The new McLaren Artura Spider

The new Spider is introduced with significant upgrades to power, performance and driver engagement, which combine with the sensory pleasures of open-top driving to add a remarkable new dimension to the Artura.

Further elevating the Artura's next-generation supercar performance, the enhancements engineered for the Spider have also been incorporated into the Artura coupe, with a new model introduced simultaneously. Both the new Spider and new coupe deliver the highest levels of dynamic performance - up to and including outstanding circuit ability - as well as meeting the requirements of regular driving and offering the near-silent electric drive so beneficial in urban environments.

The new Artura Spider was designed and developed to ambitious targets across the board, with a particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. The additional attraction of a retractable hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible experience, ensures intoxicating supercar exhilaration.

McLaren's relentless focus on its super-lightweight engineering philosophy is key to delivering the advantages that enable the delivery of the exceptional dynamic characteristics and performance - with driver engagement to match - demanded of any of its cars.

The new Artura Spider has a dry lightest weight of just 1,457kg, with kerb weight (DIN) of only 1,560kg - just 62kg more than the Artura coupe. These figures position the new Spider as easily the lightest among the convertible competition, enjoying an advantage of up to 83kg.

More importantly, in combination with the 700PS of the high-performance hybrid powertrain, this gives a power-to-weight ratio of 480PS/tonne at the lightest dry weight, which perfectly positions the Artura Spider to optimise every aspect of supercar high-performance, including exploiting its mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive chassis layout to the full.

The McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura provides a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the fixed roof is removed - the majority of the 62kg difference between Spider and coupe is accounted for by the electrically-operated Retractable Hard Top (RHT) mechanism.

Beyond the core carbon fibre monocoque, MCLA incorporates aluminium impact structures and a rear structure that houses the hybrid powertrain. An innovative ethernet electrical architecture is also part of MCLA, reducing cabling by 25% and with that proportional weight. The electrical architecture was optimised in the development process for the new Spider to increase data capacity and transfer speeds.

McLaren's high-performance hybrid powertrain has been recalibrated, with an additional 20PS from the V6 combustion engine* on the MY25 Artura, increasing overall power to 700PS. The additional power is focused from 4,000rpm to the redline at 8,500rpm, providing a marked ‘crescendo' in performance. Peak torque value remains at a muscular 720Nm, its delivery optimised by minor changes to electronic mapping. This engine recalibration will also be made available free of charge to existing Artura owners via their McLaren Retailer.

The 3.0-litre M630 dry-sump aluminium petrol engine, which now achieves more than 200PS per litre, is extremely compact and lightweight - at just 160kg it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency. The dimensions are made possible by a 120-degree V angle design that also aids a low centre of gravity. The engine design reduces pressure losses through the exhaust system as well as allowing for a stiffer crankshaft and in turn a rev limit of 8,500rpm. The free-revving nature of the V6 engine is supported by the twin turbochargers being located within the "hot vee," a positioning that enables them to spin more rapidly, improving throttle response.

The soundtrack of the engine has also been enhanced, with a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape to the tailpipes to further refine the engine note at the middle and higher points of the rev range. This provides a ‘cleaner' sound that envelops the occupants. An optional sports exhaust system is available, offering an enhanced, clearer tone overall and even greater driver engagement through an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.

The response and power of the Artura's V6 is complemented by an extremely compact axial flux E-motor. Located within the transmission bell housing, it generates 95PS and 225Nm and boasts a power density per kilogramme 33% greater than the system used in the iconic McLaren P1™ hypercar.

The E-motor is powered by a battery pack comprising five lithium-ion modules, offering a usable energy capacity of 7.4kWh and an increased EV range of 33km (21 miles). The battery is refrigerant-cooled using cooling rails, and the assembly - including a power distribution unit which transfers battery power from the rear of the vehicle to the ancillaries in the front - is mounted on a structural carbon fibre floor. This assembly is then bolted onto the rear base of the monocoque, optimising stiffness, weight distribution and crash protection.

Overall, the Artura's compact hybrid componentry - including the 88kg battery pack and 15.4kg E-motor - adds just 130kg to overall weight, an achievement that is instrumental in the new Spider achieving its best-in-class weight figures.

The instant torque delivery provided by the E-motor and the 605PS of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine gives the Artura razor-sharp throttle response and acceleration across the board, whether in-gear or through the gears. The Artura Spider's official figures of 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.0 seconds, 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in 8.4 seconds and 0-300km/h (0-186mph) in 21.6 seconds highlight the levels of supercar performance available, all the way up to a maximum speed limited to 330km/h (205mph).

A Launch Control system for optimised performance on the track is standard, as is a new ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away' feature. Activated by disengaging the Electronic Stability Control by pressing the ESC button on the driver binnacle, this allows dramatic wheelspin when accelerating from a standstill with a large throttle load.

New powertrain mounts developed for the MY25 Artura bring clear benefits to dynamic characteristics. The new mounts are tuned to improve control of the powertrain within the chassis. This limits powertrain movement, especially when under load and in turn improves stability, steering feel and overall vehicle agility, delivering a more precise - and more involving - drive.

In addition to the dynamic benefits provided by new engine mounts, the increase in stiffness means the driver is more aware of the powertrain itself as being integral to the overall engagement they experience, adding greater theatre and emotion throughout.