McLaren Artura Spider launched in Malaysia, from RM3.4 million

McLaren Kuala Lumpur, which has been representing the British sportscar brand in Malaysia since 2019, has launched the new McLaren Artura Spider, priced from RM3.4 million (inclusive of duties). This is the brand’s first-ever convertible with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and the second model in the Artura range which debuted in 2022.

The visual design and architecture of the Spider make it immediately recognisable as an Artura, despite the integration of the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) which required design and engineering changes to the rear section of what started as a coupe body.

The RHT itself is a carbonfibre and composite panel but can also be configured with an Electrochromic glass panel. This can either brighten the cabin – or block more than 99% of sunlight – at the touch of a button.

McLaren has adopted advanced Suspended Particle technology for this feature on the Spider to further reduce heat transfer into the cabin when in the darkest mode – more than 96% of solar energy is blocked – helping to keep air temperature as cool as possible.

The RHT system is actuated in near silence by 8 electric motors. 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. A motor is also responsible for rear window operation, with another for the RHT latching mechanism.

The changes and enhancements engineered for the Spider have also been incorporated into the Artura Coupe, with a new model introduced simultaneously. Both the Spider and new Coupe deliver the highest levels of dynamic supercar performance – up to and including outstanding circuit ability – as well as meeting the requirements of regular driving and offering the near-silent electric-drive in certain conditions.

Electrification is not new to McLaren and the automaker has had hybrid electric powertrains as far back as 2013 with the P1, followed by the limited-run Speedtail in 2018. With cumulative experience and know-how in this field, McLaren’s engineers have improved the high-performance hybrid powertrain with an additional 20 ps from the 3-litre V6 M630 twin-turbo combustion engine, increasing overall power to 700 ps.

The additional power is focused from 4,000 rpm to the redline at 8,500 rpm, providing a marked ‘crescendo’ in performance. Peak torque value remains at a muscular 720 Nm, its delivery optimised by minor changes to electronic mapping.

The response and power of the engine is complemented by an extremely compact axial flux E-motor. Located within the transmission bell housing, it generates 95 ps/225Nm and is powered by a 7.4 kWh lithium-ion battery with refrigerant cooling. Depending on the battery level, the electric-only range is claimed to be up to 33 kms.

Besides the compact hybrid componentry, the battery pack also has a low weight of 88 kgs and the electric motor is 15.4 kgs. These items add just 130 kgs to the car’s overall weight, an achievement that is instrumental in the Spider achieving its best-in-class weight figures.

The McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) of the Artura provides a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the fixed roof is removed. Most of the 62 kg difference between Spider and coupe is accounted for by the electrically-operated RHT mechanism.

Beyond the core carbonfibre monocoque, MCLA incorporates aluminium impact structures and a rear structure that houses the hybrid powertrain. An innovative ethernet electrical architecture is also part of MCLA, reducing cabling by 25% and with that, proportional weight.

The Artura was designed and developed with particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. With the Spider, there is also the additional attraction of a RHT that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible open-air experience. With no roof and limitless, the open-air experience enables closer connection to the environment, akin to riding on a superbike.

“When we launched the Artura coupe back in 2022, the zenith of performance driven by innovation that McLaren is renowned for was charged to new electrifying heights. The new Artura Spider introduced today brings the very same electrically charged thrills, this time with an open-top flair, making it perfect for those seeking greater exhilaration born from that charged performance mentioned,” said Ravinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Kuala Lumpur.

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