AUTOMOTIVE 149
At the heart of the Artura ’ s powertrain is McLaren ’ s all-new , 2,993cc twinturbocharged V6 petrol engine . With a power output of 585PS – nearly 200 PS per litre – and 585Nm of torque , the drysump aluminium engine is compact and lightweight ; at just 160kg it weighs 50kg less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter , enhancing packaging efficiency .
Designed to run with a Gasoline Particulate Filter to optimise emissions performance , the M630 engine is also extremely refined . The 120 ° v-angle of the engine , which allows the turbochargers to be positioned within the ‘ hot vee ’, delivers further advantages in packaging as well as contributing to a lower centre of gravity . The 120 ° layout increases engine performance by reducing the pressure losses through the exhaust system and allows for a stiffer crankshaft that enables a rev limit of 8,500rpm , maximising performance and driver engagement .
Working in harmony with the new V6 is the Artura ’ s compact axial flux E-motor , located within the transmission bell housing . Smaller and more power-dense than a conventional , radial flux E- motor , it is capable of generating 95PS and 225Nm and boasts a power density per kilo 33 % greater than the system used in the McLaren P1™ . The instantaneous nature of the motor ’ s torque delivery – known as ‘ torque infill ’ – is key to the car ’ s razor-sharp throttle response . Exhilarating ‘ off-theline ’ performance sees the Artura achieve 0-100km / h ( 0-62mph ) in just 3.0 seconds , with 0-200km / h ( 0-124mph ) taking 8.3 seconds and 0-300km / h ( 0-186mph ) 21.5 seconds . Top speed is limited to 330km / h ( 205mph ).
The dual propulsion systems are integrated via an engine disconnect clutch , driving an all-new , twin-clutch transmission , which has been developed specifically for the Artura . Despite having one more ratio than other McLaren transmissions – to optimise power and torque delivery – the lightweight , short-ratio gear cluster is 40mm shorter in length . It also requires no reverse gear ; the E-motor takes care of reversing by literally rotating in the opposite direction .
The E-motor is powered by a battery pack comprising five lithium-ion modules , offering a usable energy capacity of 7.4kWh and a pure EV range of 31km . The battery is refrigerant cooled using cooling rails , and the assembly – including a power distribution unit which transfers battery power from the rear of the vehicle to the ancillaries in the front – is mounted on a structural carbon fibre floor . This assembly is then bolted onto the rear base of the monocoque , optimising stiffness , weight distribution and crash protection .
The Artura is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid ( PHEV ) capability and can be charged to an 80 % charge level in just 2.5 hours with a standard EVSE cable . The batteries can also harvest power from the combustion engine during driving , tailored to the driving mode selected .
Issue 59 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY