THREE years ago, McLaren took the covers off the Artura, its first series-production High Performance Hybrid supercar. Now, the range has been further expanded with the introduction of the convertible version called the Artura Spider.
McLaren says the Spider has significant upgrades over the original model, including more power, more performance and greater driver engagement.
First and foremost, the 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine has been reworked to bump up the total system output by 20 PS to 700 PS. Torque remains at a healthy 720 Nm but its delivery has been optimised thanks to minor changes to electronic mapping.
The engine is paired with an electric motor housed in the gearbox. The motor generates 95 PS and 225 Nm, and is coupled with a 7.4 kWh capacity battery that provides an electric range of up to 33 km.
With a recalibrated eight-speed transmission, the Artura Spider can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.4 seconds. Despite being a convertible, it can reach a maximum speed of 330 km/h.
The powertrain benefits from new mounts that are tuned to improve control within the chassis. This limits powertrain movement, especially when under load and in turn improves stability, steering feel and overall vehicle agility.
The Artura Spider uses a retractable one-piece hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 50km/h. It has a kerb weight of 1,560 kg, just 62 kg more than the Artura coupe.
To provide a full convertible experience, McLaren has fitted 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.
An optional sports exhaust system is available, should the buyers want an enhanced, clearer tone overall. This system uses an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.
Ride and handling is enhanced through revised response rates of the Proactive Damping Control suspension system. The rates have been increased by up to 90%, improving reaction to driver input and changes in road surface.
For braking, the Artura Spider utilises carbon ceramic discs measuring 390 mm at the front and 380 mm at the rear. Each are coupled with six- and four-piston aluminum monobloc calipers, respectively.
