are they even competitors? media reporting on launch of artura is not promising at all. mclaren actually calling the launch cars late pre production models that still need software updates to avoid screens going blank, hybrid cutting out, over heating. reviews from british media particularly seem very down on it. its less expensive than 296 but that seems to be about its only advantage. and while ferrari used a totally new design language, artura styled very similar to 570. maybe its supposed to be more of a porsche turbo competitor than ferrari? is anyone here cross shopping these 2?
Based on just reading reviews of both cars the 296 is superior in every way and well worth the premium. Having said that if budget only stretches to the Artura they're not really direct competitors.
Artura to me is the hybrid replacement of the 570 line. McLaren on purpose is keeping it below the 296 and will probably launch a 720 replacement which will split 296 and SF90S. Its also interesting to note the huge gap in engineering between McLaren and Ferrari. Watching 296 video vs Artura video was like day and night difference. All journalists were trying so hard to beat on 296 and so hard to mellow down the Artura msg.
no, they are in different price brackets, especially spec'd it's not really a 911 turbo competitor either imo
McLaren executives and engineers played down any competitive streak versus the Ferrari, which happens to start from $323,000, nearly 100 grand more than the Artura at $237,500. The McLaren’s direct competition, executives insist, is sub-$250,000 players such as the Lamborghini Huracan Evo and Maserati MC20. I can picture a 911 Turbo S fan seeing the Artura as a more visually exciting, exclusive addition to a six-cylinder garage, for a defensible upcharge. https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a40289721/the-mclaren-artura-is-a-new-school-hybrid-and-an-old-school-supercar/
Ya, pretty much this. I'd take the MC20 over the Artura. Never underestimate Porsche fanboyism. But I'm sure the Artura is a more fun ownership/driving experience than a 911 TTS and it should do decently well competing in this league. It's actually, all things considered, relatively cheap.
Yes, i completely forgot about mc20. Theyre all in micro niche market placements. Hybrid 296 at top, hybrid artura below that but equal to mc20 which will be either all ice or all ev. Something for everyone I guess
I was offered a choice of a few Arturas at msrp a month out, and I'm not a prior McLaren customer. I think they're having trouble generating hype. I sat in one and didn't like how it felt, far less comfortable than a 296. For my money I'd go 296, 911 TTS, and then Lamborghini is a distant 3rd. The McLaren is a non-starter.
I have a 296 GTB on order, but considering a low spec Altura too--I like the fact that it is a carbon tub and priced at least a $100k less. I don't like the fact that the rear deck can only be removed by McLaren. No way to access the engine otherwise. Poor design IMHO.
296 and Artura are not on the same market segment - I guess someone considering the Artura should look at the Maserati MC20 as alternative. From McLaren the competition for the 296 should be the successor of the 720 (whatever it will be).
I'm driving the artura on the 14th. If it's not more exciting than a turbo s I'll be surprised. I just sold my Turbo S. Honestly, I never really jived with it. Power delivery always felt strange to me with the massive turbo whack. Dynamically, the car was difficult to judge through corners. It likes to have load on the chassis via either braking or throttle application (duh) however when there's no load on the chassis the car would snap and the rear would feel like it wants to rotate the car around. The problem is the way the acceleration is delivered makes it difficult to modulate the throttle to avoid this. A car like the 765 flows beautifully from corner to corner. It feels like it grew out of your synapsis. I think the Artura will be more like a 765 than a TTS and therefore better to drive and the choice between the two (maybe the choice period) if you're looking to spend $250k. I sold my TTS for $260k so that's where the current market is, thereabouts.
Saw the 296 f2f and absolutely love the looks. And agree the premium is worth it. Will see what Mac replaces the 720 with as that will up the game considerably
Correct and it should be epic. I never liked the SF90 and hence why quite excited about what Mac delivers to replace the 720S
Well based on recent spy pics Ferrari seem to be hard at work on the SF90 weather it's a full replacement or a VS time will tell. So Mac will have to up their game. Ferrari really seem to be setting the standard in hybrid supercars. I ok with the SF90 Spider but do think design is a little to busy and I do struggle with that front.
Seems like it will be a VS based on previous strategies. Hence why its wise to order a 296GTB/GTS as highly likely a 296VS will be on the cards and I am sure ownership of a 296 will be "mandatory" . I still don't like the SF90 and being Ferrari's first attempt at a hybrid it was ok however for 1/2 the cost you are getting 80% of the performance in he 296. No brainer IMO.
Very true. I love the 296 GTS its really beautiful. They did a great job fixing that horrible squareness on the windscreen from the GTB too
In my view these are based on their layout and concept direct competitors, sadly I think what would be best for McLaren is to reduce the number of models they build and reduce the number of cars they sell and perhaps doing this can improve reliability and build quality. Of course neither of those suggestions are very helpful when it comes to the main objective of business: profit!
Whatever he does, he should NOT go to the 458/488/f8 forum and type in battery. His head may explode with reliability issues.
if the 720s replacement is a sf90 competitor what will mclaren sell at the 350-450k usd price point to compete with 296? i think the 720s replacement will continue to be the 296 competitor. the new huracan/R8 also will.
