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 Tyler Rampersaud – October 01, 2026

Aston Martin Opens Q London

One of the world’s largest and most historic cities, London is also home to one of the most iconic luxury hubs in the world: Mayfair. Places like the Claridge’s Hotel, Savile Row, and more have made Mayfair’s panache known across the globe, and the latest is Aston Martin’s new Q London. Opened on October 1, the new Aston Martin Q London is the luxury British performance manufacturer’s flagship dealership, located in Mayfair’s iconic Berkley Square. The prestigious address highlights Aston Martin’s relationship with Berkley Square, which dates back 75 years, and accordingly, the centerpiece of Q London is Aston Martin’s bespoke specification experience: Q. Made for the most discerning Aston Martin customers, Q offers anything from unique stitching, upholstery, and exterior colors to ultra-exclusive, limited-production models like the latest Valen, the Valour, and Valiant, and even one-offs like the Victor. At Q London, customers have the opportunity to have a direct relationship with Aston Martin’s Q division, as well as explore the incredible library of options available to turn an Aston Martin into a stunning personal statement. About the new flagship dealership, Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Aston Martin, said, “Aston Martin Q London will play a uniquely important role in the world of Aston Martin. Not only does this dramatic and elegant space offer an excellent backdrop for our product range, but it gives us a prominent window in one of the world's most pre-eminent luxury shopping destinations. We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with H.R.Owen, and I look forward to many more customer-facing events and activations in Mayfair.” <- Gallery -> The grand opening of the location coincided with the debut of the new Aston Martin DBX GT, a refined, luxurious variant of Aston Martin’s Super SUV. Alongside Q New York in Aston Martin’s portfolio of Q locations, the London facility offers space for vehicle display, informal meetings, private consultations, and events across two floors. Portland stone with the Aston Martin winged logo adorns the façcade, while the architecture and style remain similar to Q New York, which is located on Park Avenue. Operated by H.R. Owen, the opening of Q London marks a milestone and continuation of the relationship between Aston Martin and H.R. Owen. H.R. Owen’s CEO, Ken Choo, commented, “Aston Martin Q London represents an important milestone for our Group. Mayfair is home to some of the finest automotive retail experiences in the world, and we are proud to bring Aston Martin back into this exceptional address alongside our other prestigious showrooms. This new location, together with our Wandsworth aftersales facility, underlines our long-term commitment to offering clients the very best of British luxury motoring.” Bringing its flagship luxury experience to one of the most important cities in its history and in the world, the new Aston Martin Q London location is a new home for the pinnacle of bespoke Aston Martin luxury. View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Charles Bradley – September 30, 2026

