Look beyond the intimidating appearance of the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider. It takes little seat time to get into the groove.
The Artura expanded McLaren’s supercar range with two firsts for the company: The first series production of a high-performance hybrid and the first use of a V-6 engine. (Photography by Mark Maynard or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
Artura, for Art and Function
Hybrid Supercar Competition
Artura Spider Pricing
The Retractable Hardtop
Hybrid Powertrain
Making a Speed Run
Why Buy the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider?
Specifications
BY MARK MAYNARD
The McLaren Artura Spider is a sexjet with a top-down tanned bod with ripped washboard abs. Its bulging thighs are so strong they could crack English walnuts. Yet with all this supercar pulchritude, the Artura is fiercely friendly. It is self-assured in its 690-twin-turbocharged V-6 power, rear-wheel drive, and blazing acceleration to 60 mph in 3 seconds. With an as-tested sticker of $365,518, its option count of $77,368 could buy a nice 2025 Land Rover Defender.
Pricing, however, isn’t an issue, at least to some. “It’s a mindset,” said a young stoner who felt compelled to go out of his way to check out the car. But even with his beer pockets, his comment is accurate. Most supercar owners can drive what they wish. A $400,000 car is less impactful than the upgrade for the Gulfstream G700 or the tempting new vacation villa.
Slipping into the cockpit is not unlike having sex for the first time. Once you figure out where to put what, where, and when, it gets better with practice. Then switch on Sport mode and get it on.
Though perhaps not a daily commuter, the cabin has open elbow room and an uncanny design that allows headroom for tall drivers and passengers.
Look beyond this Spider’s intimidating appearance. It takes little warm-up time to get into the groove. This supercar has gentle manners until provoked and a fearsome response when driven to thrill on a blazing workout.
The cabin has open elbow room and an uncanny ergonomic design for headroom to fit tall occupants.
Artura, for Art and Function
Artura expanded McLaren’s supercar range with two firsts for the company: its first series production high-performance hybrid and its first use of a V-6 engine (rather than a V-8).
It also is McLaren’s first completely new street car from the ground up since the Formula 1-inspired 2011 MP4 12C. It, too, was built as a coupe and a retractable hardtop convertible with a turbocharged V-8.
Artura is the brand’s next-generation supercar, underpinned by the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering. “[Artura] showcases a full range of McLaren attributes, including distinctive design, unrivaled performance, dynamic excellence, and engineering innovation,” my McLaren source wrote in an email.
A third first is the Artura name. It is the first non-limited-edition McLaren to have an alpha name — a mashup of “art” and “future.”
“Picking a name helped differentiate [Artura] from the models that had gone before,” the rep said. “In the past few years, we have simplified the range with now just GTS, Artura, and 750, and the new W1 hypercar on the way.”
I counted 13 cooling and airflow vents around the exterior. The ‘Hot Vee’ is aft center in the deck.
McLaren Artura Demographics
Add a wireless charging pad, included with the Technology pack, $3,110. The Kiwi logo, $1,600, is in tribute to company founder Bruce McLaren’s home country.
- McLaren has a relatively young household demographic compared to other luxury/supercar brands, with the highest percentage under 40. However, there are many wealthy professionals in their 50s and 60s who collect McLarens and track their cars.
- Artura has typically been more of a conquest car from competitor brands, such as Porsche and Lamborghini. The rep said the percentage of male vs. female McLaren owners/buyers is close to 80/20 male. “Realistically, most purchase decisions are couple-led. We see this at our events where both partners typically turn up with the cars.”
- Sales since Artura’s 2020 debut are tracking at around 40 to 45 percent in the McLaren lineup.
Body by McLaren
Artura is a trailblazer, but it is not the first McLaren with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The P1, introduced more than a decade ago, is the first such car.
A McLaren road car is, essentially, a streetable Formula 1 sports car with two bucket seats. Despite modern conveniences and full leather upholstery, the Artura weighs a trim 3,439 pounds.
It is the first McLaren model built on the company’s new carbon-fiber chassis, called MCLA, or McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture. The body is a carbon-fiber monocoque with aluminum front and rear frames and chassis structures. The car’s underside is fully enclosed for aerodynamics.
The McLaren Artura carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum crash structure and rear subframe. (McLaren photo)
The Hybrid Supercar Competition
It seems apparent that McLaren had the Ferrari 296 GTB in its gunsights. It, too, is a rear-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid with a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
Another competitor will be the new all-wheel-drive Lamborghini Temerario (replacing the Huracan). Its hybrid twin-turbo V-8 uses three motors for acceleration to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds.
