Cyndie tests McLaren Artura: sports car with tradition and a modern heart
The McLaren Artura is full of high-tech but still feels old-fashioned. Cyndie explains why this is a good thing in the test.
The McLaren Artura, the first plug-in hybrid from McLaren, impresses with more than just its technology. It combines a special mix of old-fashioned charm and ultra-modern performance.
Cyndie: "This car is really interesting because it's ultra-modern in technology, but old-fashioned at the same time."
A sports car for purists
With a system output of 515 kilowatts (700 hp) and a V6 engine in combination with a plug-in hybrid system, the Artura promises a lot of driving pleasure.
Interestingly, the standard fuel consumption is just 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers - at least on paper.
In practice, the Artura achieves a consumption of 11 liters, which is still impressive for a sports car.
Cyndie explains: "That's much more economical than many other sports cars. But you only get that if you leave out the sports mode and drive a lot in electric mode. "
Weight and efficiency are key
The Artura's low fuel consumption is also due to its low weight. It weighs just 1,498 kilograms. This makes it lighter than many of its competitors.
This is achieved through the use of a carbon monocoque and other lightweight materials.
"The car is light because it's cleverly built," says Cyndie.
Many of the car's components have been specifically designed to save weight, for example by integrating multiple functions into fewer parts.
However, there is also a downside: "If someone crashes into you and breaks everything in the back, you have to replace the whole thing. But well, McLaren customers can certainly afford that."
Driving experience like in Formula 1
Cyndie was particularly impressed by the steering.
McLaren uses traditional hydraulic power steering in the Artura, which makes for a particularly intense driving experience.
Cyndie notes: "You can really feel everything much better. Some people say it's outdated, but if you like driving, then this is perfect."
The Artura also has a lot to offer when it comes to speed.
With a top speed of 330 km/h and full torque at around 2000 rpm, it provides plenty of power.
Cyndie describes it as follows: "That's really cool. Without a hybrid, that would never have been possible with a 3-liter engine."
Old-fashioned, but still modern
McLaren focuses on minimalism in the interior.
Cyndie loves it: "The interior is old-fashioned, and I like that. It's about driving and not about unnecessary buttons."
This is particularly noticeable on the steering wheel, which has no buttons.
Conclusion: a vehicle of extremes
The McLaren Artura is an interesting combination of old-fashioned simplicity and modern technology.
It offers driving pleasure at the highest level and at the same time shows that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
For Cyndie, one thing is clear: "The drive is modern. But the car has little new technology that makes driving artificial. It's really old school, but much faster and more efficient."