Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
Image: McLaren
With a supercar heritage that includes Gordon Murray’s legendary F1 and the world’s first hybrid supercar, the limited production P1, the all-new Artura, McLaren’s first production-series, plug-in hybrid, is understandably expected to define new benchmarks in the category… writes Graham Eagle.
Image: McLaren
Recently revealed at McLaren Johannesburg’s Melrose Arch showroom, it certainly doesn’t disappoint, its styling clearly an evolution of McLaren’s recent design approach but somehow “tighter and cleaner” and clearly optimised for aerodynamic efficiency. Assisting in reducing the number of shut lines and joints, the entire rear clamshell is superformed in one piece and includes the integrated rear spoiler.
This uncluttered appearance carries over to the vehicle’s interior. The steering wheel is free of buttons or controls, with the gearshift paddles and rotary toggle switches controlling handling and powertrain modes, located within fingertip reach. Infotainment and connectivity controls are included in a centrally mounted 8-inch HD touch screen while navigation is displayed in the main instrument cluster. The lightweight carbon fibre Clubsport seat fitted to the launch vehicle pivots in an elliptical arc, which simultaneously adjusts under-thigh support, height, and tilt, while visibility and headroom are excellent.
Image: McLaren
The drivetrain is the heart of any supercar, and in this case was developed with the objective of reducing emissions without any compromises to performance. As a plug-in hybrid, it features a newly developed 2993 cc, 120° V6 engine, combined with an axial flux electric motor mounted in the transmission bell housing. These drive through a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with electric reverse gear, and McLaren’s first electronically controlled differential. Combined power and torque of 500 kW and 720 Nm ensures a 3,0 sec 0 – 100 sprint and 330 km/h (limited) top speed, while the 70 kW / 225 Nm electric motor provides an electric-only range of up to 31 km to achieve WLTP combined emissions of 104 g/km and fuel consumption of 4,6 l/100km.
This highly efficient drivetrain is mounted in McLaren’s Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), a tub uniquely optimised for hybrid powertrains. Combined with the lighter engine and bodywork, and despite the added weight of the 7,4 kWh battery, the Artura is the lightest vehicle in its class with a kerb weight of only 1 498kg.
Rear suspension has been revised and, in conjunction with the new E-diff, improves braking stability and enhances traction when accelerating hard out of corners. McLaren has uprated their highly regarded electro-hydraulic steering and use of Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technology – a chip in each tyre providing data to the car’s stability control system – optimises tyre performance.
Image: McLaren
Estimated price for the standard specification is R5,2 million, dependent on the prevailing exchange rate, while three further interior specifications are available to match personal tastes – Performance, TechLux or Vision, the latter providing a more avant-garde look and feel. Standard vehicle warranty is five years, with a six-year battery warranty and a 10-year body perforation corrosion warranty.
Keyword: Artura – McLaren’s electrified future now in South Africa