McLaren Elva: specs, production and fuel economy
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The McLaren Elva is an open Ultimate Series roadster with no roof or side windows, and McLaren capped it at no more than 149 cars. A mid-mounted 815PS twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 takes the screenless car from 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, and lightest dry weight is under 1,300 kg.
- Years
- 2021 (US model year)
- Body
- Open roadster (screenless or windscreen)
- Production
- 149 — McLaren stated that no more than 149 Elvas would be specified and built to customer order.[1]
McLaren Elva specs
| Variant | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elva (screenless) | Mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 | —815 PS — McLaren figure; no hp/bhp figure in the source | — | 2.8 sec | — | Under 1,300 kg lightest dry | [1] |
Figures are McLaren's published numbers; acceleration is shown only in the form McLaren published it. "—" means no official figure was found.
McLaren Elva fuel economy
| Model year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Elva (AM-S7, 4.0L turbo V8) | 15 | 21 | 18 | [2] |
McLaren Elva generations and years
| Generation | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elva | 2021 | A windscreen version entered production in May 2021, targeted to be only 20 kg heavier than the screenless car.[1] |
Active Air Management System
The screenless Elva uses an Active Air Management System that channels air to create a virtual canopy over the cockpit. McLaren quotes 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds for the screenless car.[1]
Windscreen version
McLaren added a windscreen version in 2021, partly to meet local legal requirements in some US states. Full performance figures for that version were pending final validation when production began.[1]
What to check before buying a used Elva
The NHTSA recall dataset lists no McLaren campaign naming the Elva, so a used-car check focuses on which version it is, its state-by-state road legality, and McLaren service records. The windscreen car was created partly to meet legal requirements in some US states, so confirm registrability where you live.
Screenless or windscreen
McLaren built both versions; the windscreen car was developed partly for some US states’ legal requirements.[1]
Build count
No more than 149 Elvas were to be built to customer order.[1]
No NHTSA recalls listed
No McLaren campaign in the NHTSA dataset names the Elva.[3]
Annual service history
McLaren’s scheduled service interval is one year or 10,000 miles (15,000 km), whichever comes first; a stamped retailer history should show a visit at least once a year.[4]
McLaren Elva recalls
CarWhere found no NHTSA safety recall campaign that names the McLaren Elva in the U.S. DOT recall dataset. Check a specific car by entering its 17-character VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.
See how a specific McLaren Elva was built at the factory.
See what a specific McLaren VIN was factory-built with. The CarWhere McLaren build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Related McLaren pages
Frequently asked questions
How many McLaren Elvas were made?
McLaren said no more than 149 would be specified and built to customer order.
Does the McLaren Elva have a windshield?
The original Elva is screenless and uses an Active Air Management System; a windscreen version entered production in 2021.
How much horsepower does the McLaren Elva have?
McLaren rates its mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at 815PS.
How fast is the McLaren Elva?
McLaren quotes 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0–200 km/h in 6.8 seconds for the screenless car.
Sources
Specifications, prices and production figures are as published by McLaren; recalls are from the U.S. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset and fuel economy from the EPA. CarWhere does not publish auction or market values for these cars.
- Windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren Elva enters production (May 27, 2021) — McLaren Automotive press release (republished by Automotive World) (secondary reference)
- EPA fuel economy: 2021 McLaren Elva (Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.0 L, Turbo) — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recalls dataset (DOT open data 6axg-epim), McLaren campaigns — U.S. DOT / NHTSA
- The new McLaren 750S: peak supercar performance, pure exhilaration (Apr 26, 2023) — McLaren Automotive press release (republished by Automotive World) (secondary reference)
More McLaren research
- McLaren research hub
- McLaren build sheet by VIN
- McLaren colors
- Artura new vs used asking prices
- 750S new vs used asking prices
- 720S new vs used asking prices
- GTS new vs used asking prices
- Car depreciation research
- Dealer invoice price explained
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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by McLaren Automotive Limited. McLaren and the model names are trademarks of their owners.