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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – March 09, 2018

New STARTECH Package for the Aston Martin DB11

The Aston Martin DB11 has ushered in a new era of design for the English automaker with its new take on the elegant yet sporty styling they're known for. But, the aftermarket scene exists for a reason: to spice the hottest cars up even more. For STARTECH, they wanted to take the DB11 to the next level. To do this, they've created a package of new components for the new sports car.STARTECH's new carbon ensemble for the Aston Martin luxury sports car exterior include a new front spoiler, side sills, rear diffuser and exhaust covers. Inside, customers can have their seats covered in STARTECH leather upholstery. The roof can also be upholstered with leather or Alcantara, and various pieces of trim can also be reupholstered. Wood and carbon trim pieces can be fitted to give the DB11 an even sportier appearance than before.Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Revealed: Built for Pure SpeedFor more information, be sure to visit STARTECH's website.

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Revealed: Built for Pure Speed

Did you think that the Aston Martin Valkyrie was the most extreme car that the English automaker would? I did too. That is until they recently revealed the new Valkyrie AMR Pro. Displayed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Valkyrie AMR Pro presents itself as a track-only car. It was created through a culmination of efforts between Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin.While Aston Martin is silent on the full suite of technical specifications, they did let out a few blurbs of specs. For example, we know that the Valkyrie AMR Pro's 6.5-liter V12 had its emission control systems and Energy Recovery System was calibrated to produce a combined output of over 1,100 bhp. Combine that amount of power with a light weight of 2,200 lbs and you have the recipe for a real track monster.Aston Martin Valkyrie With Moon Dust Paint Is 1 of 1 Aston Martin will create 25 Valkyrie AMR Pros, with deliveries starting in 2020. All cars are currently sold.

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2018

Aston Martin Unveils The Lagonda Vision Concept In Geneva

City-dwellers know the risks of breathing noxious exhaust. So, Aston Martin is looking to the future by resurrecting Lagonda. One of the most coveted names in British motoring will return as a zero-emission luxury manufacturer. Technically Aston Martin has been known as Aston Martin Lagonda since they took control of that brand in 1947.Lagonda is the name of a small creek in Springfield, Ohio, where Wilber Gunn began building cars in 1904. His luxury cars were plush and powerful, from V12 limos to racers, they even won LeMans in 1935.Aston Martin built a Lagonda sedan from 1974 to 1990, and the futuristic angles look modern even today. So it is fitting that the Vision concept represents an optimistic future for luxury motoring. The radical design is a spacious 4-seater with gullwing doors. Looking to the autonomous future, all four passengers can face each other without the hassle of driving. CEO Dr. Andy Palmer had this to say: "We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them. Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts."The concept is flanked by two 40% scale models, one being an SUV and the other is a coupe. This new design language could see production as early as 2023, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2018

Daniel Craig Is Auctioning His Vanquish For Charity

A conversation concerning who was the best Agent 007 can quickly lead to fisticuffs. Daniel Craig has added more depth to the character of James Bond, that his performances have been compared to a certain Scotsman who shall remain unnamed. As such, the perks of the job include street legal versions of the film's automotive stars, and the most popular in recent history has been the 100th Anniversary example of the Aston Martin Vanquish.Daniel Craig Buys Lotus Evora 400To celebrate a century of handbuilt perfection, only 100 examples were produced in 2014. As a fitting tribute, this Aston Martin has VIN 007, and it will be the centerpiece of Christie's "The Exceptional Sale". Mr. Craig is donating the proceeds to The Opportunity Network, a NYC-based charity that helps disadvantaged kids achieve their education and employment goals. He and his wife Rachel Weisz are both board members of the organization.Reuters is reporting the midnight blue Aston Martin will be on display in Christie's LA showroom from Feb 27th to March 3rd and it is expected to bring anywhere from $400,000 to $600,000 when the hammer falls. Tell us your favorite Bond film int he comments below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. This April, actor Daniel Craig’s personal Aston Martin – a limited-edition 2014 ‘Centenary Vanquish’, numbered 007 – will be offered in The Exceptional Sale in New York. . All sale proceeds will benefit The Opportunity Network, a non-profit organisation that provides young people with pathways to career development. . Ahead of our auction, the Aston Martin will be on view at our Los Angeles gallery from 27 February – 3 March, then in New York from 12–20 April. . Aston Martin, A ‘Centenary Vanquish’ numbered 007. Estimate: $400,000–600,000. . The Exceptional Sale – 20 April at Christie’s New York. . @astonmartinlagonda #astonmartin #astonmartinvanquish #limitededition #jamesbond #car A post shared by Christie's (@christiesinc) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:09am PST

