While McLaren may not have officially released their 2022 McLaren Artura, some of the details have been either teased or partially released, leading to speculation about the supercar's features, design, appearance, practicality, and functionality. It has a goal of using a new type of engine, as well as a new type of platform. The Artura will also be an electric plug-in hybrid, which brings a whole new set of challenges. First and foremost, McLaren aims to resolve the weight issue plaguing most hybrid electric vehicles as a result of heavy batteries and electric motors, while making it easy to handle with a powerful engine.
Read on to figure out how McLaren is fueling consumer desire and expectations with its 2022 Artura.
It'll Be A Plug-In Hybrid With A New Type Of Engine
The engine used for this McLaren has not been used in their models previously. This model is also expected to be a plug-in hybrid. The 2022 McLaren Artura is expected to replace McLaren's current Sports series.
Although no arrival date has been set yet, it is currently expected to arrive in European showrooms during the first half of 2021. In a first for McLaren, the Artura's engine will be a new-generation twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain.
This vehicle will also feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, which McLaren describes as “everyday emission-free urban journeys.” A compact lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors round out the drivetrain on the Artura, with output from the system targeted for the rear wheels. This is not the first challenge McLaren's designers have faced, though it will be a lengthy one.
Exchanging Weight For Power
Although most electric vehicles are literally dragged down by the weight of electric motors and batteries, the 2022 McLaren Artura will be known for being lightweight despite its electric status. It's electric, but unlike most electric cars, it isn't heavy and was deliberately kept lightweight.
Extra weight would have altered several of the vehicle's dynamics, and McLaren decided they'd rather use extra effort in creating less weight than altering Artura dynamics. Ideas for reducing weight were derived from motorsports, and McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt promised the extra batteries and electric motors would only add between 66 to 88 pounds when construction finishes.
That said, speculation is running rampant regarding details of how the weight will specifically be reduced. One theory is that the use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber, magnesium, and aluminum to certain structure points throughout the vehicle will make the Artura lighter and easier to handle.
All-New Meets Elements Of Previous Iterations
This McLaren has a combination of all-new features making their debut and adapted features from prior McLaren vehicles. Flewitt also added that “every element of the Artura is all-new – from the platform architecture and every part of the High-Performance Hybrid powertrain to the exterior body, interior and cutting-edge driver interface, but it draws on decades of McLaren experience in pioneering super-lightweight race and road car technologies to bring all of our expertise in electrification to the supercar class.”
Therefore, the Artura is expected to be a mix of all-new technologies and techniques making their debut in McLaren vehicles here combined with adaptations of previously successful technologies and techniques adapted from prior iterations of McLaren vehicles. Teaser images have also provided the public with some idea of the car's appearance, which includes Artura’s badging, as well as dual exhaust tips protruding from the car's rear.
Drivers have commented on the design similarity between the 2022 Artura and McLaren's current 570S, though the Artura features larger rear intakes. Headlights also seem to adapt the design from McLaren's 720S, though they seem to be smaller here. Other models, like the 650S, will also have pieces adapted from them for the Artura.
Enter The MCLA Platform
The Artura has been labeled ‘High-Performance Hybrid’ (HPH) and will be McLaren's first vehicle to showcase a new platform: McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). After its debut here, McLaren plans to install this platform throughout the new generation of hybrid models, including a P1 replacement currently scheduled for 2024.
Older McLaren vehicles and series have utilized the older MonoCell platform, which is heavier and doesn't account for electric motors. The MCLA platform is both lighter and can accommodate electric motors and battery packs in electric vehicles.
Sources: goauto.com, autowise.com, autoblog.com,