McLaren Artura is a hybrid supercar that doesn't annoy envious neighbours

17 November 2023 , 17:38

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This is a beautiful head-turner of a car

If like me, you worry about waking up your neighbours with your noisy supercar engine at 5am, then McLaren has the perfect solution.

Thanks to the very kind people in Woking, I had the pleasure in knocking around in this snazzy hybrid Artura the other week, which gives you the chance to depart from your house in relative silence on pure electric before you get out onto the open roads and put your foot down on the powerful and noisier V6 engin e. It's designed to be different.

The moment the McLaren Artura comes into view, it's clear that this is a car that defies convention. Its low-slung profile, dihedral doors, and aerodynamic styling make it look like it's ready to take flight. The Artura's design is a head-turner, boasting a perfect blend of form and function. Other motorists wound down windows to gawp and exchange compliments with me on the car.

Cynics might quibble that a true supercar can't have an element of electricity to its power, but I was truly won over. At the heart of the McLaren Artura is a mid-mounted, 3.0-liter V6 engine that's paired with an electric motor. Together, they generate a staggering 671 horsepower. This means that you can do 0-60mph in three seconds flat (not to mention a top speed of 205.1mph).

The acceleration is nothing short of brutal, pushing you back into the plush leather seats with an irresistible surge of power. It's not just speed but a symphony of engineering marvel that you experience every time you step on the throttle.

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McLaren Artura is a hybrid supercar that doesn't annoy envious neighbours

It does 0-60mph in three seconds flat

McLaren is renowned for its dedication to creating vehicles that deliver unparalleled handling, and the Artura is no exception. The carbon-fiber monocoque chassis provides a solid foundation, while the advanced suspension setup ensures a smooth and controlled ride, even at high speeds. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing you to carve through corners with surgical precision.

While the Artura may be a track-focused supercar, it doesn't compromise on luxury. The cabin is a blend of opulence and technology. The leather and Alcantara-trimmed seats are incredibly comfortable, and the driving position feels purposeful yet accommodating.

High-tech features like the infotainment system and digital displays keep you informed and connected while adding a touch of modernity to the interior. A big welcome addition to recent McLarens is Apple Play, meaning you can more easily negotiate your route or verbally reply to WhatsApps as you drive; I really like how McLaren has listened to its customers.

For those who appreciate the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance, the McLaren Artura stands as a beacon of excellence. A weekend spent with this electrifying supercar is not just a mere getaway but an electrifying encounter with cutting-edge technology, power, and luxury.

It's a spacier interior than many other supercars (McLaren)

If anything, that's what it is, a 'weekend' car, so we took ours away to Kent. As I mentioned, the McLaren Artura's hybrid powertrain includes an electric motor that enables silent, emission-free driving when needed. This proved particularly useful for creeping through built-up urban areas or leafy Kent villages without disturbing the peace. The electric-only mode is not just practical but adds an eco-conscious element to an otherwise high-performance machine.

One might think that a weekend with a supercar would be a logistical challenge, but the McLaren Artura proved surprisingly practical. The front trunk offers sufficient space for a weekend's worth of luggage, and the impressive fuel efficiency for a car of this caliber means fewer stops for refuelling. It would be amiss of me however at this point not to thank my wife for sitting with my golf clubs in the front passenger seat all weekend; not as cumbersome as you would imagine, although she might not say that. And btw, the colour of this model was ceramic grey not lilac though if she tells you...

It looks very good from every angle (McLaren)

A weekend with the McLaren Artura is not just an escape; it's an extraordinary experience. It's a breathtaking dance of engineering, design, and speed that takes your breath away at every turn. The power resonates in your bones for days after, an art form where performance and luxury coalesce.

The McLaren Artura is more than a car; it's an embodiment of automotive innovation, a testament to human ingenuity, and an electrifying presence on the road. It delivers the thrill of a race car and the opulence of a luxury vehicle in one impeccable package.

Obviously you have to pay a heap for this kind of machine - with prices starting at £189,200. But if you ever get the opportunity drive one, do not hesitate. It's an encounter with greatness, a journey into the future of supercar excellence.

The Artura isn't just a car; it's an aspiration, a testament to what is possible when engineering and design meet in perfect harmony. It's a supercar experience that transcends expectations, and one that will leave you longing for more, long after the weekend is over. I want one.