4…MCLAREN ARTURA

MCLAREN ARTURA

McLaren embraces a hybridized future of high performance with the sculptural 2022 Artura supercar. The newly introduced mid-engine two-seater rides on a new lightweight platform. It also pairs a twin-turbo V-6–the company’s first–with a batteryelectric powertrain to create a plug-in-hybrid model–another first. The duo generates a combined 671 horsepower and 531

pound-feet of torque. Performance estimates are highlighted by a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Its bodywork is pure McLaren, complete with prominent air vents and scissor-style doors. Along with a more

premium and spacious interior than the 720S, the 2022 Artura offers several convenience and driver-assistance features.

The Artura is powered by a new hybrid twin-turbo V-6 that makes a combined 671 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine is supplemented by an e-motor located within the housing of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it’s juiced by a 7.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the rear of the cabin. McLaren says the new

powertrain will even provide a “medium range” of all-electric

operation. It’ll also provide hold-on-to-your-hats acceleration, with an estimated 3.0-second run from zero to 60 mph and on its way to 124 and 186 mph in 8.3 and 21.5 seconds, respectively. Its top speed is electronically limited to 205 mph. The Artura is also the first McLaren to ride on the company’s new Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which is said to be lighter than its predecessor’s structure. The Artura has an all-new central carbonfibre tub that’s lighter than the one used by previous McLarens, with aluminium crash beams front and rear, and an aluminium rear subframe to

support the engine and rear suspension. The ‘shrink-wrapped’ body panels are a combination of carbonfibre and superformed aluminium.

Although everything about the Artura’s structure is new, it seems there is an optimal size for a McLaren. Like the 570S and 720S, the Artura is a little over 4,500mm in length and just

under 2,000mm wide but its 2,640mm wheelbase shaves 30mm from that of the previous cars, aiding agility.

The Artura’s impressively low kerb weight of 1,495kg results from a concerted weight-saving campaign that began four years

ago. “Every drop of McLaren’s experience and expertise has been poured into Artura,” said McLaren CEO, Mike Flewitt. “Its introduction is a landmark moment.”

Inside, the Artura largely demonstrates McLaren’s functionbefore-fashion approach. However, the cabin is dressed up with snazzier materials, such as leather and microsuede. There’s also less visible carbon fiber than is typical on other models. Still, the company is known for its minimalist cabin designs that limit

the presence of physical switchgear and include steering wheels that are free of buttons and the Artura is no exception. It comes standard with power-adjustable seats, and the McLaren looks to have excellent outward visibility to help drivers place the car precisely on the road or the racetrack. While it’s not as capacious as the McLaren GT, the Artura boasts 6 cubic feet of luggage space in the front trunk.