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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 Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2017

Aston-Martin Unveils A V8 Powered DB11

Twelve is a logical number. Hours, months, and cylinders seem to be peacefully balanced when measured in dozens. V12 engines fire opposing cylinders at the same time, which makes for a smooth ride and a melodious exhaust. The Aston-Martin DB11 arrived with a twin turbo V12, the first such offering from the brand.It has 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque across a wide powerband. Packaging two big turbos along with intercoolers and plumbing around a 5.2-liter engine was no easy task. You can't deny the abilities of such a sledgehammer, but it might seem like overkill to some.Efficiency is not an attribute of twelve-cylinder power, and many countries taxes are based on engine size. So Aston-Martin went to Germany to look for an answer. Mercedes-AMG builds a 4.0 liter twin turbo that can be found in every 63 series AMG model. Reverse flow cylinder heads place the turbos inside the V, making it a compact design with no turbo lag. The V8 DB11 is 253 lbs lighter than its predecessor and it offers 503 horsepower and 497 lb-ft of torque. It will have you at 62 mph in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. European fuel economy is rated a 28.5 mpg, which is probably a record for the brand. Enough of the details, you know the car and the engine, so watch them together in the film below, and check out these new DB11s from our dealers. Stay with us for all your Aston-Martin news

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2017

Aston Martin Confirms Their First All-Electric Car

Aston Martin has confirmed that they will be producing an all-electric model called the RapidE. Clever name, eh?There will be 155 examples of the RapidE created during its production run. The car itself will be based around the upcoming Rapide AMR concept, however an all-electric powertrain will replace the 6.0-liter V12 engine.“Having unveiled the RapidE Concept back in October 2015 we reach another milestone with the confirmation that we are now putting the first all-electric Aston Martin into production," said Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer. "RapidE represents a sustainable future in which Aston Martin’s values of seductive style and supreme performance don’t merely co-exist alongside a new zero-emission powertrain, but are enhanced by it."As of right now, there is no information on the specifics of the electric powertrain, but Aston Martin says they will be revealing the info in "due course."

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2017

Aston-Martin Reveals The Vantage AMR

Last year's World Endurance Championship was as nail-biting as ever. All the usual players competed on the world stage, which saw Aston-Martin Racing blowing the doors off of the competition. Owning an Aston-Martin is a goal worth reaching for, but racing takes it to another level. To transform such a masterpiece into a track car might seem to be putting pearls before swine. Nevertheless, the notion of the gentleman racer has not escaped Aston-Martin's management. In order to lower the barriers to entering motorsports, Aston-MartinIn order to lower the barriers to entering motorsports, Aston-Martin have created a new range of cars aimed at all-out performance. Sharing the name with their motorsports division, AMR will have two primary objectives. The first will be limited production of performance models, the first being the new Vantage AMR. The secondary goal is to cultivate the the AMR Pro race cars. Those are the track-ready models built by Q division of Aston-Martin Special Operations.To make sure the new series makes an impact, the new Vantage AMR will arrive with a 430 hp V8 or a 595 hp V12. The latter has received 30 more horses than previous examples and it can be had with a seven-speed manual. A six-speed box is optional on the V8 cars along with automatics if you really don't care about driving. The ultimate examples will have the AMR 'Halo Pack' that is inspired by the WEC winning #95 Vantage GTE. It is finished in Stirling Green (in honor of Stirling Moss) and Lime Green. As a proper finishing touch, the badge can be enameled with the Union Jack for no additional cost. To save on weight, some of the interior pleasantries have been deleted. Forged wheels and titanium exhaust will also be trademarks for the brand. Both engins are available in coupe or convertible bodies that will begin production this fall. Pricing will start at €126,995, or around $141,000. We applaud them on this new endeavor, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel.

