McLaren Elva now available with a windscreen

Besides the obvious, very little is changed about this new variant of the Elva. It still produces 815PS from its twin-turbocharged V8, it still weighs comfortably under 1,300kg dry; it’s still one of the most elegant-looking cars McLaren makes and one of the fastest. Final performance figures are still yet to be announced.

With the screen comes rain-sensing wipers, washer jets, screen heaters and even sun visors. It loses, perhaps obviously, the AAMS system.

Prospective owners with cold feet about getting a cold face aren’t the only reason for popping a screen on the Elva. In some states in the USA, it’s required for homologation purposes. 

Now that McLaren has cornered the market for windscreen-less cars with a windscreen added back in, will Aston now want to add a windscreen option for the V12 Speedster? Will Ferrari want to add an aftermarket option for the Monza? There could be demand...

“Whether you opt for the screenless model with its sophisticated AAMS technology that provides an invisible barrier of air, or the windscreen version with an additional level of enclosure, this is a roadster that rewards owners with the most exhilarating of open-air driving experiences delivered as only a McLaren can,” said Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Automotive.

So, what flavour of Elva would you take? Would you go for the full braced-face screen-less experience, or add the extra protection?