Hotter McLaren Artura Spider paves way for coupé update

New hybrid drop-top arrives with upgrades that are destined for coupe version

- JONATHAN BRYCE

McLaren has launched the Artura Spider as its first drop-top hybrid, ushering in more power M and a raft of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades that will also be used on an updated version of the coupé.

Available to order now from £221,000, the Spider is claimed to be the lightest convertible supercar in its class "by as much as 83kg", with its 1457kg kerb weight giving it the edge over the Maserati MC20 Cielo and Ferrari 296 GTS. Extensive use of lightweight materials - such as carbon fibre for the folding hard-top - means it is just 62kg heavier than the current coupé version.

The Ricardo-developed 120deg 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine has been carried over but an ECU remap - which can be performed on existing Arturas - has given it a 19bhp boost to 596bhp. Together with the 93bhp axial flux motor in the gearbox, the total system output is now 689bhp and 531lb ft.

That gives a power-to-weight ratio of 473bhp per tonne and a 0-62mph time that matches the existing coupé's, at 3.0sec. The top speed is limited to 205mph but McLaren chief engineer Andy Beale said the firm is "keen to do a chunk more than that".