McLaren spotted testing new variants of its rapid 700hp Artura car

Two McLaren Artura variants of the hybrid supercar have been seen during a McLaren testing session, showing changes that point to possible new versions in development.

Filmed on public roads, both prototypes wore camouflage and displayed clear differences from the current production McLaren Artura.

One featured a transparent ducktail wing at the rear, while the other had a hood with a large open vent cutout.

The updates suggest McLaren is preparing more than minor adjustments, and the prototypes raise questions about what the company has planned next.

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Spotting the changes

The McLaren Artura, introduced as the company’s first series-production hybrid supercar, combines a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor to produce 690hp and 531lb-ft of torque.

It represents a significant step in McLaren’s electrification strategy, but its introduction was not without issues.

In 2023, production was paused to address quality control improvements, which slowed deliveries and impacted initial momentum.

The recent McLaren testing activity shows the company is back to refining and developing the model.

The first of the Artura variants seen in testing carried the transparent ducktail wing, which may be part of an aerodynamic upgrade aimed at increasing rear downforce or stability at high speeds.

The second prototype’s exposed hood vent suggests experimental cooling solutions or airflow management changes, possibly linked to a higher-performance specification of the hybrid supercar.

Both cars had additional camouflage on the rear, indicating there may be further design or mechanical changes that have yet to be revealed.

Taken together, these modifications point to a wider engineering program designed to improve the McLaren Artura’s performance envelope and maintain competitiveness in the hybrid supercar segment.

Where the McLaren Artura could go next

The appearance of these Artura variants supports the idea that McLaren is preparing either a more focused performance edition or a substantial mid-cycle refresh of the McLaren Artura.

The company has a history of evolving its models through targeted upgrades rather than complete redesigns, often releasing variants with revised aerodynamics, chassis tuning, and small but meaningful powertrain changes.

The testing of new parts on the Artura platform could also serve as a trial for technologies intended for future hybrid supercar projects.

McLaren has stated that it will not introduce smaller models below the McLaren Artura in its lineup, which makes it highly likely these prototypes are part of the same family rather than a new nameplate.

Development cycles for high-performance models can take years, and public-road testing is often a sign that changes are in their advanced stages.

If these updates follow McLaren’s typical product cadence, they could appear in showrooms within the next model year.

Whether the outcome is a sharper, track-oriented variant or an updated standard model, the Artura variants show that the McLaren Artura remains central to the brand’s long-term plans.

The company continues to focus on blending hybrid technology with supercar performance.

The continued McLaren testing shows that the evolution of this hybrid supercar is far from over, and the next version may arrive sooner than expected.

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