McLaren unveiled the Spider version of its hybrid supercar, the Artura, directly challenging Ferrari's 296 GTS.
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According to the manufacturer, Artura's carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, unique to McLaren, maintains structural rigidity identical to the coupe while adding a mere 62 kg of weight - totaling 1,475 kg.
An electric mechanism for the hardtop roof allows for transition from closed to open and vice versa in just 11 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h, 4 seconds faster and 5 km/h swifter than its rival from Maranello. Customers can opt for a carbon-fiber hardtop or a retractable one, which enables enjoying top-down driving without a hair-raising experience, with a 99% UV blockage mechanism.
McLaren also upgraded the propulsion system with a modern engine management computer for the dual 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, boosting it to 605 horsepower, 20 horsepower more than the coupe. The electric motor, unchanged at 95 horsepower, allows for a combined output of 700 horsepower.
According to the manufacturer, the software update will also be offered to existing coupe customers at no cost. Additionally, the eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission underwent an update, promising 25% faster gear shifts.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3 seconds, 8.3 seconds to reach 200 km/h, and 21.5 seconds to hit 300 km/h, on its way to a top speed of 330 km/h. These figures are identical to the coupe (pre-update), but slightly slower than the 296 GTS. With 7.4 kWh batteries, it allows for 33 km of pure electric driving, 8 km more than Ferrari.
McLaren claims to have improved dynamic capabilities thanks to changes in adaptive shock absorbers and their management computer, with 90% faster responses. Additionally, there are extra air vents for the ceramic brakes (380-390 mm front-rear) that allow for better durability. Another addition to the control system is a mode that allows the rear wheels to be more free, for those who prefer to sacrifice acceleration time for a spectacular and smoky performance.
Furthermore, the safety system has been upgraded with cross-traffic alert, in addition to autonomous braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control offered in the coupe. McLaren has been a pioneer in exotic manufacturing with hybrid propulsion and, on paper, it has upgraded performance without significantly affecting dynamic capabilities, which are generally hindered by heavy batteries.
However, the reality was entirely different, as numerous technical flaws, including one incident of catching fire, were discovered at the global launch two years ago. All this led to a delay in delivering the first production series to customers.
The flaws have since been addressed, but the initial disappointing impression remains. The Spider version with an open roof will attempt to change that.