By Pursuitist Special Contributor Kimatni D. Rawlins, Photos by Garvin Villier
It’s a great time to be a McLaren fan. From impressive 2025 accomplishments in Formula 1 to owner rallies, anniversary honors, and VIP track events, such as The Pure McLaren Program, the brand’s cars are in high demand.
I was recently behind the wheel of the 2025 McLaren Artura Spider, finished with a vibrant Ventura Orange paint job. Energetically balanced, the Artura Spider offers incredible power via its twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. Inherently resourceful, McLaren leverages the technology and expertise from its motorsports division to enhance the performance of its consumer fleet.
The Artura is constructed with super-lightweight materials, advanced driver-focused technologies, and inventive McLaren design and engineering techniques. Representing McLaren’s first series-production hybrid convertible, the Artura features a rear mid-mounted 3-liter twin-turbo V6, a 71 kW “Axial Flux” electric motor, and an 8-speed dual-clutch “Seamless Shift” gearbox that shifts 25% faster. The engine produces 691-horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, pushing the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 3 seconds. Top speed is an impressive 205 mph.
The Artura also offers an all-electric range of about 21 miles. The E-motor also pairs with the gasoline engine for top-end acceleration. McLaren offers four drive modes (E-Mode, Comfort, Sport, and Track) for max performance. The Artura starts off in E-mode and will automatically recharge in any mode but does not incorporate brake regeneration. The exhaust rumbles in Sport mode and is subdued in Comfort mode. And with a combined 45 MPGe, the Artura delivers extended efficiency.
“The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose,” said Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive. “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.”
My first experience with the Artura took place a few years back in Carmel Valley, California, during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, where McLaren was celebrating its 60th anniversary. The vehicle displayed admirable discipline on the road, incorporated intricate performance details, and showcased exciting drive characteristics. Six months later, I ventured to the manufacturing facilities in Woking, England where all McLarens are hand-built. There, I became indoctrinated into all things McLaren, including a deeper understanding of founder Bruce McLaren’s prolific racing career.
Stylewise, the 2025 Artura Spider is chiseled and aerodynamic. Paired with Pirelli P Zero staggered summer tires and 10-spoke black forged alloy wheels, McLaren Adaptive Damping is customizable for smoother highway riding or tauter, more dynamic maneuvering.
Huge carbon ceramic brake rotors are clamped by 6-piston aluminum calipers up front and rear 4-piston calipers. Over the course of my 300-mile test, the Artura felt light, planted, and surgical, particularly through winding turns, as the damping and rear-wheel dynamics kept us perfectly balanced.
Artura originated from the pairing of “Art” and “Future,” precisely articulating McLaren’s vision of the perfect daily driver. It’s also the first McLaren to feature the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, which is styled, engineered, and produced at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in England. The Gloss Black roof and accents, carbon fiber trim, and light dihedral (scissor) doors give the Artura a look that is as advanced as its technology. Large intakes behind the doors and functional gills over the front wheels improve aerodynamics. The retractable hard top opens and closes in less than 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
Inside, the clever yet straightforward cabin is a perfect blend of race-inspired minimalism and driver-focused componentry. Alcantara and Nappa leather line the seats and dash; the digital cluster rotates according to the selected drive mode; and orange accents can be found throughout, including on the seats, starter button, seat piping, door trim, steering paddles, and carpet trim.
The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system deserves praise. Even with the roof retracted, music filled the cabin with clarity and depth, turning every stretch of road into a moving soundtrack.
Starting at $273,800 and $325,258 as tested, the Artura Spider offers more than speed; it affords you the ability to experience innovation, design, and a glimpse at the future of electrified performance.
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