The plug-in hybrid Arthur supercar brings in a new type of buyer McLaren showrooms.
According to Charlotte Dickson, regional director of McLaren Asia Pacific, a growing group of female buyers are being attracted to the Artura.
“In Australia, our historic McLaren customer has always been a true car enthusiast. Your LT [models]your Senna, your 650S and 720S,” Ms Dickson said AutoExpert.
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“This car is definitely a more accessible supercar, especially if you live in Sydney or Melbourne and want to drive it at six in the morning and not annoy all your neighbors, this is perfect – but it still has the core of McLaren DNA you want.”
“We are starting to see more and more women interested in this car, I think because it is accessible. It’s a little less intense and intimidating in a way. It has been great for us to open that door.”
The new Artura ditches the turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine from McLaren’s early days in favor of a twin-turbo V6 mated to a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor.
On a full battery it can drive 33 km electrically, but it can still reach a speed of 330 km/h when the petrol and electric power sources work together.
“I think the hybrid technology element will definitely attract a younger customer base, people who want a little more balance in their supercar,” said Ms Dickson.
The Artura sits above the new GTS and below the 750S in the simpler new McLaren range.
The entry-level (Sport Series) 540C and 570S are gone, just like the 600LT, while ultra-limited specials like the Elva and Speedtail live in a completely different world.
While we expect more powerful, track-focused LT versions of the Artura and 750S, it’s unlikely the brand will replicate the rapid cadence of new model releases we’ve ever seen in its short history.
“We have been trying to consolidate and really focus on McLaren’s core business,” Ms Dickson said AutoExpert.
“Historically we had Sport Series, Super Series and then GT. Now we’re really focusing on selling supercars. whether it is GTS or 750S or an Artura.
“Of course there will always be special limited editions, that is important for the company, but I definitely think we are now more focused on what we really want to deliver. I think that really depends [McLaren CEO] Michael’s leadership.”
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