McLaren has unveiled its new Artura Spider supercar, which is essentially a convertible version of the Artura coupe launched last year. However, the arrival of the open-top model also heralds a 20hp power hike for both the coupe and convertible models and some chassis upgrades.
New roof
For the most part, the Artura Spider's bodywork is largely the same as that of the coupe, but McLaren has given the car a new one-piece retractable hard-top that can be folded away in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.
However, the fitment of the new roof has meant aerodynamic changes needed to be made in order to keep the car's plug-in hybrid powertrain cool and prevent the cabin getting too blustery when the roof is folded away. In particular, McLaren fitted a new windscreen surround and a new cooling duct system at the rear of the car, channelling cooling air into the engine bay while also accelerating the movement of hot air away from the powertrain.
When the roof is raised, the panel had to be aerodynamically designed to keep the engine bay cool, including a sculpted shape that helps draw hot air from the compartment.
However, because of the standard Artura's structural rigidity and its carbon-fibre monocoque construction, McLaren hasn't had to add much in the way of strengthening when it removed the roof. That means the car only weighs 1,560kg - 62kg more than the coupe - and most of the weight increase is down to the retractable roof mechanism.
More power
As well as fitting the new roof, McLaren has also been hard at work under the Artura's skin. Which is why the latest versions of both the Spider and the coupe now have a nice, round 700hp. That still comes from the same 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and electric motor, both of which drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. And that means the update can also be applied to earlier Artura coupe models free of charge.
While the extra power might be the highlight, it isn't the only change. Mclaren has also very fractionally increased the electric-only range to 33km. The transmission has been revised, too, allowing the car to change gear 25 per cent faster, while the exhaust has been altered to produce an even more raucous noise.
What's more, McLaren has retuned the suspension slightly to provide better reactions to inputs from the driver and sharper adaptation to the road surface. There are new engine mounts, too, offering improved stability and steering feel.
With those changes, the Artura Spider is almost identical to the coupe in terms of performance, and McLaren promises "outstanding circuit ability." The 0-100km/h time is three seconds flat, while the top speed is 330km/h, while braking from 100km/h will see the car stop in a mere 31 metres.
Another dimension
"The new Artura is absolutely the complete next-generation supercar, whichever model you choose," said Michael Leiters, McLaren Automotive's CEO. "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. And now alongside the new Artura coupe we have the Artura Spider, a new convertible that has all of these improvements and brings another dimension of open-air McLaren supercar exhilaration to our range."