Mclaren Elva overview price and specs
McLaren Elva
The starting price for the 2021 McLaren Elva is $1,830,000.
Overview
The McLaren Elva debuts as a 2021 model, with only 149 units to be produced for customers worldwide. It’s a two-seater speedster similar to the Ferrari Monza SP2 and Aston Martin V12 Speedster, without a roof or windshield. However, US models will have a windshield option to allow legal driving on local roads, unlike the Ferrari.
Based on the Senna and equipped with an even more powerful, 804-horsepower version of the Senna’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the stunning Elva pays homage to the three open-top race cars that Bruce McLaren developed in the ’60s. Due to limited resources, production of these race cars was outsourced to a British vehicle maker named Elva. Each Elva is personalized to the owner’s preferences.
Elva Exterior
The Elva isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of automotive art. You could spend hours just looking at it, admiring all the small details. To start with, the entire Elva exterior appears to be made of only three large pieces of carbon fiber. Then, you notice all the sharp angles, vents, and intakes. Since this is McLaren, every design feature serves a purpose. The huge vent on the hood has nothing to do with the engine located behind the rear seats. It’s the windshield. A panel rises to create a low-pressure zone, forming a “bubble of calm” over the cabin.
We especially love how the exterior and interior blend smoothly together. The edge of the door doesn’t stop to fit an electric window that separates the outside from the inside. Instead, it flows into the cabin, creating more pleasing design features to admire. Speaking of doors, they are dihedral and open forward and upward dramatically. Some states in the USA require a fixed windshield. So McLaren went back to the drawing board and developed a fixed windshield specifically for the US market.
Exterior Colors
McLaren mentions limitless possibilities in the press release. This is because the car is customized exclusively by McLaren Special Operations, also known as MSO. At this level of exclusivity, customers aren’t restricted by a standard color palette. After placing an order and making a deposit, McLaren’s MSO department works closely with the customer to create a car to their exact specifications. So, if you want your Elva to match the gemstones on your favorite goblet, McLaren will happily oblige. The Elva has been shown in two-tone exterior finishes, such as white/bronze and black/white with red stripes.
Dimensions
The new McLaren Elva shares its 105.1-inch wheelbase with the Senna, and that’s about it in terms of shared dimensions between the two. It has a smaller overall size, measuring 181.5 inches in length, 76.5 inches in width, and 42.8 inches in height. McLaren states that the versions without windows will have a lightest dry weight of around 2,866 pounds. The weight of the windshield-equipped version is not officially known at the time of writing, but it is expected to add around 44 pounds.
Elva Performance
The Elva uses the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that powers the Senna and Senna GTR. In the Elva, it produces 804 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The power output is slightly higher than the Senna’s, but the torque is exactly the same. All of this power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This impressive engine, which can trace its origins back to the MP4-12C, is nearing the end of its life. Given the recent non-hybrid McLaren models, it seems this is the most power they can get out of this engine without using hybrid technology. Not to mention the all-new 3.0 V6 hybrid engine that will debut soon. Still, 804 hp and 590 lb-ft is a lot, especially for a car that weighs around 700 lbs less than a BMW M2 CS.
The incredible power-to-weight ratio is reflected in the acceleration figures. According to independent tests, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds. Reaching 124 mph takes 6.7 seconds, and the Elva should be able to complete the quarter-mile in under ten seconds. Vin Diesel would be proud, but he’d need to apply some sunscreen to his head before driving this car.
Engine and Transmission
McLaren’s twin-turbo V8 is a decade old, but you’d never guess that from its performance. With 804 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, it delivers impressive power. It started as a 3.8-liter engine in the MP4-12C and was later updated and expanded to 4.0 liters for the 720S. McLaren’s smaller supercars, like the 600LT, 570S, and 620R, still use the 3.8-liter version.
