With acceleration figures now verified, the all-new High-Performance Hybrid powertrain in the McLaren Artura sets new benchmarks for performance, building on the levels of high-performance hybrid excellence set by the pioneering McLaren P1TM – the world’s first hybrid hypercar – and the Speedtail Hyper-GT.
The Artura’s advanced petrol-electric powertrain delivers an unrivalled combination of throttle-response, acceleration and electric-only, zero-emissions capability. It has been engineered to ensure the all-new McLaren supercar excels across the full spectrum of driving experiences, from everyday urban journeys to track day sessions.
“The McLaren Artura’s all-new, super-lightweight electrified powertrain is at the cutting-edge of high-performance-hybrid technology, engineered to offer all of the advantages of internal combustion and electric power in one package and establish new benchmarks for combined performance and efficiency in the supercar class. The ‘clean-sheet’ design of the Artura has allowed us to focus on how to make this power accessible to the driver and deliver the levels of engagement expected from a McLaren.â€
Geoff Grose, Chief Engineer, McLaren Automotive
Minimizing weight was key to the design of the all-new powertrain. This is hugely important in an electrified supercar, as well as being absolutely aligned with McLaren’s philosophy of super-lightweight engineering that is fundamental to the performance, agility and driver engagement inherent in every McLaren.
Breaking with the V8 convention established with the first supercar from McLaren Automotive, the 12C, at the heart of the Artura is an all-new, 3.0-liter V6 internal combustion engine. The 120-degree, twin-turbocharged M630 unit not only delivers unrivalled performance, it also allows the most compact packaging possible. A 180-degree angle was considered but dismissed because it would raise the height of the crankshaft and therefore the center of gravity of the car. The wide angle of the V6 cylinders allows the turbochargers to sit within the banks in a ‘hot vee’ configuration, which also benefits efficiency as they sit within a straighter – and therefore less restrictive – exhaust layout. Generating 671bhp and 531lb ft of torque, the all-new V6 engine is 7.5in shorter and 8.7in narrower than McLaren’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 – and also 110lbs lighter.
While the configuration of the all-new engine is key to the Artura’s powertrain packaging, it is the innovative technology within that provides the biggest gains in lightweighting and performance. The cylinder head and block utilize 3D printed cores, allowing uncompromised precision cooling, including a micro-compact 0.08in cooling passage between the cylinders. The block has directly coated parent bores rather than separate coated liners, into which fuel is injected at 350bar pressure.
The Artura’s V6 engine is designed not just for compact packaging and efficiency, but also to increase driver engagement. Shared crank pins enable a very short and stiff crankshaft that allows the M630 to redline at a thrilling 8500rpm. It’s also a very refined engine, designed with the chain drive at the rear and with ancillary noises reduced so that the occupants only hear the V6’s distinctive intake and exhaust note, routed via Gasoline Particulate Filters to reduce emissions†.
The V6 engine powers the rear wheels via an all-new eight-speed seamless shift transmission that has also been designed for optimizing packaging. The length of the gear cluster has been reduced by 1.6in, helped by the use of a nested clutch rather than a parallel unit and also the removal of a reverse gear. This function now achieved by the Artura’s E-motor spinning in the opposite direction. The ultra-compact motor is fully integrated within the transmission bell-housing, delivering torque in-fill and linear acceleration via an E-differential to the rear wheels.
The Axial Flux design of the E-motor is another Artura benchmark. It is similar in size to a McLaren brake disc and at just 34lbs it is only a little heavier than a conventional iron rotor component, yet it can generate up to 94bhp and 166lb ft of torque, as well as enable journeys of up to 19 miles in near-silent pure EV mode*, attributes that are ideal for city driving or early-morning starts.
Providing the electric-only capability is a 7.4kWh Five-module Lithium Ion energy dense battery pack. Fully-integrated into the Artura’s McLaren Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) chassis, the battery pack is positioned low-down in the car behind the driver, incorporated into the floor and protected on three sides by the main carbon fibre structure and from behind by the engine. This positioning also helps to optimize both center of gravity and the polar moment of inertia, benefitting dynamic agility.