And then there is the all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid. With an electric motor boost, the 6.2-liter V-8 launches the E-Ray to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
A 4-door McLaren?
Rumors abound online about plans for an upcoming four-door, four-seat McLaren. McLaren will not comment on “future product,” but my source said, “Our CEO has hinted that we are looking at some sort of future ‘shared performance vehicle,’ but no timeline has been discussed.”
Every supercar needs a backup camera.
Thumbnail McLaren History
The brand is named for McLaren’s Formula One founder Bruce McLaren. Per Wikipedia, he was born in 1937 in Auckland, New Zealand, and was a racing hot-shoe since age 15. He went on to win many prestigious racing awards, including the U.S. Grand Prix at age 22. Driving for Jaguar and Aston Martin, he won three more Grands Prix and other races. He won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ford.
In 1963, McLaren founded Bruce McLaren Motor Racing and steered his company into Can-Am and Formula One race series.
He was obsessed with making his racing machines lightweight and worked with some brilliant engineers. In 1970, before the prototype could be completed, McLaren died while testing a new lightweight sports car at Goodwood.
In 1980, McLaren Racing pioneered the use of carbon fiber in Formula One, which introduced new rigidity and driver safety levels. The current McLaren models all use carbon fiber in the cabin tubs and elsewhere.
McLaren Automotive is based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The center includes the rest of the McLaren Group and the adjacent McLaren Production Centre. An underground walkway connects the two facilities, with the MPC built partially underground to minimize its presence.
Who Owns McLaren Now?
Since 2017, Mumtalakat Holding Company, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has owned McLaren Automotive and McLaren Group. However, in late 2024, CYVN Holdings, a growth equity investor in the future of mobility owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, finalized a deal for new ownership.
“The new owners will own 100 percent of McLaren Automotive and a non-controlling interest in the McLaren Group, which includes McLaren Racing,” a McLaren rep wrote in an email. “This new ownership will help accelerate the next chapter in McLaren Automotive’s growth. It provides access to additional capital, advanced engineering expertise, and technology, especially in the field of electrification.”
Ground clearance of 4.3 inches.
2025 McLaren Artura Spider Pricing
The 2025 McLaren Artura Spider starts at $278,800, including the $5,000 freight charge from Woking, England. Compare that to the starting price of the Artura coupe at approximately $254,100.
There are several interior design themes beyond the standard Jet Black Alcantara. Alternate styles include:
- Vision, avantgarde and sporty;
- Performance, sporty, functional and aesthetic, and;
- TechLux ($9,400) is sporty, functional, and aesthetic. The TechLux tester has extras such as full Nappa leather upholstery with contrast piping, brushed dark titanium trim, and gearshift paddles. It also includes McLaren-branded carpeted floor mats.
The tester included 20 options in a bespoke hue of Tokyo Cyan ($9,500), elevating the price to $365,518. The MSO bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations, offers a myriad of customer choices in trim options.
All McLaren passenger cars have a 5-year vehicle warranty with roadside assistance and a 3-year maintenance plan. The hybrid battery is covered for 6 years or 45,000 miles.
Check current McLaren pricing here.
Optional ClubSport seats have cutouts for a five-point racing harness.
It’s Only Money
When money is of little concern, how pleasurable it must be to pick and choose from the MSO list. Among the tester’s bespoke options:
- 10-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels ($4,950) with diamond cut finish ($2,200) and polished brake calipers with silver McLaren logo ($2,200);
- Exterior carbon fiber pack, $10,400. Features include gloss carbon fiber door mirror casings, front fender louvers, and rear deck inlets;
- Carbon fiber interior pack, $4,050. This pack replaces the standard Satin Black finish with lightweight carbon fiber elements on the door switch surround, central tunnel, and binnacle;
- 60th Anniversary Kiwi Logo in silver, $1,200;
- Electrochromic roof, $9,400;
- Carbon fiber gloss tonneau, $9,900;
- Technology pack, $3,110. Adds a Bowers & Wilkins 12-Speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and 360-degree park assist;
- Driving Assistant Pack, $8,350. Contains blind-spot monitoring, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic detection;
- America’s Accessories Pack, $2,208. The pack includes a USB cable, a rear license plate frame, and a microfiber cloth (to clean the digital screens). There also are carbon valve-stem caps, tire cradles (to prevent flat spotting when long-term parked), and car cover with McLaren.