This version of the engine retains the flat-plane crankshaft found in all other McLaren models but includes lightweight camshafts, rods, and pistons. These enhancements align with the overall lightweight design and boost performance.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission features a Launch Mode. Like the Senna, the gearbox offers selectable driving modes, including a comfort mode. This might seem unusual at first, but it makes sense given the Elva’s more flexible suspension setup.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Elva might share a powertrain with the Senna, but it doesn’t have the same aggressive suspension setup. In fact, it’s not even as intense as the 765LT. The model it most closely resembles in this regard is the 720S Spider.
The Elva comes standard with adaptive dynamics, offering modes like Comfort, Sport, and Track. It also has three settings for the electronic stability control: fully on (no sideways fun allowed), completely off (leading to potential disaster), and a middle mode that lets the car slide for a moment before the electronics step in to straighten things out. While purists might not love this, most drivers would appreciate the safety net when handling 804 horsepower. Track-focused tires are available at no extra cost, highlighting the car’s performance capabilities.
Driving the McLaren Elva is an exhilarating experience. It’s not just about the exhaust noise, which fades away above 40 mph, but the feeling of being fully exposed to the elements while driving. This, combined with the car’s incredible speed, creates a magical experience. You don’t need to drive the Elva at its limits to enjoy it; even using just half of its potential is enough to make you smile during a test drive, if you’re ever lucky enough to get behind the wheel.
If McLaren had included the full hardcore Senna suspension, the Elva would be an overwhelming sensory overload. Instead, it’s more forgiving. It can be brutal, make no mistake, but unlike other models in McLaren’s Ultimate series, the Elva doesn’t need to be pushed to its extremes to be enjoyable.
Elva Gas Mileage
The EPA’s fuel-consumption estimates for the Elva are 15 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. While these numbers are slightly better than the Senna’s 14/18/16 mpg, the Elva is still a fuel-thirsty vehicle. However, anyone spending over $1.7 million on a car is unlikely to be concerned about its fuel consumption.
Elva Interior
The Elva might just have the best interior McLaren has ever created. While McLaren interiors are generally nice, they tend to be a bit plain. It often feels like the designers focused so much on the exterior that they neglected to make the inside just as appealing.
In the Elva, there’s no clear separation between the exterior and interior. They blend together seamlessly, with the exterior design flowing right into the cabin. Sitting behind the steering wheel, you can’t help but be amazed. Since the Elva’s interior is exposed to the elements, McLaren moved most of the main controls to the adjustable instrument cluster. This minimalist approach is stunning, but it does come with a few downsides, like the lack of usable cupholders.
Seating and Interior Space
Getting in and out of the Elva is surprisingly easy, thanks to shorter seat bases. This provides more room for a graceful entry, and the lack of a roof means there’s no need to stoop. However, there isn’t a traditional door handle, so you have to grab the door by the vent and pull it down. Legroom is ample, and of course, headroom isn’t an issue. Due to the mid-engine layout, the nose of the car dips steeply, giving you impressive forward visibility. Since the Elva is so compact, positioning it on the road is always straightforward.
Interior Colors and Materials
Since the Elva is customized by MSO, you can choose any color you desire for both the exterior and interior. The interior layout and controls are striking. One notable feature is the minimalist steering wheel, designed solely for steering without any buttons. Drive mode selection has been relocated to the instrument cluster, while the starter and gear selection buttons (drive, neutral, reverse) are neatly arranged in a row between the seats. The eight-inch infotainment system remains, mounted on a carbon fiber arm and angled towards the driver. Given the unique open-air design of the interior, McLaren employs four layers of protection and moisture-resistant materials to ensure durability and comfort.
Elva Trunk and Cargo Space
The Elva lacks a traditional trunk, but it does offer storage space beneath the rear tonneau cover. This single piece of carbon fiber features soft-close latches and provides enough room for helmets. McLaren even includes a helmet and a pair of weather-resistant sunglasses as part of the package.
Inside, there’s minimal storage, limited to a single cupholder under the center armrest, though it’s too small for most drinks. If you want to enjoy a beverage while driving the Elva, you might need to resort to holding it between your legs—a classic solution, but not ideal for coffee.
