Everyone is predicting a purely electric automotive future, and while that may (or may not…) come to pass, in the long term, there’s no denying the need for “electrification” — also known as hybrid technology — in the short term. Using hybrid technology can substantially increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency while lowering tailpipe emissions. Every automaker is ramping up its hybrid technology push, including British supercar maker McLaren. The company’s first high-volume hybrid model, the 2023 McLaren Artura, is hitting showrooms soon, and we just drove it.

While this isn’t McLaren’s first hybrid supercar, it is the brand’s first mainstream, or as McLaren says, “series” production hybrid. McLaren’s previous hybrids cost over $1 million and were produced in extremely limited volumes. The 2023 Artura starts at $235,000, and can be highly optioned for less than $260,000. Our Artura test vehicle, equipped with an upgraded exhaust system, technology and performance packages, and painted a striking shade of “Flux Green”, rang in at $258,585, including a $4,500 destination charge.

That price is in line with competitive models like the Lamborghini…