By Edward Jones – April 20, 2017

Aston Martin Teases the World With New Video

Aston Martin just dropped a video that teases "the ultimate housewarming." What does that mean? Nobody has any idea, but whatever it is, it's going to be special.In the video, we see two rows of Aston Martin vehicles, new and old, lined up on a concrete floor. According to the video's description, this video takes place in their new showroom in St. Athan, Wales. Eventually, a Vulcan comes out and rips between the two lines of cars, letting our a ferocious roar that would make Simba blush. But, what does this all mean?Related - Limited Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows Edition RevealedMy thoughts are that it has something to do with the unveiling of the new DBX SUV. According to Aston Martin, the St. Athan's manufacturing facility, their second one, will be the chosen location for the production of the DBX vehicle. However, they have no unveiled a production version of the SUV, only a concept version.Unfortunately, we'll just have to wait and see what Aston Martin has in store from us, but it better be special!

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2017

Limited Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows Edition Revealed

Are you a fan of the Royal Air Force's Red Arrow? Then Aston Martin's new V12 Vanquish S Red Arrows edition is the sports car you need. This newly announced special edition model was inspired by the Red Arrows and were commission by Aston Martin Cambridge.Each of the ten models that will be created are finished in Eclat Red, which is both a reference to the color of the planes and the motto of the cars. There are also a few minor details made to the exterior of the cars, like the white and blue carbon livery that has what Aston Martin calls a "smoke trail" along the sides. On top of the car's carbon fiber roof is a pattern that mimics the canopy design of a fast jet. Union Jack wing badges are also featured on these special editions.Inside is an interior inspired by the the Royal Air Force and Red Arrows. The Pinewood green inserts were chosen for their resemblance to the classic flight suit and Martin Baker Ejection Seat fabric. On the back of each seat is an embroidered Red Arrows emblem with the nine aircraft in formation. An interesting addition to the cockpit is the steering wheel that was derived from the One-77, which has been out of production for years.Only ten examples of the Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition will be created, and each come with racing helmets and suits, bespoke bomber jackets, luggage set, 1:18 model of their car and one of the aircraft, and a build book. Why did Aston Martin go for ten editions instead of the nine like the Red Arrows? The tenth will be gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund, a charity that benefits former servicemen and women and their families.

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2017

Aston Martin to Produce New SUV in 2019

Do you remember the Aston Martin DBX concept from two years ago? Well, apparently it's actually going to be created, according to a press release issued today by the automaker.The press release details their new manufacturing facility in St. Athan, a community located in South Wales, where the SUV will be produced in 2019.“Due to its sheer size and scale, the St Athan Super Hangars represented an excellent opportunity for us to build our second manufacturing facility, within the envelope of an existing structure," said Aston Martin President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer. "It is perhaps fitting that St Athan is, like our headquarters and sports car factory at Gaydon, a former Royal Air Force base."Aston Martin plans on creating 1,000 new jobs across their two manufacturing sites by 2020, and a further 3,000 being added to the "supply chain and local businesses in Wales." This is all part of Aston Martin's industrial expansion plans.

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2017

Aston Martin's New Brand Inspired by Motorsports

With the unveiling of the Aston Martin Vulcan and Valkyrie, the English automaker has shown their intentions of creating more than just the average luxury sports car. Now, this intention is even more apparent with the announcement of AMR, a new brand that takes their production models and creates new motorsport derived versions.In a press release, Aston Martin had this to say about the new brand: "Reflecting Aston Martin’s racing pedigree, AMR takes technology and inspiration from motorsport to amplify the sporting prowess present across the model range. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, AMR takes Aston Martin’s road cars to new and exciting extremes."Two AMR concepts were displayed at Geneva: the Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro.The Aston Martin Rapide AMR features a 592 horsepower version of the 6.0-liter V12 and a new quad exhaust system, both of which give it more power and presence than ever before. Also, both of these components help in giving the car a top speed of 210 mph. Aston Martin has decorated the car in Stirling Green with lime green accents, 21-inch alloy wheels, new grille, front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, small spoiler on the rear decklid and more.As for the Vantage AMR Pro, this car is a track-only version of the Vantage. It comes a pumped up version of the company's GT4 race engine that is rated at 500 horsepower, making it the most powerful V8 Vantage ever. Aston Martin ahs also installed adjustable suspension, competition engine and transmission mounts, 19-inch center lock wheels, Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires, and more.Both of these models are going into production. However, the Vantage AMR Pro will only be produced seven times and the Rapide AMR 210 times. However, Aston Martin did note that there will eventually be an AMR version of every model in their range.

