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The 2022 McLaren Artura stands out not only due to its novelty as a new McLaren model. It signifies a fresh chapter for McLaren, emphasizing electrification while maintaining its core reputation for performance. We previously provided a glimpse into the impressive statistics of this hybrid vehicle in February. Recently, McLaren has shed more light on the Artura model and its innovative power source.
However, let’s backtrack a little. During the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the British automaker unveiled its £1.2 billion ($1.7 billion) Track25 business strategy, which outlined the goal of electrifying the entire McLaren sports car and supercar lineup by 2025. Fast forward three years, and the 2022 McLaren Artura emerges as the initial embodiment of that commitment.
McLaren
McLaren gained fame by introducing the highly exclusive hybrid P1 hypercar
at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Production spanned from 2013 to December 2015, producing a total of 375 units. McLaren disclosed during an in-depth session last week that the groundwork for the Artura commenced in 2014 and 2015, even before P1 production concluded. While the projected Artura numbers were not disclosed, it’s plausible that McLaren plans to exceed 375 units, given its price tag of $225,000 and its position in the lineup. It’s important to note that the Artura does not belong to the ultra-exclusive Ultimate Series.
What sets it apart is its utilization of McLaren’s innovative McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, known as MCLA, tailored specifically for hybrid vehicles. The MCLA comprises an electrical structure, a chassis structure, and a carbon fiber monocoque. This monocoque consists of over 500 individual carbon components. As with all McLaren road cars, the monocoque significantly reduces weight while delivering exceptional chassis rigidity.
Observers will note the absence of a central roof support beam in the tub, unlike the chassis of the 720S, hinting at a potential convertible version of the Artura in the near future. However, this is purely speculation!
McLaren
However, the standout feature undoubtedly lies in the new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine housed within the core of the Artura. Enthusiasts will recognize this as McLaren’s first implementation of a V6 engine in a production vehicle.
Referred to as the M630, McLaren describes it as being “purpose-built” to integrate seamlessly into the MCLA architecture. Extensive attention was devoted to packaging, leading to the adoption of a 120-degree “hot vee” configuration, placing the turbochargers within the engine valley. This design choice enabled McLaren to reduce the engine height by 1.6 inches compared to the M840T twin-turbo V8 found in the 720S. The length of the M630 was also diminished by 1.1 inches due to a 0.35 smaller bore compared to the M840T.
Overall, the M630 is 7.5 inches shorter and 8.7 inches narrower than the M840T. Weighing just 353 pounds, the V6 is 110 pounds lighter than its V8 counterpart. Independently, it generates an advertised 577 horsepower and 431 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the e-motor—positioned between the engine and transmission, which produces an advertised 94 HP and 166 lb-ft of torque—the Artura boasts a total system output of 671 HP and 531 lb-ft of torque. All achieved with an estimated curb weight of 3,303 pounds.
The vehicle is still relatively lightweight, even with its hybrid system. McLaren states that the hybrid components contribute only 287 pounds to its total weight. This figure includes a 34-pound electric motor and a 194-pound battery pack. The new electric motor, overseen by Sunoj George, McLaren’s electric drive technology head, is significantly lighter than the one in the P1 model, yet boasts 33% more power density.
In an April 2021 press release, McLaren revealed that they contemplated using a 180-degree angle six-cylinder engine for the Artura. The idea of a midship, hybrid flat-six McLaren supercar had enthusiasts’ imaginations running wild. However, McLaren ultimately discarded the notion due to concerns over the increased height of the crankshaft and subsequently the car’s center of gravity, choosing instead the wide-angle V configuration.
Nevertheless, the concept remains intriguing. What prompted McLaren to initially evaluate a flat-six engine? What specific advantages did the company foresee with a flat-six powertrain? Was there any prototype development of a flat-six-powered Artura? And what other engine layouts were under consideration before settling on the 120-degree V6 configuration?
McLaren
Richard Jackson, McLaren’s powertrain director, dispelled any speculations. He clarified, “The focus on the 180-degree angle mentioned in an interview was unintentionally exaggerated. The decision on the 120-degree V-angle for the new engine was finalized in 2014, with no further design explorations conducted apart from this configuration.”
Regardless of the flat-six discussion, the latest plug-in hybrid Artura promises exceptional performance. It showcases the aerodynamic elements characteristic of modern McLarens and features the iconic dihedral doors. Moreover, with a claimed range of 19 miles on electric mode, it offers silent maneuverability around the neighborhood.
Got a tip? Email me at kristen@thedrive.com
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