The perception of driving a hybrid continues to change as more and more sports car makers reap the benefits of instant torque for neck-snapping acceleration, the latest being McLaren’s new Artura hybrid supercar.
Joining the likes of Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Acura NSX, Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 and even its stablemates the P1 and Speedtail, the Artura is designed to be the next step in the evolution of the breed.
The 2022 Artura is different from the other McLarens as it’s the company’s first-ever series production model. It’s also the first to use the company’s new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, or MCLA, specifically designed for high-performance hybrids. The new model is the result of intense work to migrate toward hybrid and, eventually, all-electric vehicles.
Purpose-built high-performance hybrid
The new model went on a diet, in some measure because of the MCLA, but also the company looked to cut weight wherever possible. For example, they reconfigured the cabling used in the electrical systems, saving 10% in that area.
Not including the hybrid components, the Artura boasts a dry weight of 3,075 pounds. The total weight of the hybrid components is just 287 pounds, which includes the 194-pound battery pack and 34-pound E-motor), resulting in a DIN curb weight of 3,303 pounds.
This puts the new model on par with comparable nonhybrid supercars, which is a massive advantage for the Artura. It boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 481bhp/ton, which leads the class, McLaren says.
“Every drop of McLaren’s experience and expertise has been poured into the Artura,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive, during the online debut of the newest model.
“Our all-new, High-Performance Hybrid delivers all of the performance, driver engagement and dynamic excellence for which McLaren is renowned, with the additional benefit of EV driving capability. The introduction of the Artura is a landmark
moment – for McLaren, for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy this car on every emotional and rational level, and for the supercar world.”
A new breed of McLaren
The result of this effort is a stunning machine that moves McLaren forward from being a maker of no-nonsense, no-frills performance beasts to modern supercar purveyors. Want outrageous power? 671 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. Check.
Want outrageous speed? In the video revealing the new car, the company skipped 0-to-60 mph (3 seconds, btw) instead heading straight to 0-to-124 mph, which it clocks in 8.3 seconds. It hits 186 mph (or 300 kph) in 21.5 second and a top speed limited to 205 mph. Check.
Perhaps most interesting, like the aforementioned Acura NSX and others, the gas-powered engine in the Artura is not a V-8, but a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that on its own puts out 577 hp and 431 lb.-ft. of torque.
High performance isn’t new for McLaren. However, now you get all of this jaw-dropping outrageousness with an all-new interior with niceties like air conditioning, key controls on the steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment and configuring the advanced driver assistance systems and — gasp — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All of this comes with McLaren exterior design that screams “I’m faster than you,” and the revised interior that comes in four different color options. If you’ve got $225K, you can order it now. It comes four specifications that include things like power folding mirrors, soft-close doors, power seats and Homelink. It also comes with a five-year vehicle warranty, a six-year battery warranty and 10-year body warranty.
