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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 – December 08, 2016

Aston Martin Becomes Frosty's Worst Nightmare

Winter is the great equalizer of driving talent. Snow does not care how many wheels you have turning, or if your differential is viscous or electronic-- it simply provides a slippery surface to help perfect the art of car control. When traction is limited, your right foot can be used to invoke oversteer while cornering, which is commonly known as drifting. Since your car doesn't have to be fast in order to drift, this form of racing has been embraced by a culture that is too slow for drag racing competition.But what happens when you take one of the fastest cars in production out onto a track of fresh powder? The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S pushes its twelve-cylinder engine design beyond what we thought possible, all the while being housed in one of the automaker's lightest chassis. Anyone who has owned a rear wheel drive car will understand the implications of such a formula. Drifting is a symphony of steering, throttle, and brakes, and it requires input from the seat of your pants. It's second nature for some, but for those who want to learn, Aston Martin On Ice is your chance to learn from instructors.All Aston Martin V12 Vantage S For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 06, 2016

Aston Martin AM-RB 001's Top Speed is Revealed, Sold Out

Thanks to Motoring.com.au, we now know a lot more about the upcoming Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar. Firstly, that won't be it's real name, as Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer says the car will have a "sexy" name.As of now, the car will have a $4 million price tag, but if you're looking to get one, you're out of luck: it's already sold out.Here are the "fun bits" of information from the article in an easily digestible form: 1,000 kg weight Powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated V12 engine (between 6 and 7 liters) The car we see is 95% of the final car The first prototypes will be on the road in 2017 Deliveries in 2018 Track version will be out after the road-going version Has "kind of a KERS system" Has direct steering Powered gullwing doors Seats are fixed, but the pedals and columns can be adjusted Have to crash test four cars Will have a riser system Construction consists of F1-technology carbons and Kevlar Top speed will be upwards of 250 mph Be sure to check out the full interview to learn even more about the car.All Aston Martins For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

2018 Aston Martin Vantage's New Engine Heard for First Time

The Aston Martin Vantage has remained relatively untouched for quite some time, but the English automaker is shaking up the model with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT's M178 V8 engine.(Related - Reviewed: Aston Martin AM37 Boat)While the exacts of the car still remain under wraps, AutoEvolution's spy photographers caught the car being tested on Nurburgring roads. They also suggest that with this engine, a new gearbox and chassis, this year's Vantage could be quicker than the V12 Vantage.Aside from the engine, the new Vantage is also getting a decent facelift. Aston Martin has noted before that the Vantage would take after the DB10, and this video seems to conclude that.Hear the new Vantage for yourself by clicking play below.All V8 Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 03, 2016

Reviewed: Aston Martin AM37

Back in September, we received a press release about Aston Martin's nautical experiments. The AM37 was formally revealed in Monaco and we have been waiting to see it in action. We keep our reviews limited to land-based transportation, so we turned to Harry's Garage for a proper shakedown run. Initially, the boat was to be powered by twin Mercruiser 8.2 liter big blocks, but it appears that Aston Martin pulled out all the stops. Under the deck are twin 8.6 liter V8 engines (540 cubic inches) which are descendants of Chevrolet's legendary 572.(Related - St. Louis Auto Detail Protects Aston Martin Vulcan #19)If your boat has 1,040 horsepower, what would you do with it? Mulder Design builds the wildest watercraft money can buy, so they took an idea from Aston Martin and made it a reality. The cockpit is inspired by features found on the Vulcan and One77. Carbon fiber and teakwood are not normally found within close proximity, but it's clear to see the hand finished quality of every piece. Down below is a cabin lined with rosewood and leather. The front mounted TV is a nice touch, but we hope it's up for serious vertical motions in choppy seas.With an MSRP of 1.5 million GBP, we would keep it in fresh water to protect the investment. But to make sure it performs as well as it looks, Harry took it out into the Mediterranean for a few high-speed runs. The soundtrack from the exhaust is undeniably American, but the latest from Aston Martin looks at home along the European shoreline. No mention of production has been made, but perhaps a few examples will find a home on this side of the pond. If this project is given the green light, you will see it first here on Autofluence.Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2016

New Aston Martin Pre-Owned Program "Timeless" Announced

Building the world's most sought after supercars is no easy task, which is why Aston Martin only builds each model in limited numbers. With attention to detail unmatched in the automotive world, they have announced a new program for pre-owned cars. In collaboration with all 164 dealers, Timeless will define a new level for certified inventory. Each car will receive a one-year comprehensive warranty along with roadside assistance. Technicians will dive into every system to ensure its capabilities, and updating all operating software. A certificate of provenance will be included along with complete service history for the prospective buyer. These will be included in a VIP handover pack at the time of purchase.(Related - AM-RB 001 Will Be The Most Insane Aston Martin Ever Made)To keep the aftermarket at bay, buyers will also receive discounts on factory accessories for three months. Vice President and Chief of Sales Christian Marti said: “I am very happy to see the launch of this new and improved pre-owned service. Additions such as the new inspection regime – which for the first time includes a comprehensive assessment and review of our cars’ software, as well as their technical condition – can only add confidence for our buyers. Aston Martin rightly prides itself on its personal customer service, attention to detail and luxury, and with the debut of the Timeless pre-owned program around the world, I know we are better placed than ever to continue to improve these elements of our business.” Expect to see more information from your local Aston Martin dealer in the coming weeks. If you have considered a new or pre-owned Aston Martin please consider the listings from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 20, 2016

AM-RB 001 Will Be The Most Insane Aston Martin Ever Made

When released, the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar will be the most extreme car that the English manufacturer has ever released, by a wide margin. Not only is it absolutely bizarre looking, it's also going to be extremely fast, rare and expensive. How do we know this? Wall Street Journal recently had a conversation with Adrian Newey, CTO for Red Bull Racing, and learned quite a bit about the car.As far as performance goes, the 001 is going to be no slouch, but we already suspected this. According to Newey, the car's V12 engine will produce 1,000 hp. This speed, along with its weight of just 2,200 lbs, the 001 will run 0-200 mph in just 10 seconds. What's more, it will stop from 200 mph in around 5 seconds. That means the car can take you from 0 to 200 to 0 in around 15 seconds. What in the world?For those expecting the car to have a massive big wing, you're going to be disappointed, because Newey is not a big fan of big wings. Instead of relying on a wing, the 001 relies on pure aerodynamics and active suspension. The car's computer will determine how close to ground the car needs to be, provide the necessary downforce when needed.As for how much you'll have to drop for a 001 and how rare they'll be, I've got bad news for those who were saving their pennies: it's going to be expensive and very rare. But really, we all knew this was going to be the case. Newey noted that 175 examples of the car will be made, with 150 being street-legal and 25 meant for just the track. As for its price, it will be around $3 million per.All Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2016

New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Inspired by AM37 Powerboat

Aston Martin is looking to take over the seas with their new AM37 powerboat. The new AM37 offers the same style and luxury offered on the street along with two inboard engines. The base model has a top speed of 45 knots (51 mph) with your choice of Mercury diesel or gas engines. If you need to go faster, the AM37S is powered by twin Mercury 520 hp V8 engines. Taking inspiration from the Vulcan and One-77, the same carbon fiber DNA is woven into these new boats.(Related - Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante Priced Near $1 Million)To celebrate the boat's capabilities and style, Q by Aston Martin has created a bespoke Vanquish Volante inspired by the boat. The car features a blue exterior that's similar to the boat, as well as an interior modeled after the cabin of the AM37. The center console also houses a wooden inlay, which was probably done to mirror the wooden decks of the boat.Check out the gallery below to see the car for yourself.View All Vanquish Volante For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2016

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante Priced Near $1 Million

Are you hyped up for the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante? Did you have your checkbook open ready to write the check for one? You did? Good, because now I have the amount of money you'll have to make that check out for.Automobile Mag published an article on October 4 that sheds light on the English car's price tag thanks to their sources. According to those sources, the Vanquish Zagato Volante will have a base price off "at least $850,000," making it one of the most expensive Aston Martins. As for that check you were writing, go ahead and jot down $150,000, because that's what Automobile Mag says is be the starting deposit for one.(Related - Going 200 mph in an Aston Martin One 77)Now that we have the pricing settled, you better head to your local Aston Martin dealership quickly. Why? Only 99 examples of the car will be made and deposits must be made before October 10. When or if you do drop your deposit off, expect to have your car around October 2017. A year may be a long time to wait for your car, but consider the car's pedigree, it'll be worth the wait.View All Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 30, 2016

Bespoke Aston Martin Swedish Forest Edition V8 Vantage S

Aston Martin's bespoke program, Q by Aston Martin, takes commissions on specially customized vehicles for their model line-up. Each bespoke car they create comes as a one-off that the owners can be proud to say is their very own creation. The customization branch's latest creation comes from the green trees of Sweden and was commissioned by Aston Martin Stockholm.(Related - Going 200 mph in an Aston Martin One 77)This new car, called the Swedish Forest Edition V8 Vantage S was "inspired by the colors of the forest." This inspiration can be seen in green carbon fiber trimming, wood interior accents and green leather. To learn more about Q by Aston Martin, visit their website. View V8 Vantages For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 14, 2016

The Ultimate Aston Martin Experience: The Brand Boutique

London's Mayfair District was made a little more exciting last week with the opening of the Aston Martin Brand Experience Boutique. The boutique, which is located "No. 8 Dover Street" in the district, provides fans and enthusiasts with the full Aston Martin brand experience. From gear to collaborations to clothing and more, the brand experience boutique allows visitors to take part in everything Aston Martin. Beautiful Aston Martins, protected by velvet ropes, line the outside of the storefront. Inside, visitors can experience the brand's history and current collections.The interior was designed personally by Aston Martin's EVP & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, along with his hand-selected team. The boutique will also show products from esteemed partners like Hackett London, Marma London, Quintessence Yachts, Emilia Burano and more. Artwork and hand-made fixtures from London's finest artists adorn the walls. Much more than a store, the Aston Martin Experience Boutique will become a cultural hub, hosting art exhibits, design classes, exclusive parties and gatherings.Check out more photos on Aston Martin's Facebook page, and you can read more details here. View All Aston Martins For Sale

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