McLaren Artura hybrid supercar on-road review. This or the Ferrari 296 GTB?

The 671bhp McLaren Artura hybrid supercar closest rival has to be the 830bhp Ferrari 296 GTB but the Ferrari is 30% more expensive and heavier too; so which is best? Watch the video to find out..
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[bob]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harry so happy when reviewing a new car!!!

[michaeldinwiddy]

Im so pleased you found the McLaren Artura punching at the same level as the Ferrari, others are less positive but fail to point out its almost half the price and available to everyone... totally top review Harry.

[amraverageproduction]

I can’t understand why a lot of people don’t like the looks of the McLarens, to me they were and are at the forefront of styling, it looks fantastic and I think a lot of other manufacturers have taken 1 or 2 leaves out of their book.

[Kelveron]

Although the Artura has similar styling to earlier models (whose looks I'm not that big a fan of), it manages to look much neater and sleeker. Also, very impressive that they managed to keep the weight down despite incorporating all the electric gear.

[candlercando]

I find it refreshing that super well-to-do enthusiasts like Harry and Jay Leno agree on the relative ease of dealing with McLaren vs the hoops one must go through with Ferrari. Just because one may have the cash to buy a $200k car, does not mean one has money to burn on buying dealer relationships along with it.

[madrew]

I'm glad to hear some discussion on your part about the engine startup process while underway. I was always shaking my head when you tested the the hybrid Audi where once the "cold" engine fired it instantly went full load. Seems like a big engineering fail to me to do that. Seems McLaren agrees with me!

[zirconblue]

1500kg for a hybrid really isn't bad. Lighter cars always drive better. Nice to see the mass kept low, especially as the likes of BMW's performance cars with no hybridisation are knocking on the door of 2 tonnes

[maxmartin-merrells]

I think the styling is bang on. Gorgeous machine.

[pt]

Exceptional review. Covers all the key points. So intelligent that McLaren design the control system to avoid starting a cold engine and then subjecting it immediately it to high load.

[andrewnorris]

McLaren are making very user friendly easy to live with cars. I personally like the look of the rear window and vents over the engine. Handles better and better feedback than the more expensive Ferrari hybrid, "driving pleasure". 150K cheaper with sim spec. A tiny bit slower but still CRAZY quick. No crazy wait list. Good warranty. Yes, I would also choose the quieter exhaust - and it would be a good all round car. Not bad on fuel too.

[conner.]

Been so looking forward to this review of this particular McLaren ….. Yes I can see a big resemblance in the 570 GT but it looks so smooth, love the rear end and it appears to have a big punch, not as powerful as Lennox Lewis or the Ferrari but over £100K cheaper and availability for those lucky to purchase one, for sure I would definitely buy the McLaren !! I’ve seen one overview from the US and the exterior spec had a Mercury Green and Black hood, it looked sensational….. great content as always ….

[jonathancollard]

High praise indeed. 😀 Don’t concur with comments about rear…. Indeed I like that more that my current 570 spider, of which I have owned for 4 trouble free years and 11, 000 miles. Reason I bought it?… easy; went to Porsche and asked about GT3 and was told I was 100th on wait list and they were only allocated 7 cars 😵‍💫. Literally went down the road to Macca and they had great spec car as ex-demo with 700 miles on forecourt .Job done.

[jamesdonoghue]

I’m glad you loved it’s driving dynamics, as for me I wouldn’t want the sports exhaust, and to my eye it’s better looking than the Ferrari. Great vid as always, thanks.

[ruk--]

That Ferrari colour scheme must have been the result of a lost bet. Baby blue over red is a crime against design

[chrisd]

Finally, a 'Matured McLaren'... like a fine wine, they are getting better with age....well done Harry and all the team at McLaren... this Artura looks like it runs rings around Ferrari on our B roads. Not so keen on the stone catching open front radiators or the Webber BBQ engine cover...

[ScuderiaHD]

Great idea RE the engine warming up instead of just going straight to driving from cold - I have a feeling a lot of PHEV’s live a very hard life with cold engines immediately being asked to work hard!

[MagicSkeleton]

Never seen you enjoy a car so much! That was a joy to watch, esp after such a damp reception that Artura has had.

[Will_M]

@harry the bonnet on the 12c was metal actually, it's known to rust due to the way water collects near it

[kirkwoodall]

Harry your reviews are almost flawless in their passion, delivery and attention to detail but I just realised you never tell us what the sound system is like in any of these cars. I know it’s not a deal breaker in sports and supercars but I wonder which manufacturers consistently have the edge in this department?

[MikePhilbin]

00:16:07 you look SO HAPPY there's such a glossy look in your eye... great job.