McLaren Elva Gets New Windshield Option

The Ultimate Series McLaren Elva is getting a new windshield option to help comply with government regulations.

The McLaren Elva is set to get a new windshield in the latest production run of the two-seater Ultimate Series roadster.

Designed for customers who prefer to have a physical windshield instead of the air barrier created by the Active Air Management System (AAMS), the new windshield edition will help tick the boxes required by some USA states to meet local road legal requirements.

“Super-lightweight and extremely powerful, the Elva delivers the ultimate connection between a driver, the road, and the elements. Created to celebrate the pure joy of driving, it’s one of the most distinctive – and exclusive – cars we have made,” says Mike Flewitt, Mclaren Automotive CEO. “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.”

Aerodynamically optimized, the McLaren Elva windshield edition is only 44 pounds (20kg) heavier than its windscreen-less sibling, even with the addition of electronic rain-sensing wipers, sun-visors, and a heated glass system.

The speed of both 4.0-liter V8 versions is comparable to the McLaren Senna, with the original McLaren Elva reaching 60mph in 2.8 seconds (final performance details of the windscreen version are still awaiting final validation).

The McLaren Elva recalls the Elva race cars of the 1960’s, amongst some of the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded. The new Elva of today is intended to evoke the spirit of driving enjoyment symbolized by these cars and is created as a homage to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars.

Originally planned for a production run of 399 units, last year McLaren slashed the production number down to only 149 models in total due to COVID-19 production shutdowns/compromised availability of parts and as a strategy to reduce the overall number of Elva’s to protect client’s investment of the $1.7 million car (making it one of the most exclusive McLaren’s ever produced – second only to the Speedtail).

The first windshield editions will be delivered to customers later this year.