Rev Up to 2025 with the 690HP McLaren Artura Spider featuring a 21-Mile Electric Range

McLaren unveils convertible hybrid ready to rival Ferrari 296.

McLaren has recently revealed their newest member to their collection, the 2025 Artura Spider. This unveiling also served as an opportunity for them to enhance the regular Artura coupe with increased power, improved performance, and elevated levels of driver engagement.The latest addition to McLaren’s lineup, known as the 2025 Artura Spider, was recently announced. This provided a chance for the car company to boost the power, performance, and driver involvement of the standard Artura coupe.

The debut of the Artura Spider introduces McLaren’s premier convertible performance hybrid, a first in the brand’s history. Previous models such as the P1 and Speedtail did not offer a convertible option. The latest version of the Artura Spider has undergone extensive enhancements for its 2025 release, boasting a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine combined with an e-motor, producing an impressive 690 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. This marks a significant increase of 19 hp from its coupe counterpart, although the torque remains the same.

With a mere mass of 3,212 lbs in its most minimal setup, the Artura Spider is the lightest vehicle in its category. This rear-wheel-drive beauty accelerates from 0 to 60 mph within 3.0 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 8.4 seconds, and reaches the impressive speed of 186 mph in only 21.6 seconds. Ultimately, its maximum velocity stands at an astonishing 205 mph.

In contrast to certain other supercar manufacturers, McLaren takes the additional step of divulging the curb weight for the Artura Spider, which exceeds that of the coupe by a mere 136 pounds, clocking in at 3,439 pounds. Remarkably, this has been achieved through the implementation of the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which provides the necessary support for the retractable roof while maintaining structural firmness.

The recalibration of the Artura’s engine has resulted in a substantial increase of 19 horsepower, available from 4,000 to 8,500 rpm. This enhancement of performance was accompanied by adjustments to the torque curve, making for smoother and more efficient driving – a complimentary upgrade for Artura owners. Despite our initial impression, the Artura Coupe proved to have even greater potential for power.

There are four powertrain options to choose from, with the default start mode being E-mode. After that, there are Comfort, Sport, and Track modes, each offering different levels of electric support for improved performance. One notable improvement is the updated engine conditioning process, which preheats the catalytic converter in E-mode to minimize emissions when the combustion engine is in use.

Existing owners will not have access to the new valved exhaust system that has been specifically designed to enhance the engine sound at higher revolutions. For those looking for an even more amplified experience, an optional sports exhaust system is available. However, the most impressive feature of the Artura Spider is its ability to independently lower the rear window while the roof is still up, allowing for a clearer and more prominent engine noise. Unfortunately, this feature will not be accessible for current owners.

The eight-speed SSG automatic transmission has undergone alterations, including the addition of a pre-fill function that boosts shift speeds by 25%. This feature involves pressurizing the hydraulic fluid within the gearbox to a specific level, allowing for quicker shifts when prompted by either the paddles or onboard computer. Like its previous version, the gearbox also includes an e-diff system that distributes power for improved handling and traction control.

Contained within 15-spoke rims (19- and 20-inch staggered options), the usual carbon ceramic brakes have been improved with lightweight aluminum calipers and added brake cooling ducts. A revised ABS calibration has also been implemented for better stopping power, resulting in a 102 feet distance between 62-0 mph and a 407 feet distance between 124-0 mph.

The acceleration metrics mentioned earlier are attained by utilizing Launch Control, however McLaren has incorporated a feature known as ‘Spinning Wheel Pull-Away’ – or what is commonly referred to as ‘burnout mode’ – which allows the driver to experience “spectacular wheelspin while accelerating from a complete stop with a significant amount of throttle.”

There are additional enhancements in terms of mechanics, such as upgraded powertrain mounts designed to decrease the engine and transmission’s movement within the chassis when navigating sharp corners or accelerating. This results in increased stability, improved driver engagement, and enhanced feedback.

The suspension has been further improved with adjustments to the damper valving, resulting in increased damping and faster handling response rates (up to 90% faster). These changes have been applied to the Domain Control Units in the integrated ethernet system.

The vehicle’s main suspension options are limited to three settings: Comfort, Sport, and Track, which can be selected by using the rocker switches located on the side of the instrument panel. Additionally, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) can be set to one of three modes: on, off, or Dynamic. The Dynamic mode allows for Variable Drift Control, giving drivers more control over their drifting abilities.

Minimal modifications were required to transform the Artura’s design into a convertible version. However, certain adjustments were made to accommodate the retractable hardtop made of carbon fiber (RHT). This entailed the addition of new buttresses which not only serve as rollover protection, but also feature a glazed segment that improves rear visibility and directs airflow to the engine bay. The vents for cooling the engine cover have been moved towards the back of the vehicle compared to the coupe model. Furthermore, the rear deck now includes inlets that are integrated into a four-part aerothermal cooling system, designed to channel cold air to the powertrain.

One alternative to the carbon roof is an Electrochromic glass panel that offers the choice of being transparent or 99% opaque. With the use of Suspended Particle (SPD) technology, this panel can block 96% of solar energy from entering the cabin. The design of the roof effectively channels airflow towards the engine, providing both cooling and heat evacuation. Whether in its transparent or opaque form, this feature is engineered to optimize the performance of the vehicle.

The 2025 Artura Spider and refreshed Artura Coupe have made their debut and are now ready for purchase. The convertible version starts at $273,800 and the coupe at $249,100. There are also three additional packages available for an extra cost of $9,400 each. Buyers can also select from a range of options such as different styling packages, a quick nose lift feature, and an enhanced 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, replacing the standard five-speaker setup. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptional vehicles.

The Artura has three optional configurations: Performance, TechLux, and Vision. Each one offers distinctive design and specification upgrades, giving the car a unique character. The latest update also includes an array of new paint colors. In addition to the five standard hues, there are now 20 Elite options and 18 MSO options to choose from.

The commencement of deliveries is anticipated to occur in the middle of 2024.