Limited production speedsters like the McLaren Elva, Aston Martin V12 Speedster, and Ferrari Monza SP2 are aimed at the lucky few who can afford them. They are also real head-turners and among the most striking supercars released in recent memory.
Recently, Top Gear managed to bring the trio together for a road test, heading to the Scottish Highlands and putting each of them through their paces. While the weather didn’t play ball for the entirety of the test, presenter Jack Rix does talk us through some of the key pros and cons of driving a supercar that lacks a windshield.
The review starts off with the Ferrari Monza SP2. This model features a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 churning on 799 hp that’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Driving the car is no doubt an incredible experience but Rix notes that because of all the wind noise and buffeting you experience while behind the wheel, you can’t really hear the car’s howling engine and that’s a real shame.
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Rix then jumps into the Elva. Unlike the Ferrari and Aston Martin, it is mid-engined, meaning it is a little easier to hear the engine. Another plus of the McLaren is the fact that it has a little flap that pops up from the bonnet, acting as a wind deflector and creating what the British automaker describes as a “bubble of calm.” While that may not be entirely true, it does make the windscreen-less experience a little more tolerable.
Last but not least is the Aston Martin V12 Speedster. It has a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 and Rix says it has much more power than the rear tires can handle; moreover, like the Ferrari, it is very difficult to hear the engine when you’re driving above 50 mph.