McLaren's lightning rod

A storm is gathering as we buckle into McLaren's electrified Artura supercar 

- Mark Smyth

Price: R4,9 million Engine: twin-turbo petrol V6, plug-in hybrid electric Transmission: 8-speed SSG automatic Power: 500 kW@ 7 500 r/min Torque: 720 N.m@ 2 250 r/min 0–100 km/h: 3,0 seconds* Top speed: 330 km/h* Fuel consumption: 4,6 L/100km CO2: 104 g/km Rivals: Ferrari 296 GTB, Lotus Emira, Maserati MC20, Porsche 911

power delivery, everyday comfort, incredible grip technical issues are disappointing+

McLaren has been treading water lately, the constant source of speculation regarding the brand's future as it experiences both financial and leadership challenges. While all this has been going on, it has been developing its first production series plug-in hybrid supercar, the Artura. This car is all new from the ground. We first got a look at it all the way back in December 2020; we've now driven it - and it's definitely been worth the wait.

The replacement for the 570S displays McLaren familiarity, something that will appeal to many but may disappoint those expecting it to be game-changing in all aspects. However, it's what's beneath the shark-nose and lasercut cooling grilles that impresses us the most. The new McLaren Lightweight Architecture features a carbon-fibre monocoque that is lighter, stronger and stiffer than before. Other features include a new electronic rear diff, 8-speed transmission, ethernet electrical architecture, infotainment system and the most crucial development, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor.