McLaren presented a new version of its speedster Elva, fitted with a windshield.
The new variant is aimed at customers “who prefer to have a physical screen” as opposed to the air barrier created by Elva’s innovative Active Air Management System (AAMS). This will also allow the Elva to be approved on the road in certain US states.
A dedicated engineering program would have ensured that the windshield variant optimized aerodynamic and handling performance, but it is otherwise mechanically identical to the existing car. There is no roof, side windows or rear window left.
McLaren claims the new Elva variant weighs just 20kg more than the standard car, despite the introduction of automatic windshield wipers, windshield heater, sun visor and windshield washer fluid. This is largely because the windshield frame is carbon fiber and the speedster’s AAMS system has been removed.
Performance details have yet to be confirmed, but can be expected to closely match those of the existing Elva. Deliveries to customers will begin towards the end of 2021.
McLaren previously announced that it would produce just 249 units of the ultra-exclusive Elva speedster, up from 399 units initially planned.
The move, confirmed by CEO Mike Flewitt in an interview with The Australian Financial Review, was reportedly taken as a way to improve the car’s rarity value. “The feedback from our customers is that they think the car should be more exclusive than that, so we capped it at 249,” he said.
Autocar sources suggested, however, that McLaren was overestimating market demand for the model, hence the decision to cut production numbers. The similarly designed Aston Martin Speedster is limited to 88 units, while Ferrari will only build 250 units each of its SP1 and SP2 Monza roadsters.
The new machine joins the P1, Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series model range, and is priced at £ 1,425,000 (including UK VAT).
McLaren claims the rear-wheel drive Elva is the lightest road car ever produced. Powered by the company’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, it is capable of reaching 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and has a claimed 0-124 mph time of 6.7 seconds – faster than the focused Senna on the track.
The name Elva is taken from the East Sussex manufacturer whose chassis served as the basis for McLaren’s M1A, M1B and M1C two-seater sports cars in the 1960s, which served as the spiritual predecessors of the new road car. McLaren acquired the rights to the name Elva.
McLaren boss Mike Flewitt says the Elva is “a unique modern car that offers the ultimate connection between driver, car and the elements.” It features a lightweight custom carbon fiber chassis with no roof, windshield or side windows.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-27 07:00:00
