Double (bubble) big Mac – and flies
MCLAREN ELVA: REASONS IT’S AWESOME
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NEWSFLASH: WOKING HAS SOME SOUL
There’s someone deep within MTC who’s been let off the leash and allowed to design something that isn’t just about smashing lap records. This two-seat hypercar has an active aero system designed to deflect air away from your grinning face without needing a windscreen (but if you don’t want bugs in your face, you can ask for one) and contours it over a gorgeous double-bubble arrangement and around the occupants via a massive vent on the bonnet. The spoiler at the rear is active, too, and acts as an air brake. Inside, the seats can be tailored in fine leather or a breathable fabric that grips you in your seat.
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THERE’S A SENNA WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED BENEATH
Don’t go thinking McLaren has gone soft. The Elva is placed squarely in its Ultimate Series class, and as such uses a version of the Senna’s 804bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. McLaren claims that, due to extensive use of carbonfibre, the Elva is the lightest car it’s ever made (expect circa 1150kg dry), capable of a 0-62mph sprint in under three seconds, and is faster than a Senna to 124mph, reaching it in just 6.7 seconds. The brand’s active suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and rather brilliant electro-hydraulic steering are all present and correct. As for noise, there are four exhausts made from lightweight titanium and inconel.
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IT MEETS FERRARI TOE TO TOE FOR HYPERCAR GLAMOUR
The Elva’s closest competitor is Ferrari’s own two-seat, no-windscreen Monza SP2 hypercar. Like the creation from Maranello, the Elva nods to motorsport of yore (in this case, Bruce McLaren designed racers), has a very limited production run (just 399 will be made) and a price tag so large it’ll make most wallets weep: £1,425,000 each.