McLaren teases its 500kW plug-in hybrid Artura
It seems that a hybridized future will be making its way to the McLaren nameplate. The British supercar brand recently teased its all-new Artura, and it's set to produce a staggering 500kW. The Artura will be the first-ever High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar for McLaren and it will be built on the latest McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, resulting in the model getting a kerb weight of just 1498kg.
Powering the Artura is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that will produce 430kW of power and 585 Nm of torque. To give the Artura its combined power output of 500kW is an electric motor that will produce an additional 70kW and 225 Nm of torque. This electric motor will use a 7.4 kWh battery pack which will be located under the rear of the cabin. The Artura will be charged using the standard EVSE cable and can be charged up to 80% in just 2.5 hours. McLaren has yet to announce the Artura's EPA range or final acceleration figures. But many have estimated the Artura to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in no less than 3.0 seconds and to 300 kph in just 21.5 seconds.
The Artura will come fitted with a new rear suspension system and will ride the latest next-generation Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, that gets paired with Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology, which uses a 'chip' to provide real-time data to the Artura’s stability control system. The cabin of the Artura will represent McLaren's function-before-fashion approach. The interior design is more driver-focused and will get fitted with a new Clubsport seat design. The Artura's infotainment system will boast an 8.0-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that will come with Bluetooth connectivity, built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a selection of audio equipment.
McLaren has said that the Artura is currently available for order with its first international customers expected to get their deliveries in the third quarter of 2021. The pricing for the Artura starts at somewhere around £250,000 making just over R5 000 000, given the current exchange rate.
Also worth a look: the McLaren unveils Artura Spider: A new era of open-top hybrid and the McLaren 720S Le Mans.
FAQ
Q: What does the McLaren Artura cost in South Africa?
McLaren hasn't officially announced South African pricing for the Artura yet, but expect it to start around R4.5 million when it arrives, making it one of the more accessible McLaren supercars despite its hybrid tech.
Q: How fast is the McLaren Artura hybrid?
The Artura packs a combined 500kW from its twin-turbo V6 and electric motor, with estimates suggesting 0-100 kph in under 3.0 seconds and 0-300 kph in just 21.5 seconds.
Q: What is the electric range of the McLaren Artura?
McLaren hasn't released official EPA range figures yet, but the 7.4 kWh battery pack should provide around 30km of pure electric driving, which is typical for supercars in this segment.
Q: Is the McLaren Artura worth buying over other supercars?
The Artura offers McLaren's first proper hybrid system with 500kW total output and weighs just 1498kg, making it lighter than most competitors while delivering cutting-edge hybrid performance and McLaren's legendary handling.
Q: How long does it take to charge the McLaren Artura?
The Artura charges to 80% capacity in just 2.5 hours using a standard EVSE cable, making it practical enough for daily hybrid driving between track sessions.
Should You Buy It?
The McLaren Artura represents a brilliant evolution for the brand, combining 500kW of hybrid power with McLaren's signature lightweight philosophy at just 1498kg. At an estimated R4.5 million, it's positioned perfectly between entry-level supercars and the truly mental McLaren flagships. The twin-turbo V6 hybrid setup delivers proper performance with modern efficiency, while the carbon fibre construction and advanced Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology show McLaren isn't just following hybrid trends but leading them. If you've got the budget and want a supercar that's future-proof without sacrificing the McLaren driving experience, the Artura is absolutely worth considering. It's the best hybrid supercar under R5 million in SA, assuming McLaren's pricing stays competitive when it officially launches.
