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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 – January 28, 2019

Two Tom Brady Signature Edition Aston-Martin Vanquish For...

If you are feeling Patriotic about the Big Game, we have two rare Aston-Martins for you. Only a dozen were built, and we have two Tom Brady Signature Editions Aston Martin Vanquish Volante for sale. Both are convertibles and both have low mileage so they would look amazing at the Valet Stand in Foxborough. Tom Brady said: “It was an easy decision to go with the Vanquish S for the special edition - it is an incredible car to drive and is truly a work of art. Going through the process of curating a unique Aston Martin has been fascinating. We started with a blank canvas and finished with this beautiful car. It’s been great to see it all come to fruition and I’m proud to share a name with it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!” I covered the announcement of this exciting collaboration two years ago, and our fans from New England went wild. Tom and his wife Giselle worked with Aston-Martin's Q department to design a gorgeous car. Aside from Tom's signature, these cars have custom colors inside and out. Our first example is from Bill Dean, at Dean Team Luxury Autos. It has 114 miles and is listed at $272,950 Click Here To View Listing The next one is from Cleveland Motorsports, and it only has 14 miles on the odometer. The ultimate ride for Patriot Nation, click these links to compare them. Click Here To View Listing Tell us your favorite Aston Martin in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680">

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 – 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 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 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

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 22, 2016

Revealed: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante

Pebble Beach, aka one of the most exciting car events of the year, is a great place for reveals, and Aston Martin used the opportunity to debut their Vanquish Zagato Volante.(Also Read: Cadillac Escala Concept Revealed, Shows Future Design)Limited to 99 units, the new Zagato Volante will be created as an answer to "overwhelming customer interest for the previously revealed Coupe." The new Zagato model will hold true to the brand's lineage and maintain many of the design elements the compilation is known for. According to a company press release:"The Vanquish Zagato Volante shares its proportions with the Coupe, a quintessential Aston Martin form with a classic Zagato twist, evoked by round tail light reflectors that use the same 'bladed' LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan supercar. The twin cowls on the rear deck blend into the leading edge of the luggage compartment, concealing a bespoke folding hood derived from the mechanism used in the Vanquish Volante. Carbon fibre sills around the lower body create a pronounced horizontal emphasis that runs from front to rear."Vanquish Zagato Volante Specs Engine: 6.0-liter V12 Horsepower: 592 hp 0-60 time- 3.7 seconds The interior of the vehicle is held to Aston Martin's high standards. Options for customization for the ultimate in aesthetics and style is provided by the automaker's 'Q' division. Offered is an array of high-quality materials, which include herringbone carbon fiber and the finest leather available.Price and full specs have not been released at this time, but stay tuned for updates. Deliveries are set for 2017, though no concrete time frame has been established.View All Aston Martins For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2016

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Heading To Production

Aston Martin and Zagato have been collaborating for years, and their latest concept has sent every other designer back to the drawing board. First unveiled at the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este, we figured the complex carbon fiber body would be limited to the concept only. But last night Aston Martin shocked the world by confirming a limited production run.Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Specs Engine: 6.0-liter V12 Horsepower: 591 hp 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds Production Run: 99 examples Body Construction: Carbon Fiber Release Date: Q1 2017 The press release states that only 99 examples will be built. Aston Martin's factory in Gaydon has more in common with Zagato than any other facility. Both companies choose to build cars by hand. More than a new body, Vanquish Zagato will arrive with more power and an Italian tuned suspension. Hopefully, this means no power steering and stiffer springs. What we do know is that Aston Martin upped their 6.0-liter V12's power up to 591 hp, creating a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.Various design aspects of the new Vanquish Zagato were borrowed from various Aston Martin cars. For example, it features the "bladed" LED lights from the Vulcan and wing mirrors that resemble the ones on the One-77. This car really is a culmination of everything great Aston Martin has created in the past years. For the construction of the car, the English automaker opted to comprise the bodywork entirely from carbon fiber.Stay tuned to see this masterpiece in action once they arrive at our dealers. In the meantime check out great offers on 2016 models:Vanquish For Sale

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