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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 – August 17, 2018

Aston Martin Celebrates 60 Years of the DB4

It is hard to believe one of the world's most iconic cars is 60 years old. David Brown and his team at Aston Martin unveiled the first example in 1958, and it shook up the sports car marketplace. To celebrate the anniversary, the Aston Martin Owners Club is calling for a DB4 reunion at Hampton Court Palace. There will be a Concours of Elegance show starting on the 31st and running until Sunday afternoon.2018 Aston Martin DB11 Specs, Price, Photos & ReviewThe guest list includes examples of each generation of DB4, including the GT, Zagato, and Bertone bodies. They will be joined by the new DB4 GT Continuation series which will be available soon. Of course, the factory is sending the latest DB11 and DBS Superleggera to show the DB bloodline is pure and potent. If you don't have plans for labor day weekend, pack your bags for England to see this epic gathering, or just stay with us for complete coverage.Find Your Aston Martin DB11 Here!

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 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 – 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 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

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