Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
What a momentous drive with the 2023 McLaren Artura during my stay in Monterey. The Silica White hybrid supercar gave me an introduction into McLaren’s electrified future since the all-new high-performance vehicle features an electric engine. With a $233,000 MSRP and superb mannerisms, the 671-horsepower (530 lb-ft of torque) supercar gets down with a powerful mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3-liter 6-cylinder engine, McLaren dual-clutch 8-speed transmission, a small 71kW electric motor (attributes 94 of total horsepower), carbon ceramic brakes, and lightweight forged alloy wheels wrapped in staggered Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires which collectively allow the British supercar to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
Artura originated from the pairing of “Art” and “Future” and precisely articulates McLaren’s vision of the perfect daily driver. It’s also the first McLaren to receive McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture that is styled, engineered, and produced at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in England to focus on forthcoming e-McLarens. Artura feels more like an everyday vehicle than some of the higher-power McLarens but still flies when called upon as the 11-mile-only electric motor chimes in for full thrust. The four drive modes are easily selectable, including E-mode, Comfort, Sport, and Track. The Artura can be plugged in to recharge the battery, or energy can be recouped in Track mode. I didn’t feel any turbo lag since the e-motor sucks it up.
Inside, the simple but clever cockpit incorporates Clubsport performance seats, McLaren Orange seatbelts, a small 8” portrait infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bowers and Wilkins premium audio, and a titanium harness bar to connect racing belts. Externally, the design ethos consists of the following:
- Dihedral (scissor) doors.
- A set of large intakes behind the door and embedded within the aluminum clamshell formed in the shape of the McLaren swoosh.
- Dual flying buttresses channel and direct air towards the rear.
- Functional gills over the front wheels to suck out wheel pressure.
- Laser-cut aluminum mesh over the engine and around the dual exhaust tips for venting.
- Fewer pieces equal less weight, is McLaren’s performance philosophy.
With an array of added options and packages like the Gloss Black roof, carbon fiber diffuser, winglets, mirror caps, and front splitter, my Artura totaled $306,195 and included a 5-year vehicle warranty, 6-year battery warranty, 10-year body perforation corrosion warranty, and a 3-year service plan. Are you ready for an electrified British supercar? Indeed, McLaren is utilizing its historic achievements to usher into a brave new world.
