McLaren Artura

McLaren Artura Spider

McLaren GTS

New texture achieved by motor

The Artura gave McLaren a new driving appeal with its V6 and motor.

When the roof is closed, a sleek style emerges that makes it hard to believe it's an open-top car. The C-pillars are made of transparent material, so rearward and diagonal visibility is excellent. — [1]

McLaren's style is to not have switches on the steering wheel, with the roof and rear window switches located above the windshield. — [1]

If asked which super sports car brand is his favorite, he would answer without hesitation: McLaren. Behind this lies McLaren’s origins, a desire for pure racing. Racing doesn’t require any frills. The best is selected from the component level. A corresponding approach is also required from the driver. McLaren has a strong sense of a super sports car that has been built up in an extremely logical way.

With the release of the ultimate model, the W1, we decided to take a fresh look back at the McLaren brand and gather the latest models currently available for test drives. The lineup includes the Artura, the GTS, which debuted at the end of last year, and the Artura Spider, which was unveiled in February of this year. We took the wheel of the cars in that order for our test drive on the Turnpike.

I had previously test-driven the Artura in Tokyo, but I didn’t feel like I’d really gotten to grips with its core. I only remember that it could quietly drive on electric power up to a fairly high speed (130km/h), and that while it seemed compact at first glance, it wasn’t. However, this time, I felt a sense of satisfaction right from the start. As soon as I started driving, I realized, “It does exactly what I want it to do!” The throttle response was good, and there was a direct feeling from the steering to the front tires, making the whole car feel small and compact.

Some see the methodology of subtracting two cylinders from a V8 engine and allocating that mass to an electrified system as a necessary change required by the times. However, electrification, which is also common in modern F1 cars, has also succeeded in giving McLaren’s drivability a new quality. More specifically, the sudden turbo lag that was symbolic of McLaren’s dynamic quality has been smoothed out by the motor’s output. A PHV system that can achieve a maximum EV range of around 30km, even in situations such as leaving an underground parking lot in the city center early in the morning, is likely to be effective. However, in light of the brand’s stance, this should merely be a by-product.

Each individual has their own distinctive personality

The GT became the GTS, with a 15PS increase in power.

The Artura’s impression on winding roads was further highlighted when I immediately switched from the GTS, the successor to the GT, which was a hot topic as a “supercar that can fit a golf bag in the luggage space!”

The beauty of the GT is that it offers 150L of luggage space in the front and 420L in the rear without sacrificing styling. It retains the McLaren-like appearance and driving performance, while expanding its range to include everyday use. And yet, the ride is smooth and has a personality that makes you want to take it on a long drive. This GT’s personality has been carried over to the GTS as well. The power increase from 620PS to 635PS, which is the key feature of this model change, was particularly striking. The turbo awakens with a bang, as if you’ve been hit on the head, and the smooth acceleration that is typical of turbocharging begins.

However, this time, it was thanks to the Artura that the 15 PS increase was clearly felt. Compared to the Artura’s acceleration, which is powered by a motor and V6 engine and is consistently smooth, the GTS’s acceleration is characterized by a sharpness that is in line with McLaren’s previous models.

A different generation of carbon monocoque

The shape of the front air intake has been changed from the previous GT model, improving aerodynamic performance and air flow efficiency. — [1]

The instrument panel design is from a previous generation, but it is very easy to operate and has excellent visibility. — [1]

On the other hand, the difference in drivability was also interesting in terms of making a strong impression. Aside from the powertrain, both cars share a carbon fiber monocoque tub, and there doesn’t seem to be much difference in the structure or size of the suspension. However, there are differences that are immediately noticeable to anyone who gets behind the wheel.

Of course, there are differences between models, but generational differences are also likely to be a factor. The core of the GTS is an evolved version called the “MonoCell II-T,” but roughly speaking, it still has a lineage that continues from the new generation McLaren’s debut model, the “MP4-12C.” In contrast, the Artura’s carbon cell is a new model called MCLA (McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture), and I think this is also a factor in giving the overall vehicle a taut impression.

Driving both cars this time, the Artura felt like the latest plug-in hybrid super sports car, while the GTS’s grand tourer-like character was clearly evident.

A car that awakens the driver

On the other hand, what about the newest Artura Spider? It had a much better driving feel than the Artura. I tried to find the reason for this, but the only thing I could find was the difference in the seats. The Artura’s seats could be reclined, but the Spider had a one-piece shell seat. Perhaps the sensitivity was incredibly high, but the way the car’s movements were conveyed was different.

All three cars in this exhibition were highly refined. At the same time, they are not supercars where you just press the start button and the show starts. The fact that the driver needs to awaken the character is also one of the reasons why I like McLarens.

McLaren is certainly evolving. While much attention will be focused on the W1, which will likely become more clear in the future, and on the outcome of Lando Norris’s bid for the Grand Prix title, we also want to draw attention to the finish of the current model.

REPORT／Takuo YOSHIDA

PHOTO／Akio HIRANO

MAGAZINE／GENROQ December 2024 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

McLaren GTS

Body size: Length 4683, width 2045, height 1213mm

Wheelbase: 2675mm

Dry weight: 1466kg

Engine type: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Displacement: 4.0L

Maximum output: 586kW (635PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 630Nm (71.4kgm) / 5500-6500rpm

Maximum system output: –

Maximum torque: –

Transmission: 7-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension: Front and rear double wishbone

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs (carbon ceramic)

Tires and wheels: Front 225/35R20, rear 345/30ZR20

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.2 seconds

Top speed: 326km/h

Vehicle price: 29.7 million yen

McLaren Artura Spider

Body size: Length 4539, Width 1976, Height 1193mm

Wheelbase: 2640mm

Dry weight: 1457kg

Engine type: V6 DOHC twin turbo

Displacement: 3.0L

Maximum output: 447kW (605PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 585Nm (55.1kgm) / 2250-7000rpm

System maximum output: 652kW (700PS)

Maximum torque: 720Nm

Transmission: 8-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs (carbon ceramic)

Tires & wheels: Front 235/35ZR19, rear 295/35ZR20

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.0 seconds

Top speed: 330km/h

Vehicle price: 36.5 million yen

McLaren Artura

Body size: Length 4539, Width 1976, Height 1193mm

Wheelbase: 2640mm

Dry weight: 1395kg

Engine type: V6 DOHC twin turbo

Displacement: 3.0L

Maximum output: 447kW (605PS) / 7500rpm

Maximum torque: 585Nm (55.1kgm) / 2250-7000rpm

System maximum output: 652kW (700PS)

Maximum torque: 720Nm

Transmission: 8-speed DCT

Drive system: RWD

Suspension: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs (carbon ceramic)

Tires & wheels: Front 235/35ZR19, rear 295/35ZR20

0-100km/h acceleration: 3.0 seconds

Top speed: 330km/h

Vehicle price: 33 million yen