McLaren Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has tested a prototype of the new McLaren Artura hybrid supercar ahead of its reveal overnight.
Woking's first series-production hybrid, will be unveiled online in a"spectacular showcase" at midnight tonight, and will serve as a replacement for its long-running Sports Series line-up. Giving the new model a word-based name separates it from the system used for the Sports Series line, which used a number-based nomenclature relating to power output.
McLaren has previously used names for only certain Ultimate Series models, including the Senna and Elva, both of which were linked to its motorsport heritage. The firm has yet to give a full reason for the Artura title.
Described by the Woking firm as a ‘next-generation’ supercar, the forthcoming machine will arrive with a hybrid powertrain based on a new V6 petrol engine. McLaren has previously used hybrid powertrains on only range-topping machines such as the P1 and Speedtail.
Confirming the new nameplate, McLaren boss Mike Flewitt said: “Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.”
Although technical details have yet to be revealed, McLaren claims it “retains the performance benefits of McLaren’s larger-capacity V8 engines and has the additional attraction of improved torque response at low-engine speeds to deliver scintillating acceleration”. It will also offer “medium-range” electric-only running, which Autocar believes to be around 20 miles.
Autocar also understands that the system in the new car, which has previously been spied testing, will be a plug-in hybrid, with the power from both the turbocharged V6 and electric motors sent to the car’s rear axle.
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Shame they are positioning this new model between the GT and the 720 rather than below the GT as currently with the 540C/570S. Not sure the market can really bear yet another c200k entrant whereas there are a lot of buyers who want something other than a 911 in the low six figure range.
I've cut my carbon footprint by 80% ! ,I have only done about 2000 miles since last March.
Geez, where do they get these names from?!!
Elva and now Artura!! Sounds like something menopausel women have removed.