Mclaren have never been shy when it comes to producing new models. It's safe to say the engineers must be overworked at Woking producing new models on what seems like a rolling 6 months basis. The designers? Cheating a little? Or maybe it really is just difficult to create with new designs so frequently and that potentially shows in the new product from Mclaren.
The Mclaren Artura does however represent fresh engineering from Woking, a new turbo charged 3.0l V6 engine paired with an electric motor produces a combined output of 680hp propelling this monster from 0-62mph in just 3 seconds. Needless to say the Artura is a powerful car. Gone are the days of jaws dropping at the idea of a production car with 500hp. The new engineering feats of combining mechanical and electrical power will no doubt make 600hp+ horsepower the new norm and gives a strong indication of the direction that Mclaren is going in the future.
From a design perspective Mclarens have always been, to the untrained eye, very much the same. Until you really study their model line up and pick out the differences, at first glance (no offense Mclaren owners) your first reaction will typically be, "they look the same".
The Mclaren Artura unfortunately or fortunately gives off that same vibe.
The design of both the front trunk and bumper screams 570s, with the differences derived from the positioning of the headlights and the grooves around it.
The rear of the Artura shares similarities with the Mclaren GT, particularly in the rear lights and the grill mesh that sits around the the lights. Mid mounted exhausts give the Artura a more sporty look whilst the almost unfinished rear diffuser exposes the gearbox, giving the rear a real mechanical, raw feel from behind.
Scissor doors of course complete the look, a signature element from Mclaren and an element that signifies its supercar status.
Quick thoughts on the Artura? Of course this is a car that is at the peak of automotive and engineering capabilities. It produces a huge amount of power and is no doubt more efficient than its predecessors with the benefit of hybrid technology. However from a design stand point, for me, it feels too much of the same from the British manufacturer. The special and out there design of the 720s and the brutish but refined look of the P1 showcase that Mclaren can go in a different direction and still produce a beauty. But here I fear they have gone to safe, the Artura is not a hideous or ugly supercar but is it special amongst the current line up?
The Artura feels like a slight mish mash of previous designs, quite safe in its creation and is definitely pushed towards a mass market where sitting in the middle is the safe option.
This is no doubt a super car in every sense of the word and for most will represent a special vehicle that many would dream to own but on the Sloane Street dragstrip will this really make me turn my head?
Will I think it looks more special than a 570s, 650s, Mclaren GT etc....?
I don't think so and with that despite this still being a good looking car with the technology on point, this is not art that is mantel piece worthy.
In 15 years time I don't believe many people will be talking about how special the Mclaren Artura was and for a supercar therein lies the problem.
What are your thoughts on the Mclaren Artura, do you think this will be a special car or just another product in the line up? Let us know in the comments section what your thoughts are!
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