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".
Denne historien er fra February 28, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 28, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal
