McLaren's Latest Artura Hybrid Supercar Debuts in Singapore

Say hello to the Artura, McLaren’s latest hybrid supercar that will set the standards for future models with its newfangled technologies and advancements.

Debuting in time for the 2022 F1 Singapore Grand Prix at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre (Hall 404, to be exact) last week, the Artura was accompanied by 20 other iconic McLaren cars at its Singapore launch, including the 765LT Spider, Speedtail, and Elva. An ultra-rare Mercedes-McLaren SLR McLaren Edition was also part of the lineup, representing a more analogue past.

Powering the future-forward Artura is McLaren's M630 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 arranged at a 120° v-angle, mated to a compact axial flux E-motor. Operating alone, the dry-sump aluminium engine produces 577 horsepower and 585 Nm of torque. Conversely, the electric motor produces 94 horsepower and 225 Nm of torque.

With both powerplants working in tandem, the combined output is 671 horses and 720 Nm of torque. Nought to a hundred takes just 3.0 seconds flat, with an electronically-limited top speed of 330 km/h.

This will be sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. Interestingly, the Artura will require no reverse gear, as the E-motor will simply rotate in the opposite direction whenever the car needs to back up.

It sits on the company's latest superlight chassis, dubbed the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), and benefits from a host of lightweight components, including the compact high-performance hybrid powertrain system and cabling running throughout the car. All in all, its DIN kerbweight measures at just 1,498 kilograms, making it lighter than its 720S sibling which we reviewed last year.

Five lithium-ion modules power the Artura's E-motor, and provides the supercar with enough electricity to cover 30 kilometres without help from the internal combustion engine. Speaking of which, the Artura is classified as a PHEV. This means that it can be charged with a standard EVSE cable, with a charging time of 2.5 hours from empty to 80%.

Keeping the Artura stable around corners at high speeds is an electronically-controlled differential (E-diff) that independently controls torque moving across the rear axle. According to McLaren, it is lighter, more controllable and smaller, and fits within the transmission.

The Artura still retains McLaren's signature dihedral doors, welcoming the driver and occupant into a futuristic and snug cabin. Inside, one will find that the digital instrument cluster is mounted on the steering column and moves with the steering wheel for enhanced driving ergonomics. 

Taking a step away from current trends, the Artura's steering wheel is free of any kind of switchgear. McLaren says that this is intentional, as "a clear signal that its sole function is to steer the car and provide feedback to the driver". 

Powertrain and driving mode selectors, in the form of rocker switches, are within reach from the steering wheel. This ensures that the driver can switch in between modes without taking his or her hands away from it.

An 8.0-inch high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen sits at the centre of the dashboard in portrait orientation, acting as the main hub for most of the car's entertainment and convenience-related controls; all key controls being just a tap or two away for an enhanced user experience.

The HVAC controls stay visible at the bottom of the screen at all times, for an optimum usability.

Keeping both driver and passenger is a part of Clubsport single-shell seats, which combine the light weight and support of a racing seat while retaining the range of motion readily available in standard seats with adjustable back rests. The upper portion is also thickly padded yet wide, to accommodate a diverse variety of body shapes.

The Artura is currently priced at S$1,198,888 with options, before COE premiums are added in.

Read More: mReview: McLaren 720S – Precision and Drama

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