McLaren Unveils The Super Cool Artura GT4

The McLaren Artura is finally entering production and can be enjoyed on the road. But what if you don't like the idea of driving a supercar on the road, with all these speed limits and speed bumps? If you have the money, GT4 racing is a great avenue. We've seen BMW reveal its GT4 racer this month, and Lotus showed off its racecar last month, but now it's time for McLaren to reveal the car that was caught testing back in March. This is the Artura GT4, and ahead of its public debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, McLaren has allowed its new toy for the rich to see the sun.

McLaren says that the GT4 "shares much of its technology with the all-new McLaren Artura road car, which debuts the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture featuring a carbon fiber monocoque at its core." McLaren goes on to say that the new GT car is over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) lighter than the 570S GT4 that it replaces. As you probably know, the Artura is a hybrid, but GT4 regulations do not permit such powertrains. As a result, the entire system has been removed and replaced with a fuel cell and ancillary drive system, helping keep weight low and central.

Moreover, McLaren has worked on the twin-turbo V6 engine so that it now provides "improved throttle response and fuel economy compared to the older M838 V8 used in the 570S GT4, even without electrification."

A Bosch Motorsport ECU handles power modulation, and a modular motorsport wiring harness has been added for more versatility, among other benefits.

A seven-speed gearbox "with an improved set of ratios optimized for performance" is different than the eight-speed system in the road car as GT4 regulations require a reverse gear (the roadgoing Artura uses the electric motor for reversing). McLaren explains that this car offers better visibility, improved ingress and egress, and better graphics on the instrument display, compared to the outgoing 570S GT4. In terms of safety, this is now on par with that of the 720S GT3, "including the fixed FIA 8862 spec driver's seat with adjustable pedals." The steering wheel is also inspired by that of the 720S GT3 car.

All of this adds up to an impressive machine, but McLaren took things further with a new 'G-Pylon' design for the rear wing that allows the rear bodywork to be removed without dismantling the wing. A tire pressure monitoring system and a collision-avoidance system radar are also available.

We'll see how this all looks in the metal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23-26, where McLaren Factory Driver Rob Bell will take it up the hill.