The hybrid battery sits on a cooling manifold, which is shared with the new electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning system also used to control air temperature in the cabin. Incorporating technology first developed for the McLaren Speedtail, the batteries are thermally controlled using dielectric oil – a technology also used to keep the E-motor at operating temperatures that deliver the highest level of performance.
True to the Artura engineers’ determination to optimize packaging and weight, the battery management unit sits alongside the modules, with the power distribution unit (PDU) integrated into the battery. An integrated Power Unit (IPU) acts as a DC/DC converter for the vehicle’s 12v system, further reducing weight by removing the need for a separate alternator and on-board battery-charger.
Taking just 2.5 hours to charge from zero to 80% using an EVSE socket, the battery is carefully managed so that it never truly runs out of power; there is always something in reserve for reversing or starting the engine, even when parked for extended periods. This management process also ensures that the battery remains in peak condition and accordingly the unit is warranted for 6 years or 50,000 miles.
An Artura driver can adjust how the electric motor is deployed to prioritize range or power, or choose to shut off the internal combustion engine for silent running. Energy harvesting is achieved purely from the combustion engine in order to maintain brake pedal feel, yet the battery can be charged from low to 80% full within minutes under normal driving conditions. This ensures that the Artura is always ready to switch to electric-only mode, an option that adds discretion and enhanced economy to the driving experience, as well as reduced CO2 emissions at just 129 g/km*.
Additionally, the Artura’s High-Performance Hybrid powertrain contributes to significant ownership benefits above and beyond the performance and driving engagement it delivers: a comprehensive 5-year vehicle and 6-year hybrid battery warranty are standard for Artura customers, as is a 5-year roadside assistance plan**.
McLaren Artura Validated Performance Figures
| (0-60mph) (0-62mph) (0-124mph) (0-186mph) ¼ mile Maximum speed (electronically limited) | 3.0 seconds 3.0 seconds 8.3 seconds 21.5 seconds 10.7 seconds (205 mph) |
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*Emissions and fuel economy are still to be validated
Federal safety regulators are reviewing how Tesla self-certified the steering-wheel-free Cybercab under existing U.S. vehicle safety standards.
Tesla’s Cybercab is facing immediate scrutiny from U.S. safety regulators.
Just hours after Tesla began charging passengers for Cybercab rides in Austin on September 3, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an audit covering approximately 1,000 vehicles.
What NHTSA Wants to Know
The audit is not primarily about how well the Cybercab drives itself.
Instead, regulators are examining how Tesla determined the vehicle complied with federal safety requirements despite its unusual design.
The Tesla Cybercab has no steering wheel, pedals, or conventional mirrors.
The two-seat robotaxi was designed without a steering wheel, pedals, or mirrors, while many existing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were written around conventional vehicles.
NHTSA says it will examine how Tesla’s certification relied on determinations that certain safety standards were not applicable to the Cybercab.
Tesla Relied on Self-Certification
Under the current U.S. system, automakers generally self-certify compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before selling vehicles.
NHTSA can later audit those certifications or investigate potential defects.
Tesla used the U.S. self-certification system to begin deploying the Cybercab without waiting for advance federal approval.
The agency has emphasized that existing standards remain applicable to automated vehicles until new regulations are created specifically for driverless vehicles.
Tesla chose this route instead of seeking a formal exemption.
Zoox Took a Different Path
Amazon’s Zoox provides a useful comparison.
Its own steering-wheel-free vehicle initially went through self-certification before the company withdrew that claim following an NHTSA investigation.
Zoox eventually received a temporary exemption for its unconventional driverless vehicle.
Zoox later secured a temporary exemption allowing limited deployment of up to 2,500 exempt vehicles annually through July 31, 2028.
Tesla, meanwhile, wants to rapidly expand Cybercab operations to additional vehicles and cities.
The outcome of the Tesla Cybercab audit could therefore become important for how quickly that expansion happens and how regulators treat purpose-built autonomous vehicles under the current U.S. safety framework.
