Artura

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 14, 2024

McLaren Reveals The New, Improved Artura Trophy EVO Race Car

The McLaren Artura forges a new racing legacy. McLaren is known nowadays for its iconic supercars with lightweight construction, powerful performance, dramatic style, and enviable agility. However, its pedigree traces back 60 years, and McLaren’s history is made on the race track. After creating race cars that would go on to achieve the incredible “Triple Crown” of motorsport, win F1 Championships, and more, McLaren is now showcasing its new Artura supercar, with an innovative and powerful V6 hybrid powertrain and the lightweight, agile construction that makes McLaren cars heroes on the track. A new racing version of the Artura has emerged, and along with it a new category in the McLaren Trophy racing program. That new car is the McLaren Artura Trophy EVO, and it’s made for racing in the McLaren Trophy series starting from the 2025 season. The new race car boasts a (non-hybrid) twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which produces up to 612 horsepower with the “push to pass” feature in the vehicle. The improvements made from the racing-spec Artura predecessors, the Artura GT4 and the Artura Trophy, to the new Artura Trophy EVO are also available to owners of the former cars. Customers of the GT4 or Trophy cars are able to upgrade their cars to the Trophy EVO’s specifications. The introduction of the new McLaren Artura Trophy EVO coincides with the introduction of a new Pro Class in the McLaren Trophy racing series, made for Silver drivers who are pursuing a career in GT racing. Silver McLaren Trophy drivers aged 26 and under will be automatically enrolled in the McLaren Trophy Academy, a development program that hosts workshops for young drivers during race weekends. With its third season on the horizon in 2025, the McLaren Trophy is going to be more intense and exciting than ever, showcasing rising star drivers as well as the new McLaren Artura Trophy EVO race car. View All McLaren Arturas For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 15, 2024

NOVITEC Reveals New Customizations For The McLaren Artura

Novitec transforms a hybrid supercar icon. With the introduction of the P1 over a decade ago, McLaren entered the coveted “Holy Trinity” of hybrid hypercars. Today, the P1 is regarded as a transformational innovation in automotive performance, opening the doors for hybrid supercars that rely on electric power for explosive performance. McLaren’s new hybrid icon is the Artura, which builds on the P1’s innovations to deliver compelling driving character with the help of hybrid technology. However, Novitec, a supercar transformation specialist, has decided to take Artura to the next level with its new suite of customizations. With unique looks, revised aerodynamics, and increased power, Novitec’s take on the McLaren Artura is one of the most head-turning hybrids on the road. Visually, the Novitec McLaren Artura extensively uses exposed carbon fiber, including the trunk lid, a lip spoiler, and more. In addition, the body kit enhances the aerodynamics and gives the Artura a sleeker, lower appearance. Custom wheels further enhance the unique look of the Novitec McLaren Artura, and a modified suspension lowers the ride height. However, one of the most interesting changes Novitec imbued the McLaren Artura with was increasing its performance, bringing the twin-turbocharged V6’s engine up by 35 horsepower. Further setting the Novitec custom version apart from the standard Artura is the ability for clients to equip the supercar with a custom interior from Novitec. With unique looks and enhanced driving character, Novitec transforms what is already a revolutionary hybrid supercar. View All McLaren Arturas For Sale Image Source: Novitec

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2024

The Prince of Monaco Drives The McLaren Artura Spider At ...

McLaren’s open-top hybrid graces one of the most legendary races. Monaco is known for its stunning waterfront, yachting, glamor, and one of the most historic and legendary events in motorsport history, the Monaco Grand Prix. The race sees the ultra-prestigious Formula 1 contenders battle for one of the series’ most prized Grand Prix titles, and A-list celebrities and luxury icons gather in the Riviera hub to engage in the festivities. An opening honorary lap was driven by H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco himself, and the car he was behind the wheel of was none other than the McLaren Artura Spider. This open-top hybrid supercar made its dynamic debut through the lap. Alongside the Artura Spider’s dynamic debut, McLaren put on quite a show at the Monaco Grand Prix this year, celebrating Ayrton Senna’s legacy and success at the Monaco Grand Prix with McLaren by debuting the Senna Sempre livery, featured on McLaren’s F1 cars that raced over the weekend, as well as hand-painted on a McLaren Senna hypercar that was created as an homage to the racing legend and his impact. Introduced alongside an upgraded Artura coupe, the new McLaren Artura Spider features further bolstered power, performance, and dynamics, and the Spider, of course, also introduces open-top driving pleasure. McLaren made the most of the anticipated and exciting race weekend with a new innovative and powerful open-top hybrid driven by H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco and a special livery at the Monaco Grand Prix. View All McLaren Arturas For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 07, 2022

The Triple F Collection Showed A Pair Of New McLaren Artu...

The Triple F Collection’s The Event 2 in Columbus showed 2 new McLaren Arturas. It’s the newest hybrid supercar from one of the most prestigious racing-bred brands in automotive history, so it’s no wonder that the two McLaren Arturas, marking the start of American deliveries for the car, which made an appearance at the Triple F Collection’s The Event 2 took center stage and stole the show. Powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 engine and an electric motor, the Artura has a total combined output of 671 horsepower and 531 lb/ft of torque, and it has the ability to drive on 94 horsepower of purely electric power for up to 11 miles. MUST READ: Watch Over $200 Million Worth of McLaren F1s Take a Ferry Together Triple F Collection showed the two Arturas alongside its own McLarens, like a P1, a 675LT, a Senna, a 720S Spider, a Speedtail, and one of only 15 McLaren Sabres. On top of that incredible collection, 27 more McLarens showed up for The Event 2, which drew a crowd of over 20,000, and for good reason. Along with a stunning and rare display of the brand’s rich racing and supercar heritage, the McLaren Artura High Performance Hybrid is bound to cause quite a stir wherever it goes. View All McLaren Arturas For Sale Source: McLaren

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2021

See the McLaren Artura's in New and Exciting Teaser

McLaren has just released a new teaser video of the Artura supercar and it's our best look yet at the new model. Finished in a striking green paint, the Artura in the video is shown in glimpses but it's just enough to get us all excited. From the exterior to the information being displayed on the instrument panel screen, there's so much to take in but it's just enough not to show the entirety of the supercar. It looks like we will just have to wait until 7 PM EST on February 16 for the full reveal. If you visit McLaren's Artura page, you can set up to be reminded for the reveal. As for what to expect, it will be an all-new hybrid McLaren supercar that will feature an all-new V6 engine. Essentially, this car will be new in every aspect. See All McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 23, 2020

All-New McLaren Artura Supercar is Coming in 2021

The all-new McLaren Artura supercar has just been announced as the automaker's next greatest creation. Being called a High-Performance Hybrid (HPH), the new Artura will be McLaren's first series-production supercar with hybrid technology. McLaren notes that the Artura will be new in "every respect," and that it will start a new era for the brand. The technology found in the McLaren Artura is the result of what the engineers had learned while creating the P1 and Speedtail hypercars. Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren, has this to say about the new Artura: “Every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain, to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface – but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.” Powering the Artura will be a twin-turbo V6 engine that's mated to a new hybrid powertrain. According to McLaren, this new setup will allow the Artura to have the same performance as larger V8 engines but with added torque response. One thing that the Artura will be able to do that the non-hybrid cars can't is run on pure electric power. Expect the McLaren Artura to be on sale in the first half of 2021 with more information being brought forth in the coming months. " width="680">

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