The McLaren Artura Spider is the convertible version, made for enjoying the sun with this plug-in hybrid

A few years ago the McLaren Artura reached the market, a supercar with plug-in hybrid mechanics that surprised many. Although it departed from the design language this brand usually presented, it served to bring the marque into the 21st century and to show that very little was needed to lay the foundations of what an impressive and powerful car should be. And without losing style.

Now it is the turn of the convertible version of the model, the McLaren Artura Spider. Its length is 4.5 metres, a fairly interesting figure that confirms its worth and a dynamic, sporty image. This is the first high-performance plug-in hybrid convertible presented by the British brand, and it is also the test bench where all the innovations to be implemented in the coupé version, which is the one sold until now, will debut.

The main point is that the engine benefits from a new ECU, so the new software allows it to reach 605 CV, an increase of 19 CV. To this power are added the 95 CV provided by the electric motor, giving a total of 700 CV, with 720 Nm of torque. The combustion engine is a 3.0-litre V6 block, and the electric motor is integrated into the dual-clutch transmission.

The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration remains at 3 seconds, the same as in the current coupé model. That said, the modified coupé version is expected to reduce that time somewhat. The top speed has been limited to 330 km/h, so that drivers can also enjoy the car to the full on the track.

A convertible model

But the main change compared with the coupé lies in the roof. The removable roof is not a canvas, but a retractable glass roof. This roof retracts in 11 seconds and can be removed while the car is travelling at less than 50 km/h. This version adds only 62 kg to the weight of the fixed-roof model. This has allowed the brand to avoid making any structural changes to install this system.

Among the improvements made, the brake system change also stands out. The brake discs have been replaced, and carbon-ceramic units have been fitted with new-design pads and cooling, with a size of 390 and 380 mm on the front and rear axles respectively.

As for the range in electric mode, this is rated at 33 kilometres. It is not a very high range, but this is not a car designed to be driven on electric power alone. What matters is feeling the complete experience, which is complemented by other elements to enjoy behind the wheel.

Driving pleasure

The McLaren Artura Spider has three driving modes:Comfort, Sport and Track. The last is designed for the circuit and also adds the Spinning Wheel Pull-Away system, which allows corners to be taken with more dynamism and confidence. The wheels are fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres, 235/35 ZR19 at the front and 295/35 ZR20 at the rear.

The price of the convertible version in Spain is 273,800 euros, while the coupé version is priced at 234,100 euros. It is available with three optional packs, so for 9,870 euros you can add the Performance pack, which gives a more sporty look; TechLux, with a more technical image, and Vision, which they describe as avant-garde and adventurous.