This is the achingly-cool new Artura Spider - which is being described as McLaren’s ‘first-ever high-performance hybrid convertible’.
There are plenty of reasons to get excited here.
Firstly, McLaren has upped the ante when it comes to power. Both the new Artura Spider and the revised Artura Coupe get 700 PS - up from 680 PS with the original coupe, first launched in 2022.
McLaren’s Spider will also accelerate just as ferociously as the Artura coupe - reaching 62 mph in 3.0 seconds, getting to 124 mph in 8.4 seconds, and hitting a top speed of 205 mph.
Meanwhile the Spider’s retractable one-piece hard-top operates electrically in just 11 seconds, and at speeds of up to 31mph. A heated rear screen can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button to stop the back of your neck getting a chill.
The Artura Spider and the coupe share the same engine - a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol that’s allied to a compact 7.4kWh hybrid battery that uses liquid cooling technologies developed for the McLaren Speedtail.
You’re looking at a range of up to 21 miles using electricity alone.
And that powertrain is being aimed squarely at drivers who want to get behind the wheel of their supercar every day of the week, with ‘the near-silent electric-drive so beneficial in urban environments’, says McLaren.
The addition of the Spider’s top-down thrills simply ‘ensures intoxicating supercar exhilaration’.
The Artura Spider weighs in at 1,457kg - just 62kg more than the Artura coupe. It’s down to the British firm’s patented McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) platform.
That, says McLaren, makes it lighter than most of its rivals, which includes cars like the Ferrari 296 GTS, Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, or the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder.
McLaren has also improved the noise the Artura makes to mark the Spider’s release.
A spokesperson tells us: “The soundtrack of the engine has also been enhanced, with a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape to the tailpipes to further refine the engine note at the middle and higher points of the rev range. This provides a ‘cleaner’ sound that envelops the occupants. An optional sports exhaust system is available, offering an enhanced, clearer tone overall and even greater driver engagement through an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.”
A Launch Control system for optimised performance on track is standard, as is a new ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away’ feature. Activated by disengaging Electronic Stability Control by pressing the ESC button on the driver binnacle, this allows ‘dramatic wheelspin’ when accelerating from standstill with a large throttle load.
There are also new engine mounts that stiffen proceedings, especially when under load, and which in turn ‘improves stability, steering feel and overall vehicle agility, delivering a more precise – and more involving – drive’, according to McLaren.
The carbon ceramic brakes have also been fettled to improve stopping distances.
.jpg)
Inside the cabin, you can expect a wealth of creature comforts, including a set of twin screens and smartphone mirroring, as well as safety tech like adaptive cruise control and rear cross traffic alert. Perfect for the school run.
The McLaren Artura is priced from £221,500 to buy outright.
And if you dream of getting behind the wheel of your own supercar, have a chat with the experts in Select Car Leasing’s dedicated Specialist Division, who can talk you through your finance options.
.jpg)
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Renault Scenic E-Tech named ‘Car of the Year’... and also gets more affordable!
- Most powerful CUPRA Born yet!
- VW ID.7 Tourer estate gets full reveal
- Cold test for Alpine A290 electric hot hatch
- New KGM Torres SUV revealed
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why
