McLaren Artura Spider revealed as brand's first hybrid convertible

McLaren has revealed the Artura Spider as its first drop-top hybrid, ushering in more power and a raft of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades that will also be used on an updated version of the coupé.

1. Artura Spider claimed to be the lightest convertible supercar in its class
2. 3.0-litre V6 engine makes 19hp more
3. o-100kph time matches the coupe's 3.0 seconds

​McLaren Artura Spider weighs only 1,457kg

The Artura Spider is claimed to be the lightest convertible supercar in its class “by as much as 83kg”, with its 1457kg kerb weight giving it the edge over the Maserati MC20 Cielo and Ferrari 296 GTS.

Extensive use of lightweight materials – such as carbonfibre for the folding hard-top – means it is just 62kg heavier than the current coupé version. The Ricardo-developed 120-degree 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine has been carried over but an ECU remap – which can be performed on the existing McLaren Artura – has given it a 19hp boost to 604hp.

Together with the 94hp axial flux motor in the gearbox, the total system output is now 699hp. That gives a power-to-weight ratio of 480hp per tonne and a 0-100kph time that matches the existing coupé’s, at 3.0sec. McLaren Artura Spider top speed is 330kph but McLaren chief engineer Andy Beale said the firm is “keen to do a chunk more than that”. The engine drives through an enhanced version of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which now shifts 25 percent faster. It is also equipped with a new function that allows the driver to spin the rear tyres up when planting the throttle from a standstill.

The Artura’s ‘emotional’ credentials are enhanced here by the addition of an electrically folding hard-top – framed in carbonfibre or with an electrochromic glass panel.

The roof can be operated at vehicle speeds of up to 50kph and deploys in as little as eight seconds, making it one of the fastest-folding of any convertible on sale. Because the roof mechanism sits where the engine cooling vent is on the coupé, air is extracted via new ducts. Particular attention has been paid to aerodynamics, with an 8mm foil on the windscreen smoothing airflow over the cabin. International deliveries of the Artura Spider and updated coupé will begin in the middle of this year, hot on the heels of the lightly refreshed GT and new 750S, which replaces the 720S.

McLaren India line-up

In our country, the Woking-based supercar maker retails the GT, the Artura and 750S. The Artura Spider is also expected to arrive in India, though it's launch timeline is yet unknown.