2021 Artura is McLaren's idea of a plug-in hybrid

In 2012, McLaren introduced its first-ever hybrid model – the P1 hypercar. It had a combined output of 916 horsepower, 900 Nm torque, and a 31 km electric driving range from its twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor. Very impressive at the time, considering hybrid technology is not as efficient today. But, it cost over USD 1 million new and made in limited numbers. Now, McLaren is offering a new hybrid model at less than half the price.

Nine years since the launch of the P1, McLaren now introduces the Artura plug-in hybrid. It is the brand's first series-production High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar. While it might look similar to the outgoing 720S or 765LT, the vehicle is all-new, including the platform. The Artura will be the first of many to ride on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA).

Instead of a twin-turbo V8, the Artura uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that produces 585 horsepower and 585 Nm torque alone. The “E-Motor” located within the transmission bell housing provides an extra 95 horsepower and delivers instant torque up to 225 Nm. Combined, the Artura produces 680 horsepower and 720 Nm torque. A 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack can power the car for thirty kilometers in pure-electric mode.

Probably the coolest feature of the Artura is that the transmission does not have a reverse gear. Instead, it utilizes the electric motor to reverse the car by spinning in the opposite direction. Neat trick, Mclaren.

Despite the added weight of the batteries, the Artura has a dry weight of 1,395kg. Mclaren claims it is comparable to supercars that don't have a hybrid powertrain. As a result, 0 to 100 km/h takes only 3.0 seconds, and reaching 200 km/h takes 8.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 330 km/h.

McLaren's new plug-in hybrid may fall short of the P1's 900 horsepower range, but it's also a lot less expensive. In the US, the price starts at USD 225,000 or roughly PHP 10,900,000. Of course, it won't have that price tag here because of all the taxes and tariffs. Expect it to be a lot more once the supercar makes its way to the Philippines.