Speedsters seem to be all the business nowadays, as multiple manufacturers have come up with one. McLaren is one of them and, in 2019, it gave us the McLaren Elva. Just like some of the other car manufacturers that have delved into topless supercars, the people at McLaren have given the Elva many design cues from the 1960s original. One of Elva’s distinctive features is the lack of a windshield – some speedsters have a small one. However, that’s about to change.
The McLaren Elva was introduced in 2019 and had a price tag of $1.9 million. It was inspired by a series of race cars built by Bruce McLaren. The plan was to build 399 of the topless Elva, but only 249 of them ended up being made, due to the lack of interest. The Elva features an Active Air Management System (AARS), which forms an air bubble, effectively playing the role of a windshield, without there being one.
McLaren really wants the Elva to be a successful homage to the 1960s race cars, which is probably why they fitted a proper windshield on it. The remaining 150 cars that were never made, might actually make it, with a windshield, although production may go beyond the 399 cars, given sufficient interest.
The McLaren Elva is the lightest McLaren car ever made, tipping the scales at under 1,300 kg (2,866 pounds). The windshield will add only 20 kg (44 pounds), so it will still be very lightweight. The windshield is also expected to improve the aerodynamics of the car.
The engine will remain the same M840 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, producing 803 horsepower, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint happens in 2.8 seconds, while 124 mph (200 km/h) is reached in 6.8 seconds. The chassis stiffness will also remain identical to that of the screenless car.
2021 McLaren Elva specifications
|
Engine |
4.0-Liter V-8 |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
803 HP |
|
Torque |
590 LB-FT |
|
0 to 62 mph |
2.8 seconds |
|
0 to 124 mph |
6.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
>200 mph |
The first McLaren Elva with a windshield will reach its proud owner towards the end of this year, after undergoing a personalization procedure at McLaren Special Operations (MS0). A few lucky customers will be able to have the Elva in the iconic Gulf livery, as well.