Peter Lyon
August 19, 2024
The McLaren Artura lineup in Malaysia now has a convertible — the Artura Spider. Landing in local showrooms for RM3,400,000 on the road, the McLaren employs an updated hybrid drivetrain with 20 extra horsepower.
That boost takes the Spider’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain to an impressive 700 horsepower and 720 Nm of torque. The McLaren’s 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) has also been reworked to shift 25 per cent faster than before thanks to a pre-fill feature that pressurises the hydraulic fluid to what McLaren calls the “kiss point.” This revision allowed the topless Artura to jump from zero to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds, rocket from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.4 seconds, and max out at a top speed of 305 km/h (electronically limited).
With its 7.4 kWh battery, the Artura Spider can also cruise up to 33 km on electricity power alone, and connected to an AC Type 2 charger, will take around 2.5 hours to fully recharge to 80% capacity. The automobile employs aluminium subframes and a carbon fibre monocoque on the McLaren MCLA chassis—bespoke architecture that provides the foundation for the Spider’s efficiency and performance, along with a domain-based ethernet electrical system.
To take performance to the next level, McLaren has tweaked the engine mounts, brake cooling, exhaust system, and suspension, resulting in improved handling and ride. An interesting new addition to the driving experience is the “Spinning Wheel Pull-Away,” which as it sounds, is a feature that leaves elevens on the tarmac and a mountain of tyre smoke in its wake.
And expect more aural drama thanks to a new valved exhaust system complete with a tuned resonator. According to the manufacturer, this addition delivers a ‘cleaner’ sound that envelops the driver.
Matching the ‘eleven’ tyre mark the car can leave on the road, the Spider features a retractable hard top roof that can be opened or closed in a rather quick 11 seconds, even while cruising at speeds of up to 50 km/h, while an optional electrochromic glass roof allows for varying levels of sunlight. In order to reduce wind noise and turbulence during roof retraction, McLaren has added extra structural components, such as buttresses and a reworked windscreen, to accommodate the new roof system.
At just 1,560 lb, the Artura Spider is the lightest convertible in its class. By using McLaren’s Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), the Spider is guaranteed to remain as stiff as the coupe.
The Spider’s infotainment system employs dual high-definition touchscreens that provide intuitive control over many vehicle functions. Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard, with wireless charging offered as an optional upgrade. And for audio geeks, a premium 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system is optional as well.
McLaren Clubsport seats are included as standard equipment on the Artura Spider, with other optional extras including heated seats, memory features, and powered adjustment.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
For the price of RM3.4M, the Artura Spider could have a larger infotainment screen. But it certainly delivers a remarkable combination of performance and electrification and has been compared to the Ferrari 296 GTS and Maserati MS20 — although these competitors are either pricier of less capable. And who can ignore the 11-second roof adjustment feature that matches the ‘eleven’ tyre mark feature?
