McLaren lives the supercar zeitgeist with the brand's first production hybrid. Compact, clever, 680 hp. Questions? We will answer immediately.
Now the troops from Woking got it too. So far, they have settled comfortably in the super sports segment with their biturbo V8s in various forms including a carbon chassis, adding a few horsepower or a trunk depending on the model.
Until now. Because in the future nothing will work entirely without electricity, see market competitor Ferrari, which is launching two plug-in hybrids at the same time. And like their 296 GTB, the McLaren Artura (the name is a combination of "Art" and "Futur") also has a three-liter V6 with a 120-degree bank angle in the center. McLaren is otherwise consistently tackling the matter with their first series hybrid independently. Based on a new chassis, called MCLA from the also new Composites Technology Center MCTC near Sheffield), which combines the central carbon monocoque at the front and rear with aluminum subframes. In the event of a crash, these absorb energy and can be repaired or exchanged where a good piece used to have to be thrown away. Would be annoying, not only because of the base price beyond 230,000 euros. Also clever: the battery housing stiffens the chassis, the rear wheel suspension uses more radically positioned handlebars for optimal kinematics due to the more compact motor, are also lighter (2.4 kilograms per side) and stiffer.,
1.5 tons weight, 31 km E -Range - it says
The linear springs and the adaptive dampers, including a forward-looking strategy, should have optimal conditions. Which is why McLaren uses chipped tires that constantly report their condition and generally speeds up networking on board via Ethernet, which provides information in near real time and saves cables (minus 25 percent). The biturbocharged 585 hp V6 plus its electric motor (95 hp, 225 Nm) integrated into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission can start with even less effort. As I said, you can't cut the tips short, the Artura is radically new - Executive Director Darren Goddard explicitly emphasizes the holistic approach - and at just under 1.5 tons it's even relatively light. After all, he is lugging around the 130 kilogram hybrid ballast, of which 88 kilograms are for the battery. Just under 7.4 kWh net, but sufficient for an electric top speed of 130 or a corresponding range of up to 31 kilometers. So nothing will happen with us with the E-plate.,
Steering wheel only for steering, top speed 330 km/h
Bad i where. After all, under full load it goes to 100 km/h in three seconds, to 200 in 8.3 and to 300 in 21.5 before it is limited to 330. Why actually, as precise as the athlete acts. It feels light, balanced, honest. Is that also due to the electro-hydraulic steering, which McLaren claims works more transparently than electro-mechanical ones? Quite possible.It is clear that the Artura makes it easy for you to get behind the steering wheel, which – madness – is only intended for steering. They place all controls around it, but not on it. It remains to be seen whether this is such a good idea with the infotainment box a la iPad installed next to it. In any case, the driving modes are quickly adjusted and can be changed easily while driving, which affects both the hybrid strategy and driving dynamics. The assistance extends to a drift mode - also a case for the electronically controlled rear axle differential, which juggles the drive torque back and forth depending on the situation less like an inflated downsizer than an accurate combustion engine. Depending on the mode, represented by the electric motor when driving slowly or gently supported, its appearance is dramatized when the mode escalates. In this way, the Stromer helps the short-stroke vehicle through phases of weakness at low speeds and supports extra-fast gear changes, while direct injection at 350 bar, symmetrically designed, ball-bearing turbochargers with electronic wastegates and short exhaust paths trim it for quick reactions and revving. Check, shall we say, as soon as the part tears, pulls through, turns out. Red area 8,200, limiter at 8,500.,
Fast shifting, fine sound
You don't necessarily have to turn the three-liter in the right direction, but you want to. Simply that way. For fun. He wants it too. Lightning-fast switching (200 milliseconds) without jerks, up and down, with quick response and stop. Accompanied by fine acoustics from the compact exhaust system. No rowdy yelling, no air pump noise. Class. And typically McLaren, where you usually keep a characterful safety distance to excess. The Artura, which steers with precision mechanics and can be moved playfully yet seriously (and quickly!), makes a clear commitment to a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive. Never stressful, if necessary quite demanding, it constantly delivers from residential area stomps to track attacks.,
Brakes without recuperation, but with transparency
To which the brakes, which are free of recuperation tasks, also contribute, right? – right: can devote braking. Good thing, the carbon ensemble with six-piston calipers at the front with an ultra-strong pressure point, transparent feeling and - as far as verifiable - high stability. Also clever instead of a mechanical reverse gear, the e-machine takes care of the maneuvering, for which the battery always has an iron reserve. Speaking of the battery: it is fed either internally by the motor or externally via a type 2 cable. As I said, today almost nothing works without electricity.,
Conclusion
McLaren's first series hybrid with its V6 biturbo and 680 hp system performance still maintains the finest driving dynamics with all the contemporary electricity and digitization. See button-free steering wheel, electro-hydraulic steering and regenerative braking. The Artura masters everyday life, country road fun and racetrack at the same time.
