The McLaren Artura Spider, the British supercar brand’s latest topless thriller, has arrived in Japan. Its launch here also marks the model’s Asian debut.
Boasting a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6 paired to an E-Motor, the Artura Spider can deploy a combined 690bhp and 720Nm of torque from both the engine and electric motor.
Said engine is 50kg lighter than a McLaren V8 powerplant. Apart from being more compact, its 120-degree V-angle also enables engineers to mount it lower in the chassis to lower the car’s centre of gravity. The engine has been improved and produces 20bhp more than the one in the Artura Coupe.
The electric section of the powertrain, on the other hand, consists of an axial flux E-motor that by itself can generate 94bhp and 225Nm of torque. Powered by a 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery, the Artura Spider has an all-electric range of 33km.
The convertible’s kerb weight of 1560kg is 62kg more than the Artura Coupe and similar to that of a mid-sized sedan. The secret behind the Artura Spider’s light weight is McLaren’s Carbon Lightweight Architecture.
Thanks to this, the Artura Spider finishes the century sprint in just 3.0 seconds and does zero to 200km/h in 8.4 seconds. Top speed is 330km/h. The eight-speed Seamless-Shift gearbox has been enhanced with a new pre-fill feature that enables 25% quicker gearshifts compared to the Artura Coupe.
Power and acceleration aside, McLaren claims the Artura Spider is also its ‘most efficient convertible ever’ and manages an EU WLTP fuel economy average of 20.8km/L.
The Carbon Lightweight Architecture is also why the Artura Spider can have relatively slim buttresses behind the seats. These contain the rollover structure (in case of mishaps) and have sections finished in polycarbonate glaze for improved rearward visibility.
These buttresses also aid aerodynamics, in particular, they also help channel air towards the engine bay. Optimally placed vents and ducts bring in cooler air while helping remove hot air.
Meanwhile, the Artura Spider’s Retractable Hard Top is made from carbon fibre composites, but it can also be specified with an Electrochromic glass panel that allows users to either darken or brighten the cabin. In its darkest setting, the Suspended Particle Technology blocks 96% of solar energy to aid in cooling the interior.
Facing drivers behind the wheel is McLaren’s MIS II infotainment and connectivity system, which consists of two HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment display. The instrument cluster moves in tandem with the steering wheel when it is adjusted for reach and rake, making it easier for drivers to adapt themselves to the car.
The Artura Spider gets McLaren Audio System as standard, but those seeking better sound can specify the optional Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker surround sound system.
The Artura Spider’s launch coincided with the opening of McLaren Yokohama, the brand’s seventh showroom in Japan. Torque understands that the car is expected to reach Singapore between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
McLaren Artura, the brand’s new high-performance hybrid, officially debuts in Singapore
