We know that many supercar companies are working on a hybridized powertrain, but today, McLaren jumped the gun with its stunning new Artura model based on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). It's the company's first series-produced hybrid model that promises amazing specs without compromising on style.
Between 2013 and 2015, McLaren assembled P1 models that are now worth a fortune. And while the specs of the Artura aren't quite on that level, it's still blisteringly fast yet also "affordable" by supercar standards. It slots in the range between the McLaren GT and the 570S, yet it's more powerful and should attract customers from other exotic brands.
If you've got a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid or some other kind of plug-in, this could be the mid-engined beast for you. The Artura features a new high-performance hybrid powertrain that centers not around a familiar V8 but a new 3.0-liter V6, which can produce 577 horsepower (585 PS) on its own. In addition, there's a relatively small electric motor in the transmission housing that can add another 94 hp (70 kW).
Combined, they add up to a pretty impressive 671 hp (680 PS). According to McLaren, the 0 to 62 mph (100 km) sprint time is 3.0 seconds, which makes it just 0.2 of a second slower than the P1 hypercar. McLarens always punch way above their weight, so we suspect the car is actually more powerful and faster than officially claimed, perhaps even a match for some V12 supercars if they're a little older.
The plug-in hybrid part comes from five lithium-ion modules with a combined capacity of 7.4 kilowatt-hours. They add weight, of course, but the whole thing still only about 3,303 pounds (or 1,496 kg). The crucial thing is that with an all-electric driving range of 19 miles or 30 km, the Artura might be able to go into cities that are otherwise unfriendly towards supercars.
Crucially, it's also a looker, maybe not to the same level as a Ferrari Roma. But the perfect mid-engined proportions have been wrapped in just enough creases, vents, and flying buttresses. Is it worth $225,000? Let us know in the comments.
If you've got a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid or some other kind of plug-in, this could be the mid-engined beast for you. The Artura features a new high-performance hybrid powertrain that centers not around a familiar V8 but a new 3.0-liter V6, which can produce 577 horsepower (585 PS) on its own. In addition, there's a relatively small electric motor in the transmission housing that can add another 94 hp (70 kW).
Combined, they add up to a pretty impressive 671 hp (680 PS). According to McLaren, the 0 to 62 mph (100 km) sprint time is 3.0 seconds, which makes it just 0.2 of a second slower than the P1 hypercar. McLarens always punch way above their weight, so we suspect the car is actually more powerful and faster than officially claimed, perhaps even a match for some V12 supercars if they're a little older.
The plug-in hybrid part comes from five lithium-ion modules with a combined capacity of 7.4 kilowatt-hours. They add weight, of course, but the whole thing still only about 3,303 pounds (or 1,496 kg). The crucial thing is that with an all-electric driving range of 19 miles or 30 km, the Artura might be able to go into cities that are otherwise unfriendly towards supercars.
Crucially, it's also a looker, maybe not to the same level as a Ferrari Roma. But the perfect mid-engined proportions have been wrapped in just enough creases, vents, and flying buttresses. Is it worth $225,000? Let us know in the comments.