McLaren Artura Spider can crawl from 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds

The McLaren Artura plug-in hybrid supercar gets a sibling, well sort of. The British automaker and Formula One constructor revealed the latest variant of its hybrid electric sports car, and it is called Spider.

It is the second model under the Artura nameplate and has significant upgrades to power, performance, driver engagement, and more importantly, a retractable hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds.

“The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose. We have upgraded the powertrain and the chassis systems to deliver more power, more dynamic performance, and even higher levels of connection with the driver – without any compromise in everyday driving. And now alongside the new Artura coupe, we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all of these improvements and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range,” said Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

The new Artura Spider weighs 1,457kg mainly due to the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). It also uses aluminum impact and an ethernet electrical architecture is also part of MCLA, reducing cabling by 25% and with that proportional weight.

Power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that has been recalibrated to deliver an extra 20 PS. It also has an E-motor located within the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission bell housing. Together, both systems send a total of 700 PS and 720 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. In action, it takes the Artura Spider from 0-100km/h in 3 seconds flat, 0-200km/h in 8.4 seconds, and 0-300km/h in 21.6 seconds. Maximum speed is limited to 330km/h.

It has a Launch Control system for optimized performance on track along with three dynamic handling modes – Comfort, Sport, and Track. Four powertrain drive modes are also available - Comfort, Sport, and Track, plus the electric-only, emissions-free E-mode which gives the electrified supercar an all-electric range of around 33 km.

The cabin of the new Artura Spider has a plain steering wheel – free of buttons and controls – but has sculpted gearshift paddles, a McLaren Clubsport seat, and the McLaren infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) with two high-definition screens. Audio is piped to a five-speaker McLaren Audio System or an optional Bowers & Wilkins 12-speaker surround sound audio system.

Safety features include Lane Departure Warning and Road Sign Recognition, and available optionally are Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Switchable Follow Mode, Auto High-Beam Assist, Blindspot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Traffic Detection.