McLaren Artura debuts as their first “affordable” hybrid

McLaren’s first hybrid, the P1, was quite a novelty as the hypercar cost more than 1 million. Now they have decided to offer the tech at a more reasonable cost with the launch of their new McLaren Artura, the brand’s first series-production hybrid vehicle.

Built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), the Artura comes in with a low dry weight of 1395 kg despite all the hybrid tech including batteries and the motor. A new petrol engine has also helped shed 50 kilos over the V8 of the McLaren 570S. Speaking of the engine, the McLaren Artura is powered by a combination of a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and an electric motor, producing a combined total of 671 hp, with 804 Nm of torque supplementing it.

The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. With all this firepower, the Artura can run from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.0 seconds, just 0.2 seconds shy of the mighty P1. The top speed is limited to 330 kph. As it is a plug-in hybrid, the  Artura can run on pure electric juice for 30 km. Using the standard charger, the batteries can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just two and a half hours.

With the new construction, the McLaren Artura gains more tech too, both in the areas of safety and entertainment. Adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, lane-departure warning and road sign recognition gets added to the safety list. The infotainment system is updated too, with a better touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, smartphone mirroring and a Variable Drift Control Function, the latter limited only for track use. Comfort and convenience are also in focus, thanks to the power-adjustable seats, heated and electrically-foldable mirrors, soft close doors, and nose lift.

The new McLaren Artura will set you back by US$ 225,000 (Dhs 826,425), a quarter of what the P1 used to cost when new. Expect it to be roaming UAE and GCC streets by the end of this year.