Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today

Impossibly light and born to provide the closest connection between car, driver, and road, the new McLaren Elva is a rare supercar experience.

McLaren is synonymous with producing ultra-quick supercars, with its current lineup including models like the McLaren 720S, 765LT, and the Artura. McLaren also offers an Ultimate Series lineup which includes the McLaren Senna, Senna GTR, Speedtail, and Elva.

The Elva is McLaren’s first open cockpit road car that adds a new dimension to the Ultimate Series lineage. The name Elva celebrated the renowned Bruce McLaren-designed McLaren Elva sports cars of the 1960s. Here are a few things that we know about this Ultimate Series McLaren.

The Elva features an 8-inch infotainment system suspended from a carbon fiber arm. The screen is angled towards the driver to help offer a more catered feel. Since the infotainment system was created to be the primary interface for the Elva, drivers can efficiently run multiple applications at once.

The system is easy and intuitive to use, allowing the driver to control the AC system and multiple vehicle settings simultaneously. This system also features a rotating knob on the right-hand side to help the driver quickly return to the home screen and adjust the volume.

The entire body of the Elva has pushed the limits of the material to create beautifully sculpted forms while reducing weight. For example, the front clamshell is 1.2 mm thick, forming an astonishing one-piece panel that eradicates panel joints by offering a clean, uninterrupted vision.

In addition, all the interior and exterior aspects work together to offer ultimate driver engagement. The Elva also features beautifully machined solid metal details that help display exquisite craftsmanship. This helps deliver total engagement for both the driver and the passenger.

Related: These Were The Best Features Of The Stunning 800-HP McLaren Elva

Just like the Ferrari Monza SP1/2 was derived from the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Elva shares the same platform with McLaren’s Senna and the 720S. The concept is interesting since it feels like a refresh of a familiar platform.

However, even if the Elva shares the same 720S platform and engine, it produces more power from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 at 804 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The increased power output helps make the Elva the most powerful gasoline supercar from McLaren.

The interior of the McLaren Elva features advanced ultra-fabric materials that help offer four layers of protection. These materials help protect the cabin and the carbon fiber seats that provide support and comfort even at the extremes.

This interior is made to battle the challenges of any environment. The Elva also has an instrument binnacle connected to the steering column. The binnacle also moves with the column, allowing the driver to have driving mode controls at their fingertips.

Related: McLaren Elva Unveiled As 800-HP Supercar Without Any Windows

Even with the McLaren Elva being an open-top car, it still has an AC system. This system is mounted low on the center console and the doors. It helps keep your lower body parts cool or hot, depending on the weather conditions.

The AC vents on the door also function as handles to help open and close the doors from the inside. The system helps add to the experience, reminding the driver and passenger that they’re driving in a highly unique and special McLaren.

The Elva aims to offer razor-edge driver engagement with its open cockpit. This also means that the driver and passenger get to be close to the thrill with an epic view forward. The lack of a roof and windshield helps offer more space and an unforgettable scenery experience.

In addition, the open cockpit design allows the occupants to enjoy a richer soundtrack of the thumping 4.0-liter V8 through the bespoke quad exhaust system. The Elva also has supernatural agility, thanks to its Proactive Chassis Control II.

Related: The McLaren Elva Is Not Your Usual $2 Million Supercar

Driving the Elva in its utterly open configuration offers a very different experience. To ensure that everyone’s content with the driving dynamics of the Elva, McLaren designed a quite clever Active Air Management System (AAMS).

The system produces a channel that goes through the nose of the Elva and out of the hood. This helps direct air up and above the cabin, thus developing a virtual windshield. Pressing a single button can turn the system off, but it's advisable only to do so when wearing a helmet.

McLaren’s Elva is the brand's lightest road car, weighing in at only 2,700lbs. It's 110lbs lighter than the McLaren Senna, helping prove that less is more. The Elva achieves this from its uncompromising hypercar construction using the Monocell II.

The Elva has a stunning carbon fiber body made from three main panels. This helps create a clean, sculpted profile that stays true to McLaren’s ultra-lightweight ethos. The brand slashes more weight by using low-profile carbon fiber dihedral doors that add a dramatic flourish when they rise from the deeply curved sills.

Related: Topless Supercar Battle: McLaren Elva Vs Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Supercars are known to reveal some cutting-edge technologies that someday might trickle down to a luxury car. With that in mind, we focus on the Elva, which McLaren claims is their lightest road car, allowing passengers to drive at high speeds without a windshield.

To help lower its weight, McLaren had to use a carbon fiber body using the design based on Monocell II. The Elva’s carbon fiber monocoque doesn’t require additional strengthening like a vehicle built from steel or aluminum. Besides, the upper body of the Elva incorporates a deployable roll-over protection system.

The Elva is available in two body styles; one with a windshield and another with an open cockpit design. Both versions don’t have a roof, but they aim to offer the best open-air driving experience. After revealing the windshield option, McLaren claimed that they would only be offering no more than 149 Elvas.

This helps prove the pure purpose of the Elva while allowing only a few people to enjoy its thrilling experience. However, owners who opt for the windshield Elva will have to forfeit McLaren’s unique and clever Active Air Management System.

Brian is a husband, father and freelance writer. He's also a tech and automotive junkie passionate about cars and motorcycles. Brian is also an F1 fan - team Mercedes (LH). When he's not writing, Brian goes for impromptu drives and walks.