McLaren’s first-ever hybrid
high-performance convertible

(February 28, 2024) McLaren has revealed the 2025 Artura Spider, its first-ever convertible with a high-performance hybrid powertrain and the second Artura model. The new Spider is introduced with significant upgrades to power, performance and driver engagement, which combine with the sensory pleasures of open-top driving to add a remarkable new dimension to the Artura.

Further elevating the Artura’s next-generation supercar performance, the enhancements engineered for the Spider have also been incorporated into the Artura coupe, with a new model introduced simultaneously. Both new Spider and new coupe deliver the highest levels of dynamic performance — up to and including outstanding circuit ability —  as well as meeting the requirements of regular driving and offering the near-silent electric-drive so beneficial in urban environments.

The new Artura Spider was designed and developed to ambitious targets across the board, with particular focus on driver engagement, performance, agility, refinement, efficiency and quality. The additional attraction of a retractable hard-top that operates electrically in just 11 seconds to provide a full convertible experience, ensures intoxicating supercar exhilaration.

The new Artura Spider and new Artura coupe – which are both designated 2025 model year (‘MY25’) – are available to order now, with first deliveries from mid-year.

“The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose. We have upgraded the powertrain and the chassis systems to deliver more power, more dynamic performance and even higher levels of connection with the driver – without any compromise in everyday driving. And now alongside the new Artura coupe we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all of these improvements and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range,”
said Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive.

McLaren’s relentless focus on its super-lightweight engineering philosophy is key to delivering the advantages that enable delivery of the exceptional dynamic characteristics and performance – with driver engagement to match – demanded of any its cars.

The new Artura Spider has a dry lightest weight of just 3,212 pounds, with curb weight of only 3,439 pounds — just 136 pounds more than the Artura coupe. These figures position the new Spider as easily the lightest among convertible competition, enjoying an advantage of up to 183 pounds.

More importantly, in combination with the 690 bhp of the high-performance hybrid powertrain, this gives a power-to-weight ratio of 473bhp/tonne at lightest dry weight, which perfectly positions the Artura Spider to optimize every aspect of supercar high-performance, including exploiting its mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive chassis layout to the full.

The McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at the heart of the Artura provides a secure platform with no loss of rigidity when the fixed roof is removed — the majority of the 136 pounds difference between Spider and coupe is accounted for by the electrically-operated Retractable Hard Top (RHT) mechanism.

Beyond the core carbon fibre monocoque, MCLA incorporates aluminum 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 percent  and with that proportional weight. The electrical architecture was optimized in the development process for the new Spider to increase data capacity and transfer speeds.

McLaren’s high-performance hybrid powertrain has been recalibrated, with an additional 19 bhp from the V6 combustion engine on the MY25 Artura, increasing overall power to 690 bhp. The additional power is focused from 4,000rpm to the redline at 8,500rpm, providing a marked "crescendo" in performance. Peak torque value remains at a muscular 531 pound-feet, its delivery optimized by minor changes to electronic mapping. This engine recalibration will also be made available free-of-charge to existing Artura owners via their McLaren Retailer.

The 3.0-liter M630 dry-sump aluminum gas engine, which now achieves in excess of 197 bhp per liter, is extremely compact and lightweight — at just 353 pounds it weighs 110 pounds less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency. The dimensions are made possible by a 120-degree V angle design that also aids a low center of gravity.

The engine design reduces pressure losses through the exhaust system as well as allowing for a stiffer crankshaft and in turn a rev limit of 8,500rpm. The free-revving nature of the V6 engine is supported by the twin-turbochargers being located within the "hot vee," positioning that enables them to spin more rapidly, improving throttle response.

The soundtrack of the engine has also been enhanced, with a revised valved exhaust system incorporating a tuned resonator and upward conical shape to the tailpipes to further refine the engine note at the middle and higher points of the rev range. This provides a ‘cleaner’ sound that envelops the occupants. An optional sports exhaust system is available, offering an enhanced, clearer tone overall and even greater driver engagement through an exhaust symposer that channels authentic sound waves from the tailpipe into the cabin.

The response and power of the Artura’s V6 is complemented by an extremely compact axial flux E-motor. Located within the transmission bell housing, it generates 94 bhp and 166 pound-feet of torque and boasts a power density per kilogram 33 percent greater than the system used in the iconic McLaren P1 hypercar.

Overall, the Artura’s compact hybrid componentry — including the 194 pounds battery pack and 34 pound E-motor - adds just 287 pounds to overall weight, an achievement that is instrumental in the new Spider achieving its best-in-class weight figures.

The instant torque delivery provided by the E-motor and the 596 bhp of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine give the Artura razor-sharp throttle response and acceleration across the board, whether in-gear or through the gears. The Artura Spider’s official figures of 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.4 seconds and 0-186mph in 21.6 seconds highlight the levels of supercar performance available, all the way up to a maximum speed limited to 205 mph.

A Launch Control system for optimized performance on track is standard, as is a new ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away’ feature. Activated by disengaging Electronic Stability Control by pressing the ESC button on the driver binnacle, this allows dramatic wheelspin when accelerating from standstill with a large throttle load.