McLaren’s first High-Performance Hybrid supercar, Artura is packed with technology

It’s been a decade since British luxury automobile manufacturing company McLaren dipped its toes in the production-car pool with MP4-12C in 2011. The latest by the supercar marque is the 2022 Artura, the brand’s first in the High-Performance Hybrid supercar.

“Every drop of McLaren’s experience and expertise has been poured into the Artura. Our all-new, High-Performance Hybrid delivers all of the performance, driver engagement and dynamic excellence for which McLaren is renowned, with the additional benefit of EV driving capability. The introduction of the Artura is a landmark moment – for McLaren, for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy this car on every emotional and rational level, and for the supercar world.” commented, Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive.

Photo Credit: McLaren Automotives

At the heart of Artura’s powertrain is McLaren’s all-new, 2,993cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. With a power output of 585PS – nearly 200 PS per litre – and 585Nm of torque, the dry-sump aluminium engine is compact and lightweight; at just 160kg, it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency. Working in harmony with the new V6 is the Artura’s compact axial flux E-motor, located within the transmission bell housing. Smaller and more power-dense than a conventional radial flux E-motor, it can generate 95PS and 225Nm and boasts a power density per kilo 33% greater than the system used in the McLaren P1™. The instantaneous nature of the motor’s torque delivery – known as ‘torque infill’ – is key to the car’s razor-sharp throttle response.

The McLaren Artura is the first model to have the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at its core. Designed and manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in the Sheffield region, MCLA sets a new standard for McLaren’s advanced flexible chassis design. Optimised for high-performance hybrid applications, it includes a bespoke battery compartment. It introduces a ground-breaking domain-based ethernet electrical architecture, along with an electrical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (eHVAC) system. The supercar is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) capability and can be charged to an 80% charge level in just 2.5 hours with a standard EVSE cable. The batteries can also harvest power from the combustion engine during driving, tailored to the driving mode selected.

Photo Credit: McLaren Automotive

Inside, the Artura is no less of a revolution, with the cockpit centred more than ever around the driver. The driver can choose from four Powertrain modes, including an E-mode for 30km of emissions-free, electric-only driving. Designed for mixed driving conditions, the Comfort mode maximises range and efficiency. The combustion engine shut off under 40km/h using an extended stop and start mode but phased in for more incredible speed and power requirements. In Sport and Track modes, electric power is deployed aggressively for low-end response and acceleration (‘torque infill’).

An all-new McLaren infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) utilises two high-definition screens. The interface is built on all-new software and bespoke hardware to deliver a smartphone level of responsiveness and is also capable of smartphone mirroring. MIS II includes updated versions of familiar McLaren apps, including McLaren Track Telemetry and Variable Drift Control, and features a redesigned navigation map in the instrument cluster that focuses on key information to minimise driver distraction.  In addition to setting new benchmarks in the supercar class for performance and efficiency, Artura also brings new McLaren warranty protection and inclusive service provision levels.

“The all-new McLaren Artura was designed and engineered to perform at the highest level across the board, in electric power-only, zero-emission, urban commutes to weekend breaks, favourite-road drives and track day sessions. As well as setting new standards in the supercar class for performance and efficiency, it has a world-class warranty and service package to match, giving our customers peace of mind while they are enjoying their new high-performance hybrid supercar to the full.”, said Jamie Corstorphine, Product Strategy Director, McLaren Automotive.

Photo Credit: McLaren Automotive

Keeping your supercar protected and covered, every new Artura will be covered from the point of purchase by a 5-year/75,000km vehicle warranty, 6-year/75,000km hybrid battery warranty and 10-year, unlimited mileage, body (anti-perforation) warranty. This comprehensive package of benefits is included as standard in all markets worldwide, with the further provision of a 5-year roadside assistance package in most regions, including the UK. Along with that, the owners will also benefit from a 3-year service plan1, which covers the cost of all regular maintenance undertaken in the 12-month/15,000km/9,000-mile interval services, including essential oil and filter changes, renewing engine and E-motor air filters, brake fluid replenishment and complete safety inspections.

The new Artura, which is priced from £185,500 in the UK, is available in a standard specification and three different trim levels: Performance, which has a sporting, functional aesthetic; TechLux, where the focus is on the technical luxury the name suggests; and Vision, which displays a more and adventurous look and feel.