McLaren’s New 803hp Open-Top Roadster – The McLaren Elva

Yet another ridiculous open cockpit supercar graces us and this time it’s not from Ferrari!

Our very own Woking-based, friendly neighbourhood supercar manufacturer McLaren reveals the all-new Elva, an open cockpit supercar with a twist.

It’s the lightest road car they’ve ever made, it’s very powerful and in typical McLaren fashion, features at least one over-engineered piece of technology.

Before we get into the standard stats of 0-62 mph and whatnot, let’s talk about the Elva’s Active Air Management System (AAMS). This rather special technology that manipulates airflow to reduce the amount of harsh wind that hits them in the face as the occupant(s) are travelling at breathtaking speeds. This scientific aero protection is a world-first and won’t be found in the Ferrari Monza SP2, the Elva’s competitor.

The system works by channelling air through the nose of the Elva and directing it up and over the cockpit, thus creating a protective air bubble that deflects incoming air that would normally hit you directly in the face. This is achieved by the airflow vents and a small carbon fibre deflector that will raise and lower, depending on whether the system is active or not.  McLaren calls it a ‘relative bubble of calm’ which sounds rather nice. The AAMS only activates at higher speeds and can be turned off with a button if you want that full wind-in-your-face experience.

Producing 803 hp and being McLaren’s lightest road car ever, the Elva is very quick

The mid-engined Elva is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8, producing a whopping 815PS. The car can rocket from 0-62 mph in ‘under 3 seconds’ and 0-124 mph in 6.7 seconds. To put this into perspective, the McLaren Senna (a hypercar capable of a sub-10-second ¼ mile) can do 0-124 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is slighter slower than the Elva on paper.

In terms of handling, the Elva has been made to be as agile and engaging as possible. Featuring McLaren’s linked-hydraulic active suspension system, the Elva should be able to dance through winding tracks without breaking a sweat. The suspension is mated with bespoke springs and dampers as well as unique software settings that make performance on all road surfaces as optimal as possible.

However, if it’s not grip you want, the Elva can also satisfy your need to drift. Drivers are can adjust how much wheelspin and oversteer they experience by choosing between three different Electronic Stability Control options. Alternatively, you could just turn on the Variable Drift Control mode which is made for those looking for sideways thrills.

The exhaust also seems to be quite the talking point. An Inconel and titanium quad exhaust not only looks and sounds very cool but also helps the Elva produce as much power as possible thanks to reducing backpressure. The lightweight exhaust sits in an unusual configuration with two exhaust tips exiting at the back and two exiting at the top, similar to the triple exhaust system in the Senna.

Next to the brand new Elva you’ll see the old classic McLaren M1A from the 1960s. It has 340bhp thanks to the 4.5-litre V8 and was super light for its time, weighing just 551kg.

During its time in Motorsport, the M1A won for five years straight in the Can-Am Challenge Cup. The car was designed by Bruce McLaren and the McLaren-Elva M1A Mk I is what this new Elva is essentially paying homage to.

We’re yet to know official pricing figures, weight figures and performance figures so stay tuned to Motor-Vision to stay up to date with developments in this new, crazy open-air McLaren roadster! Be sure to subscribe, below.

If you enjoyed this, we reckon you’ll like our article on Aston Martin’s equally-crazy new superbike, the AMB 001.