New Aston Martin DBX GT Refines Its Most Powerful SUV

For Aston Martin, performance and luxury have never been mutually exclusive. The new DBX GT takes that philosophy in a more restrained direction, pairing the fabled British marque’s high-performance SUV credentials with a heightened focus on comfort, craftsmanship and everyday refinement. Positioned alongside the performance-focused DBX S, the DBX GT expands the Aston Martin SUV range with what the marque describes as its highest levels of luxury, comfort and finesse. Rather than emphasizing sporting aggression, its design and engineering are intended to deliver a quieter, more elegant character while retaining the dynamic capability for which the DBX is renowned. Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark describes the philosophy: “DBX GT is aimed at customers who prefer assured elegance over sporting aggression and demand a higher degree of luxury. By refining the visual drama and elevating the interior with new elements of craftsmanship, the DBX GT delivers a true ultra-luxury experience; one which comes with no sacrifice in performance.” A More Discreet Expression The DBX GT’s exterior has been comprehensively revised to emphasize the SUV’s proportions and presence while creating a more understated visual identity. At the front is a new double-vaned grille, available in bright or dark finishes. Split metal grille vanes continue into the separate outer vents, incorporating the daytime running lights and extending the horizontal visual plane to create a greater sense of volume through the lower front bumper. Along the flanks, a new two-piece metal side strake introduces contrasting polished and satin finishes inspired by traditional watchmaking techniques. The treatment provides a more intricate interpretation of one of Aston Martin’s signature design elements. The lower front bumper, sills and rear diffuser are painted in the body color as standard, reinforcing the DBX GT’s more elegant character. A new 22-inch forged wheel features a Satin Titanium diamond-turned finish and is paired with an all-season tire as standard. The combination has been selected to maximize ride compliance and minimize road noise. Customers seeking a more assertive appearance and greater emphasis on performance can specify the optional 23-inch wheel and tire package. At the rear, new quad exhaust finishers are arranged in horizontal pairs to emphasize the width of the lower body. Bright-polished outer surfaces contrast with satin-anodized inner sections, creating a sculptural detail that underscores the DBX GT’s performance credentials. The design philosophy is deliberately different from that of the DBX S, as its Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman explains: “Aston Martin is uniquely placed to combine ultra-luxury and performance. All our cars combine both, but each car finds a different balance, both visually and dynamically. With DBX GT we have taken a more discreet approach. One which downplays its outright performance and instead exudes a quiet charisma. Elegantly understated, yet safe in the knowledge it possesses the same performance and class-leading dynamics expected of a DBX.” Crafted for Comfort Inside, the DBX GT moves further toward the ultra-luxury experience through revised seating, richer materials and a greater emphasis on acoustic refinement. The front and rear seats have been redesigned with enhanced cushioning, redefined bolstering and carefully engineered comfort curves intended to balance dynamic support with everyday usability. A 10-millimeter-thick memory foam layer has been added to the cushion structure, while sculptural changes to the bolsters increase both lateral support and comfort. Bespoke embroidery details further distinguish the new seat forms. The rear cabin receives an especially significant transformation. A new individual rear-seat layout uses two sculpted seating positions with extended headrests and bolsters, bringing the rear environment closer to the design language of the front seats while increasing lateral support for longer journeys. The standard panoramic glass roof fills the cabin with natural light, further enhancing the rear environment. Material selection is equally central to the DBX GT’s character. Anodized metal controls provide a jewelry-quality finish, while GT-specific monotone, duotone and tritone upholstery combinations are complemented by intricate quilting, perforation and complex embroidery patterns unique to the model. Semi-aniline leather and deep-pile floor mats add further layers of tactile richness. The level of craftsmanship is particularly apparent in the seats. Aston Martin says each front seat incorporates 691 meters of thread and 3,297 perforation holes, requiring more than four and a half hours of craftsmanship during construction. A Quieter Cabin Luxury in the DBX GT extends beyond materials and visual detailing. Aston Martin has also focused heavily on the acoustic character of the cabin. Targeted improvements to the body structure and cabin sealing are designed to minimize the transmission of road, wind and traffic noise. Sound-deadening materials have been precisely positioned within the door panels, front and rear wheel-arch areas and rear load space, while acoustic-laminated rear side glass further isolates the occupants from the outside world. Deep-pile carpeting contributes to both acoustic isolation and the cabin's sense of opulence. The result is a claimed 13% improvement in Articulation Index, an automotive industry measure of how easily occupants can hold a conversation while a vehicle is moving. Whether speaking with passengers, making a telephone call, or listening to the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, Aston Martin says the DBX GT provides a quieter and more relaxing cabin environment. Effortless Performance The DBX GT may prioritize refinement, but Aston Martin has not diluted its performance credentials. Power comes from the bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 introduced on the DBX S. The engine produces 727 PS and 900 Nm of torque, with its shared turbocharger technology derived from the mid-engine Valhalla supercar. Performance figures remain identical to the DBX S: 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 420 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear provide braking performance to match, while a faster steering ratio improves agility and responsiveness. The turning circle remains 12 meters for urban maneuverability. The chassis has received a more comprehensive series of refinements. Revised damper calibration and a unique damper valve system are designed to improve ride compliance over poor surfaces while maintaining body control during dynamic driving. The new internal damper valves manage oil flow during high-frequency, low-amplitude inputs such as coarse road surfaces and rumble strips, helping filter unwanted vibrations before they reach the cabin. Spring rates also vary according to the selected drive mode, actively changing the roll-stiffness balance through corners to enhance grip and steering response. Refined Response Aston Martin has also recalibrated the DBX GT’s throttle response to provide a greater sense of precision and control. Each input is intended to produce an exact, proportionate response from the powertrain. The nine-speed wet-clutch automatic transmission receives further calibration to improve shift consistency and smoothness across everything from low-speed urban driving to full-throttle performance. Technology developed through the Valhalla program has also influenced the DBX GT. A new transmission mount bush increases mounting stiffness to better manage movement between the transmission and body, while two new longitudinal dampers further optimize the connection between the body and rear subframe. The changes are particularly relevant during larger suspension events, including potholes, sharp crests, and severe compressions. The standard 22-inch wheels are paired with Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season tires to further improve low-speed ride refinement and compliance. The optional 23-inch setup can be specified with either Pirelli P-Zero Summer or Scorpion Zero All-Season tires. Even the exhaust note has been reconsidered. A dedicated exhaust tune uses double mixing of gas flow within the rear muffler to eliminate harsh metallic frequencies and produce a cleaner, richer tone. In GT mode, the exhaust maintains a discreet character, while Sport and Sport+ modes restore its full voice when performance driving takes priority. Quietly Aston Martin The DBX GT represents a distinct interpretation of the Aston Martin performance SUV. Where the DBX S emphasizes sporting aggression, the GT focuses on discretion, craftsmanship, acoustic comfort and effortless performance. The result is what Aston Martin calls its most refined and understated interpretation of the DBX – an SUV designed to combine ultra-luxury and performance without forcing the owner to choose between the two. First deliveries of the Aston Martin DBX GT are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. View All Aston Martin DBX for Sale Images: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 17, 2026