10-spoke super-lightweight forged alloy wheels ($4,950) with diamond cut finish ($2,200) and polished brake calipers with silver McLaren logo ($2,200). Wheels sizes are 19 inches front, 20 inches rear.
Exterior Styling
The McLaren Artura Spider looks like trouble. The tester’s Tokyo Cyan blue paint was a refreshing change from red or McLaren Orange. The approachable hue is less likely to be judged for hooniganism.
From the outside, the Artura Spider has the visceral stance of a high-power crank-cocking crossbow to bring home the big buck. Unique McLaren design elements include:
- Shrink-wrapped sculpted bodywork;
- Signature “hammerhead” nose;
- Integrated front fender louvers;
- Headlight air intakes;
- Dihedral doors that open close to the body allow easy access and egress in tight parking spaces.
- The powertrain cooling vents and the “hot vee” chimney (between cylinder banks) are positioned further rearward than in the coupe. This relocation was made to accommodate the hardtop mechanism and tonneau cover.
I counted 13 cooling and airflow vents around the exterior. McLaren says, “Each vent, duct, and fold — even the door mirrors — has a specific purpose in managing airflow, cooling radiators, and optimizing downforce.”
At the rear fascia, dual-centered boom-tube exhaust outlets exit through a mesh panel. Below, dramatically large diffuser ducts channel exiting airflow.
The Artura roofline is just under 4 feet tall, 3 feet 11 inches. The nose lift adds an inch of height. When parking in a home garage, the raised doors require a vertical space of 6 feet 5 inches.
Can you hear me now?
The Retractable Hardtop
Artura’s retractable hardtop is a panel of carbon fiber and composite. The top can be upgraded with an electrochromic glass panel ($9,400). Using so-called “smart glass,” the surface is coated with special layers that react to an electrical charge. The panel will become translucent to block more than 99 percent of sunlight. Suspended Particle technology further reduces heat transfer into the cabin when in the darkest mode. More than 96 percent of solar energy is blocked, McLaren says.
Two motors fold the roof panel, two raise and lower the rear tonneau cover, and two control the aerodynamic covers on the leading edge of the tonneau buttresses. Another motor works the rear window, and another for the top-latching mechanism. The roof can also be raised or lowered when the car is stationary by the key fob.
It is an entertaining performance to watch for friends and neighbors.
The roof retracts in 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. A power and heated window behind the seats is more about letting in an exhaust tone than for airflow.
For body rigidity, buttresses integrated with the retractable hardtop system support the rollover structure.
With top down, there is little wind turbulence to muss hairdos or sweep away conversations, even at highway speeds.
McLaren says the folding hardtop and reinforcements added 136 pounds to the Artura coupe. “These figures position the new Spider as the lightest among the convertible competition, enjoying an advantage of up to 183 pounds.”
There will be showing off the Artura engine, sealed with a carbon fiber cover. How about offering a transparent engine cover?
Powertrain and Performance
The 3.0-liter M630 dry-sump aluminum V-6 engine is tuned to deliver more than 197 hp per liter. At 353 pounds, it is 110 pounds lighter than a McLaren V-8.
The official horsepower count is 690, combining 596 hp from the gas engine and 94 hp from the electric motor. McLaren says electronic mapping has “optimized” the peak torque of 531 foot-pounds. Of special note to existing Artura owners: the 2025 engine recalibrations are free of charge.
McLaren says the power is focused from 4,000 rpm to redline at 8,500 rpm, “providing a marked ‘crescendo’ in performance.”
There is no turbo lag from the engine, which the electric motor fills in on drive-off. However, there is some engagement delay as the eight-speed automated manual hooks up. A special “Launch Control” algorithm will cut to the chase to build turbo boost for a 3,200-rpm race start. Check with the dealership as to how many times Launch Control can be used, possibly as few as three.
McLaren designs the engines and outsources the build to Ricardo Engineering in the UK. The finished product is then transferred for final assembly on McLaren’s Woking, England, HQ factory production line.
The carbon fiber gloss tonneau, $9,900.
The Hybrid Powertrain
Artura’s plug-in hybrid componentry consists of a 194-pound lithium-ion battery pack and a 34-pound E-motor, which together weigh just 287 pounds.
The refrigerant-cooled 7.4 kW battery gives the Artura Spider an electric range of around 18 to 21 miles. However, the official EPA range is 11 miles. The battery can charge up to 80 percent in 2.5 hours.
