McLaren reveals new Artura Spider

McLaren unveiled the Artura Spider, the brand's first hybrid convertible.

The convertible gets a retractable hard top made from carbon fibre which is able to deploy and retract electronically in 11 seconds, when the vehicle is travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h. The shape of the roof has additionally been crafted to accelerate the flow of hot air away from the powertrain. The windscreen surround of the Artura Spider, meanwhile, has also been redesigned to incorporate small gurneys which reduce buffeting in the cabin when the roof is retracted.

This carbon fibre roof has allowed the McLaren Artura Spider to weigh in at just 1,475kg, which McLaren claims makes it the lightest amongst rival convertibles. Below this, the car also makes use of the firm's Carbon Lightweight Architecture, which has allowed the convertible to retain its rigidity, even when the fixed roof is removed.

McLaren's Carbon Lightweight Architecture has allowed the Artura Spider to weigh in at just 62kg heavier than the Artura coupe, mostly thanks to the addition of an electrically-operated retractable hard top mechanism

Customers may additionally opt for an electrochromic roof panel for their Artura Spider. This panel has the ability to both brighten or darken the cabin, thanks to the use of Suspended Particle technology which keeps the cabin temperature cool through blocking solar energy. The technology is able to block out 99% of sunlight.

And the upgrades for the Artura Spider go beyond just this roof. At the rear, the engine of the Artura has also been tweaked, so its 3.0-litre V6 now offers 20bhp more than before, bringing total drivetrain output for the car to a total of 690bhp, and peak torque to a mighty 720Nm. This engine is accompanied by an electric motor that is animated by a 7.4kWh battery which gives the car an electric-only range of 33km. 

The Artura features McLaren's infotainment and connectivity system (MIS II) in its cabin, which is said to deliver smartphone levels of responsiveness

The cabin of the Artura Spider is also now offered in three interior specifications. These include the 'Performance' trim, which has a more sporting aesthetic while 'TechLux', focuses on technical luxury. 'Vision' on the other hand, provides the customer with a more adventurous vibe.

New exterior and interior carbon fibre trims are also offered for the Artura Spider, alongside a no-cost Silver badging option and a stealth badging option, which incorporates black badges at the front and rear as well as a black McLaren Speedmark on the wheel centre caps, is now standard fit.

The enhancements towards the power, performance and driver engagement have also been applied to the Artura Coupe, and are said to provide the highest levels of dynamic performance while meeting requirements of regular driving and near-silent electric-drive, ideal for urban use. Earlier Artura Coupes will also be able to enjoy this power upgrade free of charge.