A few years ago McLaren introduced the Artura, its latest entry-level sportscar. It was also the firm’s first-ever hybrid car. Today the British automaker unveiled the McLaren Artura Spider. 

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Sun-Seeker

The McLaren Artura Spider is a drop-top version of its namesake. The newer car is also based on the firm’s carbon-fibre monocoque. As a result the roadster version only weighs 62 kg more than its fixed-roof sibling. 

The retractable roof mechanism is electrically operated. The roof panel is made from carbon-fibre and can be stowed in 11 seconds. There is also the option of an electrochromic glass panel. Choose this and you can allow light into the interior or block out more than 99 per cent of sunlight at the touch of a button – cool.

Same Powerplant, More Power

The McLaren Artura Spider has the same hybridised V6 engine as the coupe. Power from the twin-turbo unit has been bumped up to 515 kW, an increase that will also be applied to the fixed roof version. The car is still able to operate purely in electric mode, now for up to 33 km.

Torque remains at 720 N.m. It is delivered to the rear axle through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mclaren says this power output can accelerate the Spider from rest to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and to 200 in 8,4. Top speed remains electronically limited at 330 km/h.