Elite Traveler Spring 2023

elite traveler SPRING 2023 40

As McLaren’s first series production plug-in hybrid supercar, Artura is light on weight but heavy on superlatives. Its 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 denotes the company’s first use of a six-cylinder engine (versus the decade-long preference of twin turbocharged V8s) and pairs with an e-motor (94hp) and an energy-dense battery pack, producing combined outputs of 671hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Although Artura relies upon a familiar aesthetic language for both interior and exterior design, the supercar also overflows with debuts. A running list: first McLaren to operate an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox; first to exclude a Plug (in) and play 2023 McLaren Artura

For all the inaugurations, Artura’s sweetest spots lie in well-trodden territory. McLaren opted for a hydraulic-assisted power steering system as opposed to an electric one; the result is agreeable and perpetual driver feedback. Although posited in a fresh way via a pair of rocker switches, the controls for the chassis (on the left) and powertrain (on the right) will be familiar to McLaren owners and enthusiasts. Those toggles also allow the driver to switch from electric to combustion engine. True to any McLaren automobile, Artura behaves well on the road and flourishes on the track. 2023 McLaren Artura from $237,500, mclaren.com

reverse gear (the electric motor simply runs the other way when you back up); first to use a limited slip differential. Artura premieres McLaren’s new Carbon Lightweight Architecture chassis. The most fuel-efficient McLaren ever produced (39 MPGe), Artura’s 7.4kWh battery supports 11 miles of electric-only range. Super-lightweight engineering makes Artura sprightliest in its class with a curb weight of 3,303 lbs. The aforementioned firsts have laid the foundation of McLaren’s future. Consider them a statement of purpose and a declaration of possibility.

Although Artura relies upon a familiar aesthetic language for both interior and exterior design, the supercar also over fl ows with debuts

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