British supercar maker McLaren Automotive has decided to produce a new version of the Elva roadster, this time including a windscreen to meet legal requirements in the USA.

The windscreen-less Elva was launched in October 2020 with a barrier of air provided by the Active Air Management System (AAMS), and was the fifth addition in the McLaren Ultimate Series, joining the F1, P1, Senna and Speedtail.  The open-top sports car was inspired by the open-top racers cars developed by Kiwi Bruce McLaren in the 1960s.

The windscreen-less Elva costs NZ$ 2,507,100.

McLaren has just revealed the images of the prototype updated Elva, and the windscreen variant, which will be among the rarest of McLarens.

“Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road and the elements,” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive

“Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made. Roofless and without windows, whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windscreen version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences, delivered as only a McLaren can.”

While having had its own engineering programme to optimise aerodynamic and dynamic performance, the windscreen Elva shares all of the ethos and performance of the original car. Neither has a roof, side windows or rear screen, which when combined with a dry lightest weight of less than 1300kg and a mid-mounted, 600kW twin-turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine. 

The screenless Elva is McLaren Automotive’s lightest-ever road car and the target for the windscreen version is only 20kg heavier, even with the inclusion of electronically synchronised rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well of course as the heated glass windscreen within a carbon fibre surround. 

The acceleration of both versions is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna, the screenless model reaching 100km/h from standstill in 2.8 seconds and covering 0 – 200km/h in 6.8 seconds. 

Dynamic performance and vehicle stiffness also remain unchanged from the screenless car, as does the scintillating driving experience. The windscreen, which is a permanent fixture, affords greater protection from the elements but it does not in any way reduce the levels of excitement.

Created as an homage to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars, heritage liveries like that of the Satin Casa Blue windscreen model prototype pictured have captured the imagination of Elva owners. 

Demand for bespoke customisation of this kind by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has produced a series of dramatic and unique cars that stand out even among one of the rarest of McLarens – no more than 149 examples of the Elva will be specified and built to customer order.

The first examples of the windscreen Elva will be delivered to customers towards the end of this year, following personalisation by McLaren Special Operations.