McLaren Unveils Its Open-Air, $1.7 Million Elva Roadster

McLaren expands its Ultimate Series collection with Elva—a cutting-edge roadster that underscores its commitment to pioneering design. The British automaker unveiled the supercar Wednesday, and provided an extensive breakdown of the vehicles key features.

Priced at around $1.7 million, Elva is the lightest road car ever produced by McLaren, allowing for high levels of agility and acceleration (zero to 62 mph in under three seconds). The two-seater is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8—the unit used in the McLaren 720S and Senna—which delivers 804 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. But the most notable feature of the roadster is, without a doubt, its open-top design.

Nodding to the McLaren-Elva racecars of the 1960s, this supercar aims to enhance the driving experience by forgoing the roof, side windows, and windshield. McLaren says costumers have the option to purchase a windscreen derivative of the model, as it is required in certain areas. The Elva is also equipped with the Active Air Management System (AAMS), which activates once the vehicle hits a certain speed. There is also an automatic rollover protection system in the event of a car accident.

"The McLaren Elva is a true Ultimate roadster; it exists purely for the pleasure of driving, to deliver an enthralling and immersive experience born from the ultimate connection between the car, the driver, and the elements," Andy Palmer, the vehicle line director for the Ultimate Series, said in a press release. "The lightest road car we’ve ever built at McLaren Automotive, the Elva is incredibly agile and ferociously fast, its 804bhp twin-turbocharged V8 engine providing breathtaking performance that heightens every sense."

You can check photos of the Elva below. McLaren is expected to release the car at the end of 2020. Only 399 examples will be produced.