McLaren created ten plug-in hybrids in honor of a thousand cars that competed without them

McLaren marks a historic milestone in Formula 1

This week, the Monaco Grand Prix will be a special event for McLaren, as the team celebrates its 1000th start in Formula 1 races. This is indeed a significant achievement, and in honor of this anniversary, the company has unveiled a special version of its hybrid supercar — the Artura 1000GP, created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

Exclusive design inspired by a race car

The production run of the model is limited to just ten units. Its exterior is inspired by the livery of the MCL40 race car, which will be driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on the track in Monaco. On the car’s hood, a striking orange graphic inscription reads “1000GP.” Similar design elements are also present on the mirror caps and rear side panels.

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Additionally, an orange thin line can be seen on the front splitter and rear diffuser of the Artura 1000GP. Inside the cabin, buyers will find a special metallic badge in “papaya” color, honoring this “exceptional achievement.”

Technical specifications and performance

Like the standard version, the Artura 1000GP is a high-performance plug-in hybrid. It is equipped with a combination of a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, an axial flux electric motor, and a 7.4 kWh battery pack. This powertrain delivers a total output of 690 hp (515 kW) and a torque of 531 lb-ft (700 Nm).

Thanks to this advanced technology, the coupe can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h. Furthermore, the Artura can travel up to 33 km solely on electric power.

McLaren CEO Nick Collins stated: “Race and road cars have always been shaped by the same thinking at McLaren, and the McLaren Artura 1000GP by MSO honors this shared foundation.” He added that this model gives “customers a meaningful connection to the MCL40 at an iconic moment.”

This special edition of the Artura is not just a tribute to racing heritage, but also a demonstration of how technologies transition from the track to road cars. Although hybrid technologies themselves were not used in any of the team’s previous 999 races, this car symbolizes McLaren’s current direction of development, where electrification is becoming an integral part of performance. The limited production run of 10 units makes this model a desirable collectible for enthusiasts who value not only power but also historical context. Thus, McLaren blends the past, present, and future, creating a car that is both a racing artifact and a technological breakthrough.

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