McLaren has revealed a droptop version of its Artura coupe. Both models have been updated with new ECU calibrations and other technical improvements. The sales are scheduled to begin in mid-2024.
The Artura Spider has an automatic hardtop made from carbon fiber and composite materials. As many as eight servomotors are used to raise and fold it, so the whole process takes just 11 seconds at 50 km/h (31 mph). Tipping the scales at 1,457 kg (3,212 lbs), the droptop is only 62 kg (137 lbs) heavier than its coupe counterpart. McLaren highlights the weight as being the lowest in the class.
Paying extra can get you a special electrochromic glass window in the roof, which can be adjusted from fully transparent to blocking 95% of all sunlight. New aerodynamic parts were also added at the rear end to help with engine cooling.
Speaking of the engine, it’s the same 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 assisted by an electric motor. The ECU remap mentioned above lets it churn out an extra 20 horsepower (15 kilowatts), raising the total to 700 PS (690 hp / 515 kW) and 720 Nm (537 lb-ft) of torque. The supercar reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3 seconds, covers a quarter of a mile from standstill in 10.8 seconds and can ultimately hit 330 km/h (205 mph). Its battery is still small at 7.4 kilowatt-hours, but now yields 33 km (20.5 miles) of range instead of 31 km (19.3 miles) thanks to optimizations.
Elsewhere, the car makes use of an improved eight-speed automatic transmission now switching gears 25% faster, new brakes and active suspension with faster shocks. New trim options have been added, too, including a black-out package and several new exterior finishes.
Owners of the pre-facelift McLaren Artura may visit a dealership for a free ECU update and get the same power and torque, the company points out.