McLaren Artura
The Artura marks the beginning of a new era for McLaren. For the first time since the premiere of the MP4-12C eleven years ago, a completely newly developed engine is used. The sports car brand is also gearing up for the future and combining it with an additional electric motor to create a hybrid system. The bulk of the drive is provided by a three-liter biturbo V6 engine with a 120-degree cylinder bank angle that is 50 kilograms lighter than the previous V8. Now the turbochargers are installed in the hot inner-V. McLaren specifies 680 hp and 720 Nm of torque as the system output. 95 hp comes from the electric motor in the transmission bell housing. A purely electric range of around 19 miles is possible. Power transmission is handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The electric motor is used instead of a reverse gear. For the sprint from standstill to 124 mph, the datasheet specifies 8.2 seconds. 62 mph are reached within three seconds. Top speed is limited to 205 mph.
Newly developed carbon monocoque
In the lightest available configuration, the Artura weighs just 1,498 kilograms unladen. This low weight was made possible by consistent lightweight construction. Even the wiring harness of the hybrid system has been reduced in weight by ten percent. In total, the hybrid components including the electric motor and batteries weigh just 130 kilograms. It is designed as a plug-in system and can therefore be charged up to 80 percent in 2.5 hours by cable. Alternatively, charging takes place on the move depending on the selected driving mode. The five lithium-ion battery modules have an energy capacity of 7.4 kWh. For the first time, McLaren uses their newly developed McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) platform for the Artura. This received a customized battery compartment in the rear from the outset. Also integrated was an innovative domain-based electrical network architecture including electrical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (eHVAC) system. This system reduces wiring requirements by 25 percent.
Innovative tire technology
In the wheel arches sit 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch wheels in the rear with new Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology. This is the result of a collaboration between Pirelli and McLaren and consists of both the special rubber compound of the tires and software modules that have been integrated into the chassis control unit. Each tire contains a chip that supplies data in real time. This makes it possible to control performance and air pressure. By this, McLaren enables a level of grip previously only achieved by the Trofeo R tires on the 600LT. In addition, the tires are also equipped with Pirelli’s Noise Cancelling System (PNCS), which allows the Artura to roll almost silently in electric mode. Behind the wheels sits a carbon-ceramic braking system from the factory. As with the current LT offshoots in the other model series, this system also received aluminium brake calipers.
Form follows function
From the previous models in the McLaren range, the new Artura took over the dihedral-opening doors. This principle helps to get in and out of tight parking spaces, as the opening angle is significantly reduced. As usual, the basic shape of the car subordinates itself to functions such as cooling and aerodynamics, but doesn’t look ugly in the process. The LED headlights, along with the air intake below, echo the basic shape of McLaren’s ‘Speedmark’ logo. If the optional ADAS driver assistance package has been ordered, the front radar sits at the front of the splitter. Louvres sit above the front wheels, providing ventilation for the wheel arches. The entire rear end consists of a single component created using the Superform process.
Redesigned interior
Inside, McLaren focused the Artura even more on the driver. The switch for selecting the drive mode and for adjusting the suspension and drivetrain, including the electronic rear differential, has been moved to the top next to the digital display behind the steering wheel. A total of four driving modes are available: Electric, Comfort, Sport and Track. The display is now connected to the adjustable steering column, which improves the ergonomics. There are still no distracting buttons and switches on the steering wheel. The occupants take their seats on new Clubsport seats. Comfort seats are also available as an option. Overall, McLaren designed the cockpit to offer the standardized ‘97.5 percent man’ (1.93 meters tall) sufficient head and knee room. McLaren’s second-generation infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) can be operated via the central touchscreen display. Thanks to new software and hardware, response speed is at smartphone level.
Orders available now
McLaren backs the Artura with a five-year vehicle warranty, a six-year battery warranty and a ten-year body warranty. Initially, four different trim specifications are available. Above the base are the Performance, TechLux and Vision trim lines. The normal option range includes 35 different paint colors, including the new ‘Flux Green’. Price lists start at £ 185,500 in UK, 226,000 € in Germany or US$ 225,000. Orders can be placed immediately. For the Artura, McLaren is taking the 540C, 570S and 570GT models off the market.
Images: McLaren