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2018

TBT: Aston Martin's New DB4 GT

We like to get a little historical every Friday-eve. For today's first Throwback Thursday, we've learned that Aston Martin have resurrected one of their most iconic race cars. The DB4 GT was a featherweight racer with a big engine and aerodynamic upgrades over the base DB4. A press release on Aston Martin's media site caught us off-guard because they are bringing it backDavid Brown owned the company from the 40's to the 70's, so it is only fitting he put his initials on the high-performance cars. He sought to build the best cars in the world, so he asked his genius engine builder to tune their straight six to maximum power. He added another distributor and another extra spark plug on each cylinder to make sure the gas burned evenly. Compression was upped and three twin-choke Weber carburetors allowed it to make 304 horsepower. The wheelbase was chopped to make it handle better than the competition, and the aluminum body was thinner than regular production DB4 models. It could reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, which is quick even today.Aston Martin is building a limited run of 25 "DB4 GT Continuation" cars. After digitally scanning a pristine surviving example, they added a few modern touches to the engine. The new cars will offer 340 horsepower to a four-speed manual transmission. Each car will be built by hand using the same tools their grandfathers had. No detail has been overlooked. Even the chassis numbers and VIN will start at 020R, the final production car from 1959. The press release also mentions that each car will be commissioned by dealers for their most affluent customers. Original examples are rarely seen in public, so if you would like more information, click on the link below to find your local Aston Martin dealer.Browse Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 17, 2017

Aston Martin Launches DB11 Configurator

Henry Ford offered to build the Model T in any color, as long as it was black. Mass production and assembly lines are not forgiving when it comes to special requests. That's why Aston Martin has resisted the urge to update their methods. The DB11 might offer the latest in technology, but it is assembled by humans instead of robots.The assembly plant in Warwickshire is not filled with workers, they are artists. Craftspeople who have apprenticed for years in order to be experts in the automotive arts. This makes each Aston Martin a blank canvas, and they are awaiting inspiration from you. Needless to say, there is almost no limit to what they are capable of. That's why Aston Martin have launched a configurator to help streamline the ordering process.Because the options are almost endless, the design team has preloaded 11 stunning examples of the DB11. These "Designer Specification" cars have names like "Open Aura", and "Twilight Tour". The wildest of the group is "Shanghai Fashionista". It wears a brilliant exterior of "Frosted Glass Blue Ivory". This is a fancy pearlescent finish that provides a brilliant contrast to the "Vivid Red" convertible top.Take a look at these and tell us which one you prefer.The formal announcement of the DB11 Volante was made via press release. Colors and options are nice to see, the but the big news is under the hood. Gone is the twin turbo V12 from the DB11 coupe. In a deal with Mercedes-Benz, the DB11 Volante is powered by the AMG 4.0-liter twin turbo V8. Tuned to make 510 metric horsepower, it will also offer less weight and better fuel economy for the new car. Your local dealer is now accepting orders, which will be fulfilled in Q1 of next year. Build the car of your dreams and click on the link below to find the dealer near you. As always, stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. View Aston Martin DB11 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals Two New Vanquish Zagatos

In the latest news from Monterey, Aston Martin have completed the lineup of Vanquish Zagato models. Inspired by the unprecedented response to the Coupe and Volante (convertible) versions, we were shocked to see a Speedster testing at the 'Ring last month. Aston Martin is known for going beyond their customer's expectations, so last night the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake was unveiled. A quartet of brilliant design, each car is based upon the Vanquish S. The big V12 is naturally aspirated and offers 600 horsepower to a rear-mounted automatic transmission. Each model has adaptive suspension, with shocks and springs optimized for each variant. The most disheartening aspect of the press release is the limited production numbers. We knew the Coupe and Volante would be limited to 99 cars each, and this also applies to the Shooting Brake. It is generally more difficlut to sell a car without a roof, so the Speedster will be limited to 28 examples. In total only 325 will be built, and they are probably sold out as you are reading this. The Speedster features dual cowlings behind the cockpit to abate turbulence on the highway, and they harken back to Zagato's double-bubble roof. On the Shooting Brake, glass panels in the roof allow for a great view, and you will be greeted by a powered rear hatch. Every car comes with leather luggage and the option for a full leather interior. The controls are made of anodized bronze, with the Z motif featured on several surfaces. Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "We haven’t released Zagato models as a family before, at least not in this way, but the idea is not without precedent. Think back to the DB7 Zagato and DB AR1, or the V8 Zagato Coupe and Volante, for example. We’ve simply taken things a few steps further. Why create a family of Zagatos? Well, many of our customers want different things. Some prefer the purity of a Coupe, but others love the idea of something more extreme, like the Speedster. And yes, some of them have ordered one example of each. There’s always an over-demand from our clients and patrons. We could easily fulfill demand for more cars than this, but we want Zagato to remain something very special. We’re creating collectibles, future concours cars. With only 325 cars worldwide, divided between 99 Coupes, 99 Volantes, 28 Speedsters and 99 Shooting Brakes - they are still the rarest of the rare.” As with all the previous collaborations between Zagato and Aston Martin, these cars will be coveted by collectors as soon as they arrive. So if you want one for yourself, take a look at these Vanquish for sale and contact your local Aston Martin dealer for more information.

