, 92bhp electric motor and 7.4kWh battery.

While the presence of electric witchcraft will certainly put off many purists, the petrol-powered V6 has some tricks up its sleeve to draw them back in. The engine’s gloriously high redline of 8,500rpm is arguably the headline aspect.

Another interesting fact about the engine is that it’s the world’s first-ever production 120-degree V6 – for reference, the McLaren V8 (previously mentioned) is a 90-degree motor. This setup comes with many advantages, according to the manufacturer, including a lower centre of gravity and a short engine length.

Performance

With 671bhp – V6 and e-motor working together – sent to the rear wheels through a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, performance is impressive to say the least. The Artura is a missile with a 0-60mph time of 2.8 seconds and 0-125mph time of 8.3 seconds. Top speed is an incredible 205mph.

On the other hand, don’t assume the Artura is a one-trick pony – it’s been built to dominate in the corners, as well as in the straights. Super-clever adaptive dampers and a limited-slip differential (electronically controlled) means the Artura should eat most circuits for breakfast.

What’s more, McLaren’s famed hydraulically-assisted steering makes a welcomed return in the Artura, adding some good old-fashioned driver involvement to the plug-in performance car package.

Weight

EVs and hybrids tend to be heavy due to the hefty nature of batteries and electric motors. In the case of the Artura however, McLaren have made sure to keep the weight down. At 1495kg, it’s no Lotus Elise, but the model is impressively light for what is.

In fact, the Artura only weighs a mere 27kg more than a 720S. This all means the hyperactive hybrid should feel hot on its feet and keen to change direction.

Of course, we’ll all have to wait for reviews and roadtests to see how it really drives. The Artura is certainly one to watch.