McLaren Elva

open speedster (Ultimate Series), limited series

815 ch · 2.8 s (0-100) · 325 km/h · 2020

Identification

Body / seats

speedster, 2 seats, 2 dihedral doors; no roof or windscreen (original version) — windscreen version offered subsequently

Design / style centre

McLaren Design (Rob Melville)

Assembly

Woking, Surrey (England)

Production

149 units (history: 399 announced, then reduced to 249 in April 2020, finally 149 in May 2021) · each unit individually configured

Lineage

name "Elva" (from "Elle Va"), a tribute to the McLaren-Elva competition cars of the 1960s (Bruce McLaren)

⚠️ Identification notice. The Elva is a "speedster" roadster from the Ultimate Series, with no roof or windscreen (in its original form), produced in 149 units. Two configurations exist: without windscreen (AAMS system) and with windscreen (added in 2021). Not to be confused with other Ultimate Series models (P1, Senna, Speedtail). See section 10.

Powertrain

Engine

M840TR, V8 at 90° flat (flat-plane), 3 994 cc, twin-turbo — most powerful version of this family (close to the Senna)

Bore × stroke

93 × 73,5 mm

Power output

815 hp (600 kW / 804 hp) @ ≈ 7 500 rpm

Torque

800 Nm (590 lb-ft)

Redline

≈ 8 100–8 500 rpm (à confirmer)

Compression ratio

8,7:1

Fuelling

direct injection, twin-turbo (> 1,3 bar) + intercoolers

Valve train

DOHC, 32 valves

Forced induction

twin-turbo

Lubrication

dry sump

Layout

longitudinal mid-rear

Engine distinctions

derived from the Senna/720S unit, pushed to its maximum

Transmission

Gearbox

7-speed dual-clutch (seamless shift, SSG)

Architecture

longitudinal mid-engine

Differential

electronic limited-slip (à confirmer)

Driven wheels

rear-wheel drive

Associated systems

launch control; dynamic driving modes

Performance

0–100 km/h

2,8 s (windscreen-free version)

0–200 km/h

6,7 s (quicker than the Senna on this exercise; some sources cite 6,8 s)

Top speed

n.d. (not highlighted by McLaren; ~325 km/h cited (à confirmer)

Reference circuit

n.d. (n.c.)

Chassis & suspension

Chassis / materials

carbon monocoque ("MonoCage" — generation varies by source: II/III); carbon bodywork

Rigidity

n.d. (n.c.)

Front/rear suspension

double wishbone, hydraulically interconnected dampers (McLaren technology)

Steering

rack-and-pinion, hydraulic assistance (McLaren signature)

Braking

carbon-ceramic (Senna-level)

Front/rear tyres

specific Pirelli P Zero; 19″ / 20″

Front/rear wheels

19″ (front) / 20″ (rear)

Aerodynamics

Cd

n.d. (the absence of roof/windscreen reduces drag)

Downforce

significant (active rear wing, diffuser) — no figure disclosed

Devices

AAMS (Active Air Management System) — retractable front deflector creating an "air shield" above the cockpit (windscreen-free version); active rear wing

Methodology

McLaren motorsport aerodynamic expertise

Dimensions, weight & capacities

L × W × H

4 593 × 2 039 × 1 143 mm

Wheelbase

2 670 mm · Front/rear tracks: n.d.

Ground clearance

low · Overhangs: n.d.

Dry weight

≈ 1 148–1 198 kg (stated by McLaren to be one of its lightest road cars) · Kerb weight: ≈ 1 269 kg (varies by source/configuration)

Weight distribution

rear-biased (exact figure not disclosed)

Centre of gravity

low (not disclosed)

Fuel tank

72 L · Boot: minimal

Power-to-weight ratio ≈ 1,5 kg/hp (dry).

Electronics & vehicle dynamics

Dynamic controls

ESC/traction control (switchable), ABS, active aero (AAMS + rear wing)

Driving modes

Handling & Powertrain (Comfort / Sport / Track)

ECU architecture

McLaren engine/dynamics management

Fuel consumption & emissions

Consumption

≈ 11,3 L/100 km (combined cycle)

CO₂

≈ 260 g/km

Standard

Euro 6d

Genealogy & positioning

Replaces

no direct predecessor; a modern tribute to the McLaren-Elva M1A of the 1960s

Replaced by

no direct replacement (occupies its place in the Ultimate Series alongside P1, Senna, Speedtail)

Key rivals

Ferrari Monza SP1/SP2, Aston Martin V12 Speedster — the niche of exceptional speedsters

Not to be confused with: Windscreen-free version (AAMS) vs windscreen version — two configurations of the same car McLaren Senna (track, with roof), P1 (hybrid), Speedtail (3-seat streamliner) — other Ultimate Series → the Elva is the open speedster of the range

Collectability & valuation

Rarity

149 units (production revised downward three times) → extremely rare; all individually specified (MSO)

Desirability

radical "fully open-air" concept, pioneering AAMS technology, Ultimate Series membership, historical tribute; provenance, original MSO specification and low mileage are decisive factors

Points of attention

real-world use highly restricted (no roof and, in many cases, no windscreen); specialist McLaren servicing, which is costly; availability and originality of carbon/MSO components; exposure to the elements requires careful monitoring for preservation

Valuation

on request (price bracket + comparable sales + sources + date; differential between windscreen and windscreen-free versions)

McLaren Elva

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