By Andrew Nabors – July 13, 2017

Aston Martin Smallest Model Ever in Action

After the hard-earned victory at LeMans, the team at Aston Martin Racing thought they could relax. But Chief of Prototype Design Alex Summers had another race on the schedule. Engineers at rest sometimes devote their work to wild projects, and such was the case with the AMR-SB. Essentially a scaled-down version of the V8 Vantage GTE, it was designed for the brutal downhill challenge known as the 24 seconds of Le Ally Pally. Last week they offered a preview of the build in preparation for the event.Also Check Out: Aston-Martin Reveals the Vantage AMRIn an YouTube upload last night, we can see the car as a finished product in a photo shoot before the race. And the real treat is watching it navigate the treacherous course at Alexandra Palace.Reaching a top speed of 29 miles per hour, Alex navigated the jumps and water obstacles for a 2nd place finish. Ride along with his helmet cam and witness the brutality of the course. They chose the best intro song of any motorsports event: Jessica by the Allman Brothers. RIP Gregg Allman.The final jump proved to be too much for the inboard suspension of the AMR-SB. The only point of compression in the car are the discs in the driver's spine, so the impact broke something in the undercarriage. Whatever was dragging could have slowed them enough to prevent a 1st place win. A valiant effort by Aston-Martin Racing has brought soap box racing back into professional sports. The FIA is expected to release Balance of Performance requirements for next season, so don't be surprised to see Germans arrive with lead-lined chassis. Stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals V8 Vantage GTE Soapbox Racer

Riding high on the resounding win at LeMans, Aston Martin Racing arrived ready for yesterday's race: "24 Seconds of Le Ally Pally". Red Bull's Soapbox Race took place yesterday in London, and it was improvisation at its best. While most entries fielded whimsical rides, Aston-Martin arrived in a gorgeous scaled model of the new V8 Vantage GTE. A replica of the car that won LeMans, it was designed around Alex Summers, their Senior Engineer at Prototype Operations. Darren Turner and Jonny Adam were the drivers responsible for the checkered flag, so they were tapped to head up the team.Also Check Out: Porsche 911R vs Aston-Martin V12 Vantage SFor some reason, every other automaker passed up on the opportunity for great exposure. Red Bull's events are watched the world over, so kudos to Aston Martin's marketing team. Sparing no expense for the downhill build, the team started with a tube-frame chassis. It could be chrome-moly tubing or leftover exhaust parts, but the results are the same. Center-lock alloy wheels and rear disc brakes are straight from the Vantage, and the one-piece composite body was painted in a full-size spray booth. It was a valiant undertaking, but first place eluded the team. Finishing 2nd, they lost to "Brooklands Special" in a replica of the 24 Liter Napier Bentley. Gravity is a powerful tool at our disposal, so perhaps Red Bull could combine the jump from space with soap box cars or Flutag for the ultimate in acceleration. If you need inspiration for your build, our dealers have a nice selection of V8 and V12 Vantages for sale, so stay with us for all your Aston-Martin updates.

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2017

Aston Martin Unveils the Vulcan AMR Pro

I don't know about you, but my Aston Martin Vulcan just seems too ordinary in traffic. So I am glad to hear the good news! The performance-minded wizards at Aston Martin Racing have a developed a comprehensive upgrade package for all 24 Vulcans.AMR is planning to show it in action at Goodwood tonight. If you missed the 24 Hours of LeMans, AMR dominated the GTE class for a first place finish. Taking some of the magic of the Vantage GTE and applying it to the track-only Vulcan, the first issue to be addressed was the transmission. Shorter gear ratios will keep the big V12 in its power band. Trading a little top speed for acceleration is always a fun experience.Aerodynamics were the most obvious change. The nose has dive planes that will make a Viper ACR stop and take notice. A lower front splitter and vents in the fenders will keep the front end sucked to the track. Out back is a double decker spoiler that could seat a dinner party. Gurney flaps on each end help the total package to deliver a whopping 2,950 lb-ft of downforce.....For comparison, the LeMans winning Vantage GTE makes only 2,289! Not only does the Vulcan AMR Pro have more grip, it is better balanced. The center of pressure is closer to the center of the car, which will make for confidence in the corners.The first few cars are undergoing the transformation, which is being performed by Q by Aston Martin. No mention of price was made, but contact our dealers for more information.The opening events of Goodwood 2017 will begin shortly, so look for it on YouTube and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

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