McLaren announced on the 29th that it will launch the 2025 Artura Spider.
The Artura Spider is McLaren’s second lineup of the Artura series and the first convertible equipped with a high-performance hybrid powertrain. It not only enhances output, performance, and driver engagement compared to its predecessor but also adds the open-top driving experience unique to hybrid supercars, offering a completely different level of exhilaration. The charm of the Artura Spider operating quietly, as if it were a stealth aircraft, while starting in electric mode is maximized when enjoying the surrounding scenery and open-air driving. Additionally, the core features include ultra-lightweight engineering philosophy and advanced technology for aerodynamics.
McLaren Automotive CEO, Michael Leiters, stated, “The new Artura is upgraded in its powertrain and chassis systems to provide even greater output and dynamic performance. Especially, the Artura Spider will deliver the thrilling excitement of a new class of open-air supercar within the McLaren lineup.”
Paul Harris, head of McLaren Automotive Asia-Pacific and China, also added insights for Korean customers. He said, “The high-performance hybrid system embodied in the Artura Spider will allow you to vividly feel the joy of open-air driving while navigating the dynamic curves of Bukak Skyway or gliding along the dramatic coast of Gangneung Hyeonhwa Road. Meanwhile, on the track, it will deliver exhilarating excitement as an uncompromising pure supercar.”
The Artura Spider features a hybrid powertrain comprising a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine paired with a 95hp electric motor, producing a maximum output of 700hp. This is a 20hp increase compared to the existing coupe, with a maximum torque of 720Nm (European standard), and a power-to-weight ratio of 480hp per ton. The EV pure driving capability has also been improved, with a total capacity of five lithium-ion battery packs of 7.4kWh, supporting a maximum range of 33km without emitting exhaust.
The Artura Spider’s powerful performance is complemented by an ultra-compact E-motor that boosts the V6 engine. This E-motor generates 95hp and 225Nm (European standard) of torque, offering 33% higher power density per kg than McLaren’s legendary P1™ hybrid hypercar. The immediate torque delivery from the E-motor and the robust 605hp from the twin-turbo V6 engine provide sharp throttle response regardless of the gear, achieving acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 8.4 seconds, and 0 to 300 km/h in 21.6 seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h. The additional output is predominantly delivered from the 4,000rpm engine rev limit to 8,500rpm, showcasing a distinct “crescendo” performance, which is one of the Artura Spider’s defining characteristics.
McLaren has dedicated significant efforts to achieving ultra-lightweight development for the new Artura Spider. Various measures were taken to reduce weight, resulting in a dry weight of just 1,457kg and a curb weight of 1,560kg—only 62kg more than the existing coupe. This makes it the lightest in its class of convertibles, offering a weight reduction advantage of up to 83kg.
It’s inevitable that the Spider version will be heavier than the coupe. Much of the 62kg weight difference between the Artura Spider and the coupe is attributed to the electrically operated folding hardtop. Therefore, McLaren focused on optimizing the architecture to enhance data capacity and transmission speed for the electricity used in the folding hardtop.
As a result, McLaren has ingeniously integrated aluminum crash structures and a rear structure that accommodates the hybrid powertrain into its core McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), alongside a carbon fiber monocoque. By incorporating innovative Ethernet electrical architecture into parts of MCLA, the use of cables has been reduced by 25%, maximizing weight reduction efforts.
The secret to the weight reduction also lies in the weight of the hybrid components. The battery pack of the Spider weighs 88kg, and the electric motor weighs 15.4kg, totaling just 130kg. This significantly contributes to the Artura Spider’s status as one of the lightest vehicles in its class.
Also indispensable is the specially designed 8-speed transmission that enhances driving enjoyment. Even after integrating the E-motor, the compact design of the transmission has improved performance. Instead of a parallel clutch, a stacked clutch has been adopted, shortening the gear cluster length by 40mm. The calibration of the transmission has also been revised, and a new pre-fill feature has been added to the 8-speed close-ratio transmission, boosting shift speed by 25%, allowing for faster gear changes.
McLaren’s meticulous attention to aerodynamics is evident throughout. The Artura Spider’s folding hardtop can completely open and close in just 11 seconds. To minimize air vibration in the cabin during roof operation, subtle protrusions were added to the edges of the windscreen. Furthermore, a separate rear window that can be raised or lowered at the push of a button contributes to optimizing airflow inside the cabin when the roof is down and allows exhaust sound to enter the cabin dynamically when the roof is up.
Improvements to engine sound have also been made. By tuning the resonator and changing the tailpipe to an upward tapered valve exhaust system, the sound emitted in the mid-range of the engine RPM has been refined, enabling a more pleasant auditory experience. Ride comfort and handling have been enhanced through modifications to damper valves, boosting responsiveness and increasing damping and handling response speed by up to 90%, thereby improving the driver’s responsiveness to road changes.
The driver-centric interior design stands out. The steering wheel is button-free, featuring paddle shifts that move with the wheel, and integrates controls for handling and powertrain modes, allowing drivers to switch driving modes quickly and easily without taking their hands off the wheel. The digital instrument panel includes a stealth mode that allows unnecessary content to be hidden, enabling the driver to focus solely on driving.
The Artura Spider, which allows for open-top air enjoyment, offers personalized features and a variety of options. The McLaren Infotainment and Connectivity System (MIS II) comes equipped with two high-definition screens, supports smartphone mirroring, and includes advanced driver assistance systems. Notably, the vehicle key employs Bluetooth low energy technology, automatically detecting drivers and activating the system. Additionally, a high-end 12-speaker surround system from Bowers & Wilkins is available as an option, along with lightweight titanium wheel bolts, providing a 0.4kg weight reduction effect.
In addition to the new Artura Spider, there is also a coupe version. The Artura Spider is set to launch domestically this year.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr