Overview

The Artura arrived in 2023 as McLaren’s “entry-level” supercar, packing a powertrain that marks a significant change in direction for the British automaker. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine mounted amidships is McLaren’s first six-cylinder effort and pairs with an electric motor and a small lithium-ion battery. All told, the hybrid powertrain pumps out a generous 671 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, shooting the slinky two-door to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 205 mph. But McLaren’s first plug-in hybrid can also tootle around town on purely electric power for up to 11 miles and has a relatively soft ride. The Artura sits below the new 750S in McLaren’s range—costing around $100,000 less—but nearly matches its big brother on performance, while also providing a more comfortable, livable cabin and more subdued styling.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What’s New for 2024?

The Artura was all-new for 2023 and carries over into 2024 unchanged.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Artura

$238,000 (est)

McLaren only offers the Artura in one trim, but there are countless options from different wheel designs and color combinations to carbon fiber trim, a rear spoiler, and goodies like a front-end lift and heated sideview mirrors.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Artura is powered by a new hybrid twin-turbo V-6 that makes a combined 671 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine is supplemented by an e-motor located within the housing of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and it’s juiced by a 7.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the rear of the cabin. The new powertrain even provides up to 11 miles of all-electric operation. During our initial test drive, we praised the Artura for its brisk acceleration, but we’d have preferred it get us to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds with a little more drama. The car is quick, but it can also be fairly stealthy and it lacks the auditory gratification we like in rival sports cars. The Artura is also the first McLaren to ride on the company’s new Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which is said to be lighter than its predecessor’s structure. Handling is razor sharp and a blast to pitch around a racetrack, but it also has a softer side that provides a more comfortable ride for commuting or highway cruising.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the Artura is good for 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, but with the electric driving range factored in it is also rated for up to 39 MPGe. Once we have the opportunity to run one on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the Artura’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Artura largely demonstrates McLaren’s function-before-fashion approach. However, the cabin is dressed up with snazzier materials, such as leather and microsuede. There’s also less visible carbon fiber than is typical on other models. Still, the company is known for its minimalist cabin designs that limit the presence of physical switchgear and include steering wheels that are free of buttons and the Artura is no exception. It comes standard with power-adjustable seats, and the McLaren looks to have excellent outward visibility to help drivers place the car precisely on the road or the racetrack. While it’s not as capacious as the McLaren GT, the Artura boasts 6 cubic feet of luggage space in the front trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Although the infotainment system in a McLaren is typically an afterthought for shoppers, the Artura boasts a prominent 8.0-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen with customary features. This includes Bluetooth connectivity, built-in navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a selection of audio equipment. Those who want to keep their car as light as possible will prefer a stereo with fewer speakers while others might want to upgrade to a more powerful surround-sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Despite its supercar status, the 2023 Artura is actually available with several driver-assistance technologies—a rarity in this segment. However, its limited production and exotic nature mean it won’t be crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key safety features include:

  • Available adaptive cruise control
  • Available automatic high-beams
  • Available road-sign recognition

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

McLaren’s limited and powertrain warranties cover five years or 45,000 miles. The British automaker also doesn’t provide any complimentary maintenance.

  • Limited warranty covers five years or 45,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers five years or 45,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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Specifications

Specifications

2023 McLaren Artura
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, mid-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $237,500/$284,925
Options: Volcano Blue paint, $9500; Performance Spec, $9400; Technology package, $7400; Dark Stealth Diamond Cut wheel finish, $7150; sport exhaust, $6850; Black package, $3125; McLaren Orange brake calipers, $2200; Gloss Black interior package, $1600; warning triangle and first-aid kit, $200

POWERTRAIN

Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 577 hp, 431 lb-ft + AC motor, 94 hp, 166 lb-ft (combined output: 671 hp, 531 lb-ft; 7.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 3.3-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.4-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/15.0-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Corsa PZC4
F: 235/35ZR-19 (91Y) Extra Load MC-C
R: 295/35ZR-20 (105Y) Extra Load MC-C

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.9 in
Length: 178.7 in
Width: 75.3 in
Height: 47.0 in
Passenger Volume: 50 ft3
Trunk Volume: 5 ft3
Curb Weight: 3443 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 2.6 sec
100 mph: 5.5 sec
130 mph: 8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 10.3 sec @ 140 mph
150 mph: 11.8 sec
170 mph: 16.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr’s claim): 205 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 141 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 279 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.08 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 18 MPGe

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/City/Highway: 18/17/21 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 39 MPGe
EV Range: 11 mi

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs

Source: www.caranddriver.com