The McLaren Artura is all new from the ground up, designed to redefine the elements that go into making up a modern supercar
McLaren has always punched above its weight. The British company is coming up on its 60th birthday, having travelled a long way from being a small racing start-up to inhabiting a huge, swooping, space-age HQ and factory complex, set in rolling woodland just outside the Surrey town of Woking.
The Artura is probably the most elegant McLaren ever designed, with a simplicity of execution and an admirable sense of restraint. Yes, there are elements of blatant, outré drama, like the trademark ‘dihedral’ doors that swing up, not out, as well as a plethora of deep vents and ducts. And if you opt for signature McLaren orange paint, it's hard to argue this is an especially stealthy machine.
There’s weight saving aplenty too, from the new electronics system that cuts down on cabling to an obsessive-compulsive attention to any kind of detail that might save a few grams here and there. Although the electric range is a paltry 19 miles, the Artura is good at managing the battery charge by itself , ensuring you can flick it back into EV mode for a quieter driving experience when needed.
Ergonomics are better, menus are snappier, graphics are cleaner, and switchgear and options have been streamlined for ease of use.