Flaming McLaren: Plug-in Hybrid Sports Car Ignites During Test Drive

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】A £190,000 McLaren Artura plug-in hybrid sports car caught fire during a test drive near a dealership in Leeds. The car, which had been recalled in the US due to a fire risk, was on a test run with a customer and a showroom worker when it suddenly burst into flames. Both passengers escaped unharmed. The cause of the blaze is unknown. The Artura is McLaren's first electric car and features a 7.4kWh battery that powers a 94bhp electric motor.

FutureCar Staff Oct 16, 2023 4:21 PM PT

Flaming McLaren: Plug-in Hybrid Sports Car Ignites During Test Drive

A £190,000 McLaren plug-in hybrid sports car caught fire during a test drive near a motor dealership. The McLaren Artura, the company's first electrified car, was engulfed in flames just a mile away from the dealership. Images show the scorched wreckage of the plug-in hybrid, which had been recalled in the US earlier this year due to a fire risk. Fire crews responded to the incident on Pontefract Road in Stourton, Leeds.

The car was on a test run with a customer and a showroom worker when it suddenly caught fire. Thankfully, both passengers escaped unharmed. The McLaren Artura, priced at £190,000, is capable of reaching 60mph in 2.6 seconds and has a top speed of 205mph. It was being tested near the McLaren Leeds dealership when the fire occurred.

The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service received a call about the hybrid McLaren catching fire during its demo drive. Crews from Hunslet arrived at the scene and were able to extinguish the fire by 3.02pm. A Hazardous Material Officer was also sent to dispose of the electrical battery. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.

The McLaren Artura is the company's first venture into the electric market. It is equipped with a 7.4kWh battery that powers a 94bhp electric motor. However, the car has faced challenges since its launch. The initial launch was canceled due to software issues, and at a later event, a car caught fire. In December, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled 164 Arturas due to a fire risk related to a loose high-pressure fuel pipe.

The cause of the fire in Leeds, near junction 44 of the M1, is currently unknown. Jeremy Clarkson, in his review for the Sunday Times, mentioned that there were previous issues with the car, including "thermal powertrain management issues," which he interpreted as a fire risk. McLaren has been approached for comment regarding the incident.