The McLaren Artura Spider marries the thrill of open-air exhilaration with cutting-edge hybrid technology. It is McLaren’s inaugural foray into the convertible hybrid supercar segment. It also introduces significant enhancements over its predecessor, including increased power, performance, and an enriched connection between driver and machine.
The new Artura Spider has a kerb weight of 1,560kg, just 62kg more than the Artura coupe. These figures position the new Spider as one of the lightest among high-end convertibles. More importantly, in combination with the 700PS high-performance hybrid powertrain, it has a power-to-weight ratio of 480PS/tonne at the lightest dry weight.
The McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura provides “a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the fixed roof is removed,” according to the carmaker. The majority of the 62kg difference between Spider and coupe is accounted for by the electrically-operated Retractable Hard Top (RHT) mechanism.
McLaren’s high-performance hybrid powertrain has been recalibrated, with an additional 20PS from the mid-mounted V6 combustion engine on the MY25 Artura, increasing overall power to 700PS. The additional power is focused from 4,000rpm to the redline at 8,500rpm, providing a marked ‘crescendo’ in performance. The peak torque value remains at a muscular 720Nm.
The 3.0-litre M630 dry-sump aluminium petrol engine, which now achieves in excess of 200PS per litre, is extremely compact and lightweight. At just 160kg, it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter. The soundtrack of the engine has also been enhanced, with a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape. This provides a ‘cleaner’ sound that envelops the occupants. An optional sports exhaust system is also available.
The response and power of the V6 are complemented by an extremely compact axial flux E-motor. Located within the transmission bell housing, it generates 95PS and 225Nm and boasts 33% greater power density than the system used in the iconic McLaren P1 hypercar. The instant torque delivery provided by the E-motor and the 605PS of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine gives the Artura razor-sharp throttle response and acceleration across the board, whether in-gear or through the gears.
The Artura Spider’s official 0-100kmph (0-62mph) acceleration is 3.0 seconds, 0-200kmph (0-124mph) ii 8.4 seconds and 0-300kmph (0-186mph) is 21.6 seconds. These figures highlight the levels of supercar performance available, all the way up to a maximum speed limited to 330kmph (205mph).
A Launch Control system is standard, as is a new ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away’ feature. The Artura has four powertrain drive modes: Comfort, Sport and Track, plus the electric-only, emissions-free E-mode. The degree of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) intervention can also be adjusted, to suit driver preference and weather and road conditions.
The visual design and architecture of the new Spider make it immediately recognisable as an Artura, despite the integration of the Retractable Hard Top (RTH) and the changes this brings. The ‘shrink-wrapped’, sculpted bodywork; signature ‘hammerhead’ nose; integrated front fender louvres; and headlight air intakes are all familiar, as are the dihedral doors that open close to the body to allow easy access and egress in tight parking spaces.
The requirements of the RHT system are central to the new Spider’s distinctive visual identity. All-new buttresses – which incorporate the rollover structure – include a glazed section to aid rear visibility that also doubles as a channel for airflow into the engine bay area. A heated rear screen, which raises or lowers at the touch of a button either to optimise comfort with the roof lowered or to allow exhaust sound into the cabin for additional driver engagement when it is raised, is located between the buttresses.
The cabin of the new Artura Spider – trimmed in performance or luxury materials according to the driver’s preference – retains the purposeful, driver-focused design of the coupe. The ‘clean’ steering wheel is free of buttons and controls, aside from the sculpted gearshift paddles which move with the wheel. The driver display binnacle, which moves with the column when adjusted for reach or rake to ensure all driving information is always within the driver’s eyeline, also houses the controls to select Handling and Powertrain modes.
The innovative McLaren Clubsport seat is fitted as standard in most markets. Adjusting through an elliptical arc to combine the range of motion expected of a moveable backrest with the lightweight and close support of a bucket seat, the Clubsport seat is equally at home on the road or track. Adjustable lumbar support can be specified as an additional feature. Drivers wanting a more traditional but still appropriately sporting seat can choose the electrically adjustable, heated comfort seats with memory.
A revised range of options and options packs are introduced with the MY25 Artura, including exterior and interior carbon fibre components and a new, faster vehicle lift. Silver badging is now a no-cost option, with new Stealth badging – which incorporates black badges front and rear as well as a black McLaren Speedmark on the wheel centre caps – standard fit.
The MY25 Artura has a new 15-spoke wheel as standard, in silver finish. A new gold-coloured Orum wheel finish is available on both Dynamo and Star wheel designs, with the latter now available in a full range of finishes. The Calibre 10-Spoke Super-Lightweight wheel joins the list of optional wheels, and is available finished in Silver, Dark Stealth or Gloss Black. All wheels can be optionally specified with Titanium Wheel Bolts, saving approximately 0.4kg of unsprung mass.
An extended palette of exterior paints, some of which are available on the Artura for the first time, is introduced for the new Spider. Twenty Elite colours are offered in addition to the standard five colours, with a further eighteen MSO colours also available.
Every new Artura comes as standard with a five-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty. A six-year, 75,000km/45,000-mile battery warranty and a ten-year anti-perforation body warranty. These warranties can be extended. A three-year service plan is also included, as is a five-year roadside assistance package.