The Aston Martin DBX Stars In MobLand

Aston Martin’s luxury performance car lineup has long been a favorite of the film and television worlds. Most prominently, Aston Martins have been featured in the 007 films for decades, but now, the Aston Martin DBX, the Super SUV from the historic British manufacturer, is having its moment in the limelight, specifically through its starring role in the second season of the Paramount+ original series MobLand. The season will premiere globally on September 18, but the premiere took place at the Odeon Luxe, located in London’s Leicester Square, last week. There, the Aston Martin DBX was present on the red carpet among the cast members of the show. In the series, the Aston Martin DBX will be driven by Harry Da Souza, played by Tom Hardy. In the crime drama, the Aston Martin DBX will see Da Souza through power struggles, intense action, and nail-biting chaos throughout the season. With its power, elegance, British design, and dynamic performance, the Aston Martin is the perfect companion for the ‘fixer’ character and a captivating presence in the series on its own. <- Gallery -> In the real world, the Aston Martin DBX stands as one of the most desirable high-performance luxury SUVs, with 717 horsepower coming from the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the flagship S variant, and a performance character that directly relates the DBX to Aston Martin’s other tourers and sports cars. The partnership between Aston Martin and MobLand also included coming together at the Formula 1® Pirelli Gran Premio d'Italia at Monza, where the DBX wore the show’s “Chaos Reigns” tagline as it completed demonstration hot laps, and the partnership will continue with events in the future as the second season of the series unfurls. With compelling performance and luxury elegance, the Aston Martin DBX is the perfect partner to Harry Da Souza in season 2 of MobLand on Paramount+. View All Aston Martin DBX For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Khris Bharath – September 09, 2026

Aston Martin and Brough Superior Unveil the 300-Unit Street-Legal AMB 002

Aston Martin and Brough Superior have unveiled the AMB 002 Roadster, the first street-legal motorcycle produced by the two British performance marques, with production limited to 300 units and deliveries scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2027. The AMB 002 follows the track-only AMB 001, introduced in 2019, and the AMB 001 Pro, which arrived in 2022. The new machine was designed and engineered from scratch, with no carry-over componentry from either predecessor. duPont REGISTRY has also previously covered a 2022 AMB 001 that was once offered through Sotheby's Motorsport (SOMO). The design is without a doubt one of the most striking elements of this motorcycle, and the AMB 002 retains much of the visual drama of a concept motorcycle. A single round headlamp sits deep within a sculpted carbon-fiber nose, while exposed carbon weave, open bodywork and intricate wheel designs leave much of the machine's structure on display. A compact circular digital display, thin-stalk mirrors and a neatly integrated rear plate carrier provide the necessary road-going hardware without substantially changing its track-bred appearance. Aston Martin's design