McLaren Automotive unveiled its new Ultimate Series roadster model, the Elva, on November 14. The Elva is the company's first open-cockpit road car, belonging to the top-tier Ultimate Series, and will be produced in a limited run of 399 units.

The Elva's name is derived from the famous McLaren-Elva M1A (Mk I), M1B (Mk II), and M1C (MK III) sports cars designed by Bruce McLaren in the 1960s. These were customer versions of the Group 7 race cars of the era, ultra-lightweight mid-engined machines with the highest levels of performance and outstanding dynamic capabilities. They embodied numerous advanced design and engineering principles, laying the foundation for McLaren's spirit today.

The new Elva's exterior features an open cockpit based on McLaren's unique "Blurred Boundary" design philosophy. While boasting a bespoke carbon fiber chassis and body, it adopts an extreme two-seater design with neither a roof nor a windscreen, nor side windows.

The low nose and upper sections of the front fenders provide an expansive forward view. Large carbon fiber rear fenders extend from the front of the doors to the rear deck, and the twin rear buttresses incorporate deployable rollover protection, minimizing their visual impact.

The shape and structure of the upper cabin envelop the driver and passenger, offering a secure environment. However, a version with a fixed windscreen is also available as a factory option in select markets.

Furthermore, the distinctive front-end design incorporates the world's first "Active Air Management System" (AAMS). Air drawn in through the front nose exits at high speed from the clamshell ahead of the cockpit, passing over the occupants and providing a bubble-like sense of quiet.

The powertrain consists of a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, shared with the Senna and Senna GTR, producing a maximum output of 815 ps and 800 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed seamless-shift gearbox. Rear-wheel drive propels it from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, with a claimed 0-200 km/h acceleration of 6.7 seconds, faster than the Senna.

Andy Palmer, Director of Ultimate Series Vehicle Line at McLaren Automotive, explained: "The Elva exists purely to deliver an exhilarating and immersive experience, a true ultimate roadster that offers ultimate communication between the car, the driver, and the outside environment, along with pure driving pleasure. As the lightest roadster in McLaren's history, it delivers incredible agility, terrifying speed, and breathtaking performance that ignites every sense."

Pricing starts at £1,425,000 including UK VAT. McLaren Special Operations (MSO) offers limitless personalization options for customers.