McLaren Elva 2025: Back to Basics with an Ultra-Lightweight Hypercar
A car windshield protects passengers from wind and dangerous debris, but the McLaren Elva eliminates that barrier to provide the purest driving experience. The automaker also includes an innovative feature that directs air up and over this topless beauty to protect passengers from the elements. Still, the Elva’s primary purpose is driver immersion. Helping to achieve this is the hypercar’s mid-mounted 804-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, which exhales through four exhaust pipes.
Sports car McLaren Elva
Combine that with a lightweight carbon fiber construction, and this McLaren ranks among the fastest cars on the market. Regardless of the performance stance, the McLaren Elva is a stunning creation that rivals windshield-less exotics like the Ferrari Monza and Aston Martin V12 Speedster.
What’s new ?
The McLaren Elva is a limited-edition model inspired by racing cars designed by the legendary Bruce McLaren in the late ’60s. It’s also the latest member of the company’s exclusive Ultimate Series, which includes legends like the McLaren P1 and more recent sensations like the Speedtail.
Even if you’re one of the excessively wealthy people who can afford the Elva’s seven-figure price tag, McLaren will only build 399 examples. Those lucky enough to acquire one can then customize it through the company’s MSO division. Among the most sensational of these bespoke options is a 24-carat gold heat shield for the engine bay.
Engine, transmission and performance
Its wild and unconventional design can easily distract from the Elva’s remarkable performance credentials. That includes the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that produces 804 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. McLaren claims the Elva will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in under three seconds and zero to 77 mph in just 6.7 seconds. For additional context, that latter figure makes the Elva faster than the track-focused Senna. The Elva is also said to be the company’s lightest road car ever, but likely no lighter than icons like the McLaren F1. While our extensive testing has proven time and again that anything bearing Bruce McLaren’s namesake will excite the senses, we nonetheless walked away from a test drive in the Elva stunned by its speed and graceful handling.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither McLaren nor the government (read: EPA) have released fuel economy ratings for the turbo V-8 that powers the rear-drive Elva. Yet even if this topless hypercar turns out to be the least efficient vehicle on the planet, those who can afford to own one probably aren’t concerned with single-digit EPA ratings or real-world MPG.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The Elva’s exterior and interior are seamlessly connected. Not having a roof – let alone a windscreen – will do that. The integrated look is also down to how the outer body extends into the upper instrument panel and door panels. Aside from the obligatory central infotainment screen, the Elva’s interior is straightforward. McLaren wisely keeps the flat-bottomed steering wheel free of buttons, and the binnacle that houses the fully digital instrument cluster is connected to the steering column so the whole unit moves together.
Below the beltline is a row of climate control vents, presumably to maximise hot and cold airflow. These face a pair of supportive-looking seats for the driver and front passenger. They’re the ones that benefit from the Elva’s niftiest trick, which uses natural airflow and a front-mounted deflector to direct air up and over the cockpit. McLaren calls it Active Air Management, and the system automatically adjusts depending on how fast the car is going. The company will also offer a fixed windscreen to comply with certain state laws and appease those who can’t help but find it detrimental to the whole experience.
Infotainment and connectivity
Sprouting from the centre of the Elva’s dashboard is a floating, tablet-like touchscreen with controls for the climate settings and the audio system – if fitted. While McLaren doesn’t supply a standard stereo, one can be fitted to the cabin for free. Speakers are installed behind the two headrests to keep the music as close to passengers’ ears as possible, as the Elva’s thunderous exhaust and inevitable wind noise will surely be distracting.
Safety and driver assistance functions
The Elva has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Nor does it bother with common driver assistance technologies such as automated emergency braking and lane departure warning. After all, McLaren is more concerned with enriching the driving experience than disinfecting it.
Warranty and maintenance coverage
McLaren offers a standard three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. While the company does not offer free maintenance, it does offer extended plans lasting up to 12 years with a limit of 12,000 miles per year.