Features
Despite its ultra-lightweight design, the Elva retains air conditioning and a heater, both of which operate efficiently. The interior of the Elva is not just a work of art but also a feat of engineering. Functional elements like the vents are seamlessly integrated into the design. The entire steering unit, including the digital instrument cluster and the newly developed Active Dynamics switch, is adjustable.
As mentioned earlier, the interior and exterior of the Elva are designed to function as a cohesive unit. While the emphasis is on aesthetic appeal, there are still functional features to appreciate. The steering wheel’s minimalist design without buttons, and the way the hood flows seamlessly into the dashboard, exemplify the artistic and functional integration within the car.
| Feature / Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioning and Heater | Efficiently retained despite ultra-lightweight design |
| Interior Design | – Seamlessly integrates functional elements like vents |
| – Interior and exterior designed to function as a cohesive unit | |
| Steering Unit | – Entire steering unit adjustable, including digital instrument cluster |
| – Minimalist design without buttons | |
| Active Dynamics Switch | – Newly developed, enhancing driving dynamics |
| Dashboard Integration | – Hood flows seamlessly into the dashboard |
| Aesthetic and Functional Integration | – Emphasis on both aesthetic appeal and functionality |
| Features | – Efficient climate control (AC and heater) |
Infotainment
The McLaren Elva features an eight-inch touchscreen interface for accessing main features such as navigation and track telemetry. This upgraded touchscreen allows for running multiple applications simultaneously, with apps stacked vertically for quick and easy access, minimizing distraction from the road.
As standard, the Elva does not include a sound system. However, customers have the option to install a custom setup at no additional cost. McLaren utilizes marine-grade speakers positioned directly behind the headrests for optimal sound quality. Considering the competition from wind noise and the exhilarating soundtrack of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivered through four titanium-finished exhaust outlets, some may find the added sound system unnecessary.
Elva Problems and Reliability
The McLaren Elva has not been subject to any recalls so far, maintaining McLaren’s clean record in this regard. McLaren’s meticulous attention to detail, while sometimes criticized for making cars feel clinical, results in remarkably trouble-free vehicles, especially considering their low production volume. The Elva is covered by a three-year limited warranty and powertrain warranty, regardless of mileage.
Elva Safety
Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has conducted safety ratings for the Elva, and it’s unlikely they will due to its limited production.
Key Safety Features
McLaren includes essential safety features such as two airbags, ABS, three-stage traction control, and a rearview camera. There are no driver assistance systems, emphasizing the need for full driver attention while driving this performance-oriented car. The Elva also comes standard with a helmet for added protection and features a deployable roll-over protection system as part of its safety package.
| Safety Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Airbags | Two airbags for driver and passenger |
| ABS | Anti-lock Braking System for enhanced braking control |
| Traction Control | Three-stage traction control system to manage power delivery |
| Rearview Camera | Rearview camera for enhanced visibility while reversing |
| Driver Assistance Systems | None |
| Attention Requirement | Emphasizes the need for full driver attention during performance driving |
| Additional Safety Features | Standard helmet included for driver protection |
| Roll-over Protection System | Deployable roll-over protection system as part of the safety package |
2021 McLaren Elva vs Aston Martin V12 Speedster
The Aston Martin V12 Speedster is another stunning example of automotive artistry, featuring a twin-turbo V12 engine. Unlike the Elva, Aston Martin takes the roofless concept further with two separate cabins divided by a thin carbon fiber bodywork between the driver and passenger.
In terms of power, the Aston Martin falls short compared to the Elva. It produces 690 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque, significantly less than the Elva’s 800+ hp output. The Elva also boasts a lighter weight. However, the appeal of these cars lies beyond mere numbers.
Style and theatrical presence are equally crucial, and to many observers, the Aston Martin’s design is more captivating. The bodywork between the driver and passenger adds a unique touch, even though it obscures much of the interior view. Additionally, the V12 engine’s sound is highly preferred by enthusiasts. While technically the Aston may face legal challenges in some states due to its design, solutions can often be found with sufficient resources.
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