McLaren Elva gets windscreen option

McLaren has introduced a new version of the 2021 McLaren Elva that features a windscreen to help boost the appeal of its open-air speedster.

Created for those who "prefer to have a physical screen", the addition of glass in place of the Elva's innovative Active Air Management System (AAMS) also allows the British car-maker to sell its roadster in US states that ban the sale of screen-less vehicles.

Weighing in at around 20kg more than the original Elva, despite the addition of an upright screen the wild McLaren remains roofless and lacks both side glass and a rear screen to protect you from the elements.

To compensate for the addition of the heavier windscreen, engineers and designers have tweaked the handling and optimised the aerodynamics.

The modest weight gain, meanwhile, is due to the removal of AAMS and the use of lightweight carbon-fibre for the windscreen frame.

As well as the front screen, the revised McLaren Elva gains automatic rain-sensing wipers, embedded heating elements, windscreen washers and a pair of sun visors.

There's no word on how performance has been affected, but it's thought since the Elva still weighs less than a McLaren Senna and produces 600kW from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, it should still sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200km/h in a blistering 6.8sec.

First deliveries are set to begin towards the end of 2021.

McLaren has not yet confirmed how many Elvas with windscreens it will produce.

When the ultra-exclusive speedster was first revealed, the Woking-based supercar marque said it planned to build 399 examples of the McLaren Elva.

However, shortly after the company admitted lower-than-expected demand for the roofless roadster had forced it to reduce production volume to 249 units.

Now McLaren says that, in total, just 149 Elvas will roll off the production line.

When it arrives, the 2021 McLaren Elva will rival the Aston Martin Speedster V12 (limited to 88 cars) and the sold-out Ferrari SP1 and SP2 Monza (250 units each).

Adding the windscreen removes the Elva's chief party trick of using its unique aero package to create a shield of air that reduces buffeting.

Following its reveal, McLaren boasted owners would be able to hold a conversation at speeds of up to 70mph (112km/h) without needing to resort to wearing a crash helmet.

Based on a bespoke carbon-fibre chassis and body, the fifth Ultimate Series model is the lightest road car McLaren has ever made.

Across design and engineering, every element of the McLaren Elva has been honed to make it as beautiful as possible – a blueprint that necessitates three individual air intakes instead of one large ugly opening.

Even the exhaust has been optimised, not only to look good but to sound better.

Incorporating top pipes and a pair of widely-spaced rear tailpipes, the quad exhaust is said to blend piercing high-frequency sound with lower, deeper notes for what’s claimed to be one of the best-sounding cars ever made.

Pricing has yet to be revealed for the McLaren Elva with the windscreen in place, but its blusterier sibling costs a cool £1.43 million ($A2.66m) before options.