- The Artura will remain the entry point in McLaren’s supercar lineup for the foreseeable future.
- A McLaren exec confirmed they are not interested in another offering to sit below the Artura.
- The electrified successor to the McLaren 750S could move further up the ladder.
McLaren’s recently discontinued “Sport Series,” encompassing models like the 540C, 570GT, 570S, and 600LT in coupe and spider variants, won’t be making a comeback. Instead, the company is pivoting its focus towards supercars, hypercars, and yes, “Shared Performance” SUVs
We recently sat down for a chat with Jamie Corstorphine, McLaren’s Director of Product Planning. Corstorphine confirmed that there are no plans for another entry-level supercar below the Artura, meaning that the GTS (successor of the GT) will remain McLaren’s sole “affordable” two-seater offering with the McLaren badge.
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Since the launch of the Artura, McLaren has been calling it their first “High-Performance Hybrid Supercar”, distancing itself from the discontinued 570S. Unlike the V8-powered also-rans of yesterday, the Artura boasts a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain. This new twin-turbo V6 and electric motor combo punches harder than any Sport Series offering, propelling the Artura into a higher echelon of supercar performance.
According to Corstorphine, McLaren recognized from customer and media feedback that the 570S didn’t fit the definition of a “sports car.” Consequently, the Artura represents the company’s “next step,” firmly establishing itself within the supercar segment alongside the larger 750S.
McLaren Artura Spider
Essentially, the Artura is the 570S’s more muscular successor, boasting across-the-board upgrades that position it to compete head-on with popular supercars from other manufacturers. Speaking of rivals and market positioning, McLaren clearly has its sights set on the Ferrari 296 GTB/GTS.
They readily admit to benchmarking this specific Ferrari during the Artura’s development. The not-so-subtle jab continues when they highlight the Artura’s weight advantage – a full 83 kg (183 lbs) lighter than its closest competitor.
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Despite both being electrified “entry-level” (air quotes for emphasis) supercars, Ferrari charges a hefty premium for the 296 GTB/GTS. The Ferrari’s true rival, the 750S successor, is still in the pipeline, packing a hybrid V8. Until then, the Artura will have to flex its lighter weight and lower price tag to steal some thunder from Ferrari’s electrified stallion.
Corstorphine declined to comment on future products when asked about the market positioning of the 750S’s successor. However, drawing from the lineage of the 570S and the Artura, one could speculate that the new supercar will edge closer to the Ultimate series in terms of power and performance, while maintaining a prudent distance from the forthcoming flagship.