Rivian is bringing the R2’s redesigned software experience to the R1T and R1S through an over-the-air update, adding a refreshed interface, smarter navigation alerts, and improved AI assistance.
Rivian is making its latest software experience available to existing customers.
The new RivianOS 2 interface, originally introduced with the R2, is now rolling out to the R1T pickup and R1S SUV through over-the-air update 2026.31.
R1 Models Get the R2’s New Interface
The update gives R1 owners a redesigned infotainment experience without needing to move to the newer R2.
Controls can now change dynamically depending on what the driver is doing, while several control panels can be repositioned on the center display.
RivianOS 2 brings the R2’s redesigned interface to existing R1T and R1S models.
Rivian has also redesigned its settings system.
The new Settings 2 experience uses context-based controls and adds a search function, making it easier to find individual vehicle settings.
More Navigation and Connected Features
The update also adds real-time route alerts powered by Google Maps.
Drivers can receive warnings about speed cameras, police presence, and other road conditions.
RivianOS 2 adds Google Maps-based route alerts, including warnings for speed cameras and police activity.
Owners with Connect+ also receive a dedicated weather application with real-time conditions.
The Rivian mobile app can now be used to start, monitor, and update trips while they are underway.
R1 and R2 Now Share More Software
Rivian is also creating a more unified software experience across its lineup.
Future operating-system improvements are expected to apply across both R1 and R2 vehicles, although hardware differences will still limit some features.
The R2 and newer R1 models can display more advanced 3D vehicle graphics thanks to more powerful hardware.
For example, the R2 and second-generation R1 models use Unreal Engine 5 for their graphics, while the original R1T and R1S use Unreal Engine 4.
The older models also receive improved cloud-based AI voice assistance, while newer vehicles can take advantage of both connected and offline AI thanks to more powerful computers.
The R2 retains some hardware advantages, including its faster infotainment processor and Haptic Halo Wheels.
Still, RivianOS 2 gives R1 owners a much more modern software experience and helps bring the company’s older and newer vehicles closer together.
Kia’s PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award at the 2026 IDEA Awards, while the automaker’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was named a finalist.
Kia has received two major recognitions at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
The Kia PV5 Infotainment System earned a Bronze award in the Digital Interaction category, while Kia’s global campaign with The Ocean Cleanup was selected as a finalist in Social Impact Design.
PV5 Infotainment Wins Bronze
The infotainment system was developed for Kia’s first dedicated electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV).
Its design focuses on creating a flexible, software-driven experience for different business and lifestyle applications.
The Kia PV5 infotainment system earned a Bronze award for its user-centered digital design.
The interface uses a 16:9 widescreen layout with multi-view functionality, allowing users to access media, camera, and HVAC functions simultaneously.
Kia also uses common typography, icons, widgets, and media elements to create a consistent experience between the vehicle’s physical and digital interfaces.
Ocean Cleanup Campaign Reaches Finalist Stage
Kia’s “Kia x The Ocean Cleanup: Creating a Wave of Movement, Together” campaign was named a finalist in the Social Impact Design category.
The campaign consists of a seven-part video series focused on plastic pollution and The Ocean Cleanup’s environmental work.
Kia’s Ocean Cleanup campaign was recognized for combining sustainability storytelling with a consistent visual identity.
Kia says The Ocean Cleanup has removed more than 42 million kilograms of marine waste to date.
The campaign connects that work with Kia’s “Movement” philosophy while using design to communicate environmental issues in a more accessible way.
Why the IDEA Awards Matter
The International Design Excellence Awards, presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America, are considered one of the leading global design competitions.
Entries are evaluated on factors including innovation, user benefit, aesthetics, societal impact, and business value.
The 2026 IDEA Awards recognized Kia’s work in both digital interaction and social impact design.
For Kia PV5 infotainment, the Bronze award highlights the company’s push toward software-defined mobility, while the Ocean Cleanup finalist recognition demonstrates how Kia is also using design to support broader sustainability initiatives.
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