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals Official Name of Project AM-RB 001

Saint Patrick's day is just around the corner. Since he pretty much killed pagan religions in Ireland, we needed a brief refresher on Norse Mythology for Aston Martin's latest creation. A Valkyrie is one who decides your path in the afterlife. It is wise to keep them on your good side because they decide if souls are worthy of serving Odin in Valhalla, The prototype was a collaboration between Aston-Martin and Red Bull Racing to explore the future of hypercars. Known as the AM-RB 001, it is a continuation of reserving the letter V for upper-end models. A tradition that dates back to the original Vantage in 1951, and continues with Vulcan and Vanquish.Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve. The connotations of power and honor, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”Cosworth is building a new V12 engine that will be coupled to a hybrid system for instant response. The wild front suspension travels through an open-air channel ahead of the doors, which will probably be difficult to wax without having a lift in your driveway. No word on how many are being produced, so as soon as we have the details from Geneva, you will see them first here on Autofluence.Aston Martin For Sale

By Steve Chapman Jr – February 06, 2017

Aston Martin Teases Tom Brady Collaboration

About last night! Wow, what a game. Superbowl 51 will go down as one of, if not the best games in history. Tom Brady, in Tom Brady fashion didn't allow the first half to discourage The Patriots from an incredible comeback. At the beginning of the 3rd quarter we were lamenting a Monday morning post involving vintage Falcons for sale, but Ford fans will have to wait another year.Leaving old grievances in the past, Aston-Martin (who retain a Royal Warrant from the Queen) are working with the most famous Patriot in recent history for a transatlantic collaboration. Mr. Brady has an eye for detail, so something new is in the works for the five time champion. Uploaded to Facebook on Saturday, we hope Gisele will offer input on the build. For many, the idea of an unlimited list of options can be overwhelming. The DB11 is a blank canvas, ready for inspiration. The most powerful DB series engine to date, the 5.2 liter twin turbo twelve offers 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque to a hand crafted body. You don't need a Lombardi Trophy to have your own Aston-Martin, our dealers look forward to bringing your dreams to life. Tell us how you would spec your DB11 and stay with us for more Super news.All Aston-Martin DB11 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2017

Aston-Martin Reveals the Vanquish S Volante

If you are in the market for a carbon fiber convertible, look no further. Aston-Martin have pulled the wraps off of the 2018 Vanquish S coupe and Volante convertible. Taking inspiration from the Vulcan and One-77, the aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser are needed to keep it on the ground. The body looks very similar to the normal Vanquish, but look closer and you will find perfection in the details. The front and rear are all new, along with the rocker panels. LED blade taillights using technology from the Vulcan are visible for miles, but others will hear you coming first.That's because the 6 liter V12 has been bumped to 595 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Screaming to 7,000 rpm, the CNC ported heads make use of a 11:1 compression ratio. With those numbers we hope is is flex fuel capable, because E85 would make it a monster. In order to extract every last ounce of power, the stainless exhaust has a tuned x-pipe for scavenging and quad tips for maximum flow. Mounted above the mufflers is the rear mounted 8 speed automatic transmission. A conservative differential ratio of 3.46 makes for great acceleration in any situation, but we think it would be a blast with 3.73 or 4.10 gears.A revised interior has black chrome and satin nickel trim controls with a fascia of iridium. More carbon fiber than you will ever need helps to lower the curb weigh to 3,834 lbs. The weight is amazing considering the amenities. A Bang & Olufsen audio system has 13 speakers and 1,000 watts of power. A big thanks to Aston-Martin for resisting the urge to go turbo. If you want forced induction, the DB11 is for you. Stay with us for updates when our dealers begin receiving this all-motor masterpiece.All Aston-Martin Vanquish Volante For Sale

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