Currently reading: Daniel Riccardio tests McLaren Artura ahead of reveal tonight
Woking firm claims its new V6-based hybrid will offer "astonishing" performance as the Sports Series replacement

McLaren Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has tested a prototype of the new McLaren Artura hybrid supercar ahead of its reveal overnight. 

Woking's first series-production hybrid, will be unveiled online in a"spectacular showcase" at midnight tonight, and will serve as a replacement for its long-running Sports Series line-up. Giving the new model a word-based name separates it from the system used for the Sports Series line, which used a number-based nomenclature relating to power output. 

McLaren has previously used names for only certain Ultimate Series models, including the Senna and Elva, both of which were linked to its motorsport heritage. The firm has yet to give a full reason for the Artura title.

Described by the Woking firm as a ‘next-generation’ supercar, the forthcoming machine will arrive with a hybrid powertrain based on a new V6 petrol engine. McLaren has previously used hybrid powertrains on only range-topping machines such as the P1 and Speedtail.

Confirming the new nameplate, McLaren boss Mike Flewitt said: “Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.” 

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Although technical details have yet to be revealed, McLaren claims it “retains the performance benefits of McLaren’s larger-capacity V8 engines and has the additional attraction of improved torque response at low-engine speeds to deliver scintillating acceleration”. It will also offer “medium-range” electric-only running, which Autocar believes to be around 20 miles.

Autocar also understands that the system in the new car, which has previously been spied testing, will be a plug-in hybrid, with the power from both the turbocharged V6 and electric motors sent to the cars rear axle.

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The Artura will be built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) platform, which, McLaren said, has been optimised for the hybrid powertrain. It added that the new architecture takes the firm’s lightweight chassis technology “to new heights”, which will be key to McLaren’s intention to minimise the added weight caused by the heavy batteries required for the electrified powertrain.

Flewitt has described the Artura as “a new kind of McLaren for a new era, an extraordinary drivers car that offers blistering performance as well as an all-electric range capable of covering most urban journeys.”

The HPH supercar is designed to sit between the recently launched GT and the Super Series 720S, the positioning that has traditionally been filled by the Sports Series line.

McLaren has confirmed that the Sports Series designation, introduced for the 570S in 2015, will be dropped for the new hybrid Artura. That makes the limited-run McLaren 620R the final model in the Sports Series line.

READ MORE

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McLaren 620R: limited-run GT4-inspired Sports Series model reviewed and rated

First mainstream McLaren hybrid under development

James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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Nickktod 16 February 2021

Shame they are positioning this new model between the GT and the 720 rather than below the GT as currently with the 540C/570S. Not sure the market can really bear yet another c200k entrant whereas there are a lot of buyers who want something other than a 911 in the low six figure range.

Peter Cavellini 10 February 2021

I've cut my carbon footprint by 80% ! ,I have only done about 2000 miles since last March.

Bill Lyons 23 November 2020

Geez, where do they get these names from?!!

 

Elva and now Artura!! Sounds like something menopausel women have removed.