McLaren dared to create an "everyday" supercar, the Artura. I embarked on a test ride along the picturesque California Coast to see if this hybrid truly delivered. The journey blended breathtaking scenery with the challenge of assessing the Artura's comfort, usability, and performance in real-world driving situations. Could this supercar redefine daily drives?
The Promise of Everyday Supercar Performance
McLaren positioned the GT as something different. They emphasized comfort, luggage space, and refinement, alongside the blistering performance you'd expect from a McLaren. The idea was to create a car capable of tearing up a racetrack on Saturday and effortlessly transporting you across state lines on Sunday. The company aimed to broaden the appeal of the McLaren brand, attracting customers who might have previously shied away from the more hardcore offerings.
California Cruising: Comfort and Capability
My test drive began in Los Angeles, with a plan to hug the Pacific Coast Highway north towards Santa Barbara. Immediately, the GT proved more livable than I anticipated. The dihedral doors, a signature McLaren design element, still draw attention, but entry and exit were surprisingly easy. The seats were comfortable and supportive, offering ample adjustment. Visibility, often a weakness in supercars, was remarkably good, thanks to the GT's relatively upright windscreen and expansive glasshouse.
The ride quality was another pleasant surprise. The adaptive dampers soaked up imperfections in the road with surprising composure, a far cry from the bone-jarring experience you might expect from a mid-engined supercar. Even in "Sport" mode, the ride remained compliant enough for extended highway cruising. Noise levels were also well-managed, allowing for easy conversation and enjoyment of the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Unleashing the Beast: The Engine and Performance
Of course, this is still a McLaren, and the heart of the beast is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It churns out a staggering 612 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, propelling the GT from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.1 seconds. And believe me, it feels every bit that quick. The engine is incredibly responsive, delivering instant thrust at any speed. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with lightning-fast precision, making for seamless acceleration.
Out on the open road, the McLaren GT is simply exhilarating. The power is intoxicating, and the handling is incredibly precise. The car feels light and agile, responding instantly to steering inputs. It inspires confidence, allowing you to push it harder and harder. The ceramic brakes provide immense stopping power, giving you the assurance you need to explore the car's limits.
Luggage and Practicality: Surprisingly Spacious
One of the key features that sets the McLaren GT apart is its luggage capacity. Unlike many supercars with minimal storage space, the GT boasts a generous 14.8 cubic feet of space in the rear luggage bay, accessible via a glass tailgate. This is enough to accommodate a couple of suitcases, making it genuinely suitable for longer journeys. There's also a smaller storage compartment in the front, adding further to the car's practicality. To better visualize this, consider the comparison:
Vehicle Type |
Typical Supercar |
McLaren GT |
Rear Luggage Space |
Minimal, often only a few cubic feet |
14.8 cubic feet, suitable for luggage |
Front Luggage Space |
Limited or Non-Existent |
Available |
Overall Practicality |
Generally impractical for long trips |
Designed for Grand Touring, enhanced practicality |
The Verdict: A Successful Compromise?
So, did McLaren succeed in creating an "everyday supercar"? The answer is a qualified yes. The McLaren GT offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and practicality that's unmatched in the supercar segment. It's undeniably thrilling to drive, yet surprisingly comfortable and refined for daily use. It truly represents the pinnacle of Grand Touring.
However, it's important to remember that this is still a McLaren. The ride is firm, the engine is loud (especially under hard acceleration), and the low ground clearance can be challenging in some situations. It's not a car for everyone. But for those seeking a supercar that can be enjoyed on a daily basis, the McLaren GT is a serious contender. It proves that you can have your cake and eat it too – at least when it comes to supercar performance and everyday usability.
