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

Aston Martin News

Aston Martin news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market values. Our coverage runs across the Vantage, the DB12 and the DBX707, alongside landmark engineering projects such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla. We also follow the earlier cars that established the marque's name for British craftsmanship. Reporting comes from first-drive access and from the auction floors where these cars change hands. One thing separates this from other luxury sports car news. Many of the Aston Martins covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the story and the asking price appear together. For Aston Martin news today, and the performance car news around it, start below.

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2017

Surprise: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage GTE Race Car Revealed

Right off of the heels of Aston Martin releasing the new 2018 Vantage, the English automaker has also decided to show the world the new Vantage GTE race car. This new race car was developed alongside the road-going Vantage and has already undergone 8,000 miles of testing that includes two tests lasting 30 hours. Looks like it's ready for any 24-hour race. Powering the car is the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in its street-legal brethren. However, the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics have been greatly altered to make it a much more race-ready car. Expect to see the new Vantage GTE taking part in the 2018 WEC.Aston Martins for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2017

Next-Gen 2018 Aston Martin Vantage is Finally Here

Aston Martin has been teasing the new Vantage for weeks now, but we're finally here with the official unveiling of the new English sportscar. Here are a few highlights: Redesigned interior and exterior Brand-new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine First Aston Martin with an Electronic Rear Differential Top speed of 195 mph Aston Martin Announces Valkyrie AMR Pro Track CarThe new design of the Vantage is quite self-explanatory. Overall, the entirety of the new Vantage is brand-new, giving the model a fresh look that it's been in need of. The interior has also been revamped with new style and, most importantly, Aston Martin has increased the car's headroom. Customers can buy the new Vantage now with an MSRP of $149,995. Deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2018.

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2017

Aston Martin Announces Valkyrie AMR Pro Track Car

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the English automaker's extraordinarily extreme hypercar that will set a new precedent within the company. Today, Aston Martin has announced a new take on the Valkyrie, one that is more track-focused: the Valkyrie AMR Pro. While the road-going Valkyrie was restrained by the limitations created by making it road-legal, this new AMR Pro breaks free from any limits.Of the changes, the ones you'll see right off the bat are found on the exterior. The new appearance of the Valkyrie AMR Pro is created by a suite of new aerodynamic surfaces. Larger front and rear wings dominate the new hypercar's expression, while more minute modifications can be found across its body.Powering the car is a naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter Cosworth V12 engine that has more power and torque than the road-going Valkyrie - exact figures have not been released as of yet. However, Aston Martin has stated that the Valkyrie AMR Pro will reach a top speed close to 250 mph.Coolest Cars in the WorldThose who buy the Valkyrie AMR Pro will go through a rigorous development program that's tailored to their personal abilities. What's more, facilities used by Aston Martin Red BUll Racing's F1 drivers will be available to the new owners of the Valkyrie AMR Pro.Only 25 examples of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro will be created, but they have all been purchased. Expect deliveries in 2020.

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2017

Aston Martin is Sending the Vanquish S with a Special Edi...

To celebrate the final days of the Vanquish S, Aston Martin is creating a special edition called the Vanquish S Ultimate. Making the Vanquish S Ultimate stand out from the crowd are three different color schemes that were created by Aston Martin's design team.Powering this special edition is the same 6.0-liter V12 engine found in the standard Vanquish S. This means the Vanquish S Ultimate will have 595 bhp routed through an 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission.Aston Martin Unveils Vanquish S Volante Tom Brady Signature Edition

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2017

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake Fully Revealed

Aston Martin's fourth addition to the new Vanquish Zagato is the unbelievably lovely Shooting Brake variant. The English automaker has recently released new images of the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, giving the world the best look yet at what seems to be the final variant in the Vanquish Zagato lineup.Powering the car, which will be produced just 99 times, is a massive V12 engine (no turbos here) that produces 600 horsepower. Joining the V12, in terms of hardware, is an adaptive suspension system that has shocks and springs that have been optimized for each variant. I can assume that the new Aston Martin Shooting Brake will have its suspension set for a butter-like drive.

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2017

Aston Martin Vulcan #14 For Sale

One of the best ways to increase demand is to limit the supply. That's why Aston Martin only built 24 examples of the Vulcan. Using the wild One-77 as a learning experience, they developed a one-piece carbon fiber tub that is only 396 lbs. The end result of a 9 person team, each tub was built in four days, requiring three trips through the Autoclave.Extensive computer modeling allowed the rear suspension, transmission, and spoiler to share the same mounting points. This is just one of the ways strength was optimized and weight was saved. For power, they turned to the GT3 division of Aston Martin Racing. Sure they could have added turbos or a supercharger to the 6.0 liter, but that would be too easy. In order to reach 800 horsepower, a new 7.0 liter V12 needed its own block, heads, and internals. Cosworth supplied the electronics in a unique format. The computer allows for 3 power levels so drivers can adapt to changing conditions.The big V12 sits behind the front wheels to provide an optimal weight distribution, and it is connected to a brutal Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission. The straight-cut gears provide a rewarding soundtrack, as you shift from paddles on the steering wheel. Inboard suspension with DSSV shocks and adjustable sway bars make for comfort and performance in the same space. They could have used T45 steel for the roll cage. Instead, they went with 15 CDV 6 aerospace steel to save 13 lbs in the chassis. No detail was overlooked, which is why all 24 examples of the Vulcan are guaranteed to never depreciate. If you are looking for an investment, #14 is available by Kaaimans International. It is located in the United Kingdom with 200 miles on the odometer. Click on the link below for all the details and stay with us for more great Aston Martins.Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2017