While there are eight forward gears in the transmission, reverse is handled by the e-motor and battery. I was concerned that I could not back into my driveway if I burned through the battery reserves. But not to worry, McLaren says. The system always ensures there is enough battery reserve to back up the car. And all McLarens come with a 12-volt trickle charger to keep the battery replenished at home or when traveling.
Driving in Sport mode will maintain the current charge, but using Track mode will recharge the battery while driving. That’s good to know when heading home for the last 10 to 15 miles.
The estimated fuel economy is 45 mpg-e or 19 mpg combined, for about 340 miles. 94- or 91-octane fuel is recommended.
Seamless Shift Gearbox
McLaren’s wet dual-clutch Seamless Shift Gearbox, or SSG, fires off eight shifts in sequential glory under hard acceleration. Gear changes can be fully automatic or paddle-shifted. The shifts are almost instantaneous. Brush the brake pedal when decelerating, and the transmission gives a resounding engine blip.
McLaren says the uninterrupted torque delivery from the hybrid powertrain provides “relentless acceleration.”
A studio image of the compact twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. (McLaren photo)
Making a Speed Run
A launch control system (intended for track use) has a new “Spinning Wheel Pull-Away” feature by disengaging the electronic stability control. Hold on for what McLaren says will be “dramatic wheelspin when accelerating from a standstill with a large throttle load.”
Artura acceleration stats:
- 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds,
- 0-124 mph in 8.4 seconds,
- 0-186 mph in 21.6 seconds.
- Maximum top speed: limited to 205 mph.
Dawdling along in daily driving, the Artura can feel docile — until you push a little harder. That’s the “shut up sauce” pouring on chills of feral ferocity amid relentless acceleration.
McLaren says the aural soundtrack of the Artura engine is a “cleaner” sound that envelops the occupants. The exhaust valves have been revised, with a tuned resonator and upward tailpipe. The conical shape cranks the engine note in the middle and higher rev range.
An optional sports exhaust system ($5,100) adds “greater driver engagement.” An exhaust “symposer” channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.
Now, what Artura driver would not want such a symphony?
Ride and Handling
As a supercar, the rear-wheel-drive Artura is high-spirited but well-mannered when driven obediently. After just a few blocks of leaving home, I began to feel comfortable holding the reins. This is probably why McLaren only provides three-day loans to most journalists. By day three, I was always in Sport mode, firing off shifts and taking corners faster and faster, scaring myself.
Whether the top is up or down, the carbon fiber cabin tub has cast-iron rigidity.
The ride quality is supercar firm but not abusive to occupants, and enthusiasts enjoy that strapped-down sensation. The electro-hydraulic power steering is balanced with organic smoothness.
The big two-piece carbon ceramic disc brakes never squealed. Front brake rotors are 15.4 inches, backed up by rear 15-inch rotors. Forged aluminum calipers have front six-piston front monobloc calipers and four-piston rear.
Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires are comfortable rollers, and wide. The front 19-inch tires (235/35/ZR) are 9.25 inches wide; the 20-inch rear 295/35/ZR tires are 11.6 inches wide. There also is an option for Pirelli P-Zero winter tires.
Those wide Pirellis helped extend the turning circle to 39 feet 4 inches, which is still less than some midsize sedans. The Artura curled easily through tight parking situations.
The nose lifter is a savior from chin scrapes. The Artura Spider could clear my driveway entry without incident or having to make a very wide-angle approach. I’ve had obnoxious scrapes from a new Honda Accord sedan.
This is what 5.7 cubic feet of trunk space looks like. A battery trickle charger is included.
Interior Function
The Spider’s driver-focused cabin is trimmed in performance or luxury materials, and upgrades include carbon fiber trim or powered seats. For larger drivers, the upright seatbelt anchors are within easy reach. However, the narrow driver’s foot box might be tight for size 14s, or drive barefoot.
Getting behind the wheel is a lot easier when the top is retracted, providing more leverage points to grab. It is especially useful that the top can be opened or closed by the key fob. After hoisting out, close the roof with the fob.
Inside, the ClubSport seat design will fit short and tall drivers (to at least 6 feet 3 inches). The tester’s optional seats with power lumbar and lift ($1,250) have broad fitment for most thighs and back sides. There is no need for power bolsters for snugging. The seats are smartly ergonomic for comfortable long-distance driving. There also is a no-cost choice for comfort sport seats that are power adjustable and heated with memory presets. The seats have cutouts for a five-point belt system for those going to the track.
The “clean” steering wheel is free of buttons and controls, except for the sculpted metallic battle-blade gearshift paddles. The steering wheel and driver display binnacle are power-adjustable to keep driving information in the driver’s line of sight. The array also houses the controls for handling and powertrain modes or switching from electric to hybrid drive.
Sightlines at the side mirrors and over the hood are open, providing more confidence in high-speed travel.
And, of course, there are directions on how to install a child seat.
McLaren Artura Recalls
A neighbor had a problematic 2023 model-year Artura Coupe, which McLaren ultimately bought back. The car suffered from hybrid powertrain defaults, a random loss of acceleration, and a faulty transmission, which was replaced.
The dealership, he said, had a row of three or four other Arturas waiting for repair or replacement.
He said McLaren twice sent a technician from Woking to analyze his car’s problems. Ultimately, the cause was determined to be a wiring problem. However, the owner said a replacement part would not be available for a year.
Yet, despite all that, the owner praised the dealership and McLaren for supporting him throughout the ordeal.
My source at McLaren placed the problems on” disrupted processes.” During the latter stages of Artura’s development and early production, McLaren worked through the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain issues.
“Since then, there has been a rigorous focus on quality and improving the issues experienced,” he said.
Low, wide, and ferocious.
Why Buy the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider?
You will meet people who just want to peer into such a dagger-sharp car.
When out taking photos, a random guy with tattoos and no shoes walked up, raving about McLaren. Apparently, he had or has a 1997 McLaren.
“Look how sexy this thing is,” he said, asking for a photo next to the Tokyo Cyan Artura Spider. “I just want to pick it up and carry it home.”
A McLaren is serious pleasure, and that is always fun.
The friendly fierce mugshot.
2025 McLaren Artura Specifications
Body style: 2-seat longitudinal mid-engined RWD supercar with dihedral doors
Chassis: MCLA carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum front and rear frames and chassis structures. Fully enclosed under panel with front splitter and rear diffuser
Engine: 690-hp M630 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 hybrid drivetrain with axial flux electric motor; 531 lb.-ft. torque from 2,250-7,000 rpm, plus 166 lb.ft. torque from the electric motor
Battery: 7.4 kWh lithium-ion; charge time, 2.5 hours Level 2 to 80 percent; electric-only range, 21 miles
Transmission: 8-speed SSG with electronic differential, with reverse using E-motor); performance modes of electric, comfort, sport, and track
Fuel economy: 45 mpg-e; 19 mpg gas combined; total range 340 miles, 11 miles on electric; 94- or 91-octane recommended
PERFORMANCE DATA
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
- 0-124 mph: 8.4 seconds
- 0-186 mph: 21.6 seconds
- ¼ mile: 10.8 seconds
- Maximum speed: 205 mph, electronically limited
- 124 mph-0 braking: 407 feet
- 62 mph-0 braking: 102 feet
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
Trunk space: 5.7 cubic feet
Length/wheelbase: 179/104 inches
Height/width: 47/78* inches *w/mirrors folded
Track (to contact patch center): front 65 inches, rear 64 inches
Curb weight: 3,439 pounds
Turning circle: 39.4 feet
FEATURES
Standard Artura Spider equipment includes: smart key entry with push-button ignition; portrait-screen infotainment display (for navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio); dual-zone climate control; active dynamic performance control panel; column-mounted driver display; electric parking brake;
Safety features include: 6 air bags, tow-away protection, electronic immobilizer, tilt sensor, hill-hold assist, emergency fuel shutoff
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 2-piece carbon ceramic discs with aluminum hub, 15.4-inch rotors front, 15 inches rear, with forged aluminum calipers; 6-piston front monobloc calipers; 4-piston rear
Steering: Electro-hydraulic; power-assisted; turning circle, 39 feet 4 inches
Tires-wheels: Pirelli P-Zero 235/35/ZR 19-inches front, 295/35/ZR 20-inches rear; lightweight forged alloy wheels
Suspension: Independent adaptive dampers, front: dual aluminum wishbones, rear: upper wishbone and lower multi-link setup. Proactive Damping Control with modes of comfort, sport, and track modes.
PRICING
McLaren Artura Spider base price: $278,800, including $5,000 freight charge; price as tested: $365,518
Where assembled: Woking, Surrey, UK
Warranties: 5-years/unlimited miles inclusive coverage with roadside assistance and maintenance plan; 6-years/45,000 miles hybrid battery
GM claims to have produced more U.S. military vehicles than any manufacturer in history.