Aston Martin DB11 Volante: The New GT Goes Convertible

Last year, Aston Martin wowed the world with the unveiling of the new DB11 sports GT car. Now, the latest addition to the English automaker's lineup is losing its top. Introducing the new Aston Martin DB11 Volante.The DB11 Volante's convertible nature comes in the form of a tailored fabric roof that comes in either bordeaux red, black silver or grey silver. This 8-layer roof folds into what Aston Martin is calling a "class-leading stack height," and it takes just 14 seconds to lower and 16 seconds to close. Drivers can control the hood remotely via the key, and can operate it at speeds of up to 31 mph. Thanks to the aforementioned stack height, the DB11 Volante also has 20 percent more trunk room when compared to the DB9 Volante that it's replacing.If you're worried about the lifespan of a cloth roof, don't worry, because Aston Martin put the DB11 Volante through some extreme weather testing. During the Life Cycle Durability (LCD) test, the roof was put through 100,000 cycles in special weather chambers. That means it went through about ten years of use in just one month of testing. The results? The DB11 Volante passed with flying colors.Specs Price: $216,495 Engine: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 Horsepower: 503 hp Transmission: 8-speed automatic Sports Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2017

Aston Martin Valkyrie is Surprisingly Customizable

Aston Martin's new hypercar, the Valkyrie, looks just about as futuristic as you can get. I mean, when we start seeing it on the street, it's going to look like someone drove it right out of a concept car convention. Even if it looks like it should be in Minority Report, it's still being made by Aston Martin, and that means luxury and personalization options are available.Bloomberg is reporting that buyers of the new Valkyrie are going to be given a true red carpet treatment when spec'ing out their hypercar. First, when customers pick on their colors, Aston Martin will send them a 1:18 scale model of the car in the desired colors. This way they can see just how their car would look in the true paint and not in a digital rendering. Customers can repeat this process until they're happy with their choice.Just like other Aston Martins, the customization options span across the Valkyrie. Materials in the cabin are all up for different choices, including the seats, dashboard, headliner and trim. The example that was debuted went for a carbon fiber cabin, but fine leather and Alcantara is more than likely available. On the outside, customers can change the paint, the reflectivity of the panels, and the wheels. For the debut example, the wheels were fitted with carbon fiber disc coverings to reduce drag.Pricing for options aren't available yet, but we'll get them to you as soon as they're released.

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2017

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato For Sale In Monterey

If you are in Monterey for car week, come check out a stunning 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato at Los Gatos Luxury Cars. Only 30 minutes from downtown Monterey, Los Gatos has an extensive inventory of new and pre-owned luxury and exotic cars.Unveiled to great acclaim at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, Italy in May 2016. Thanks to unprecedented customer interest, a strictly limited production run of 99 cars will be built to order at Aston Martin's production facility in Gaydon, England. Vanquish Zagato is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades, pairing Aston Martin's acclaimed dynamic and material qualities with Zagato's signature design language.As well as spectacular sporting ability, Vanquish Zagato showcases the very best of Aston Martin’s bespoke luxury. Her design details include new lights with round tail light reflectors that evoke the classic Zagato rear view, using the same 'bladed' LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan, while the wing mirrors are closely related to the units developed for the One-77. The Vanquish Zagato's sculptural rear end has a close relationship to DB11's aerodynamic profile, complete with retractable spoiler and rear hatch for easy access to the luggage compartment. Rippling carbon fibre sills run around the lower body to create a pronounced line from front to rear, with a quad-exhaust nestling within the curvaceous shapes.The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe and Convertible were limited to 99 examples each. Both versions sold out within hours, so your chances of seeing another one in the wild are limited. That's why Los Gatos will have this car on display at Aston-Martin Club 1913 at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Located at The Sunset Center on San Carlos Street, join us Friday morning (August 18th) from 9 am to noon. Contact Los Gatos Luxury Cars Or Visit losgatosluxcars.com. Or Call (408) 354-4000.

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2017

$1.7 Million Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster Spied...

Aston Martin is going ahead with the production of a new Vanquish Zagato Speedster model. The British automaker has already introduced Vanquish Zagato and Vanquish Zagato Volante models, but the Speedster has yet to have been formally revealed. However, Autocar learned about the car through one of their inside sources.Like the other Vanquish Zagato models, the new Speedster will have 592 hp being produced by its 6.0-liter V12 engine. Unlike the other models, this new model will have a new and striking style that's befitting of a speedster-type car.BridgeToGantry recently captured the unrevealed Aston Martin model as it was being tested on Nurburgring. The car has a completely matte black exterior with what looks like silver accents. Joining the Speedster in the video found below is a Vanquish Zagato Volante with a matte black finish and gold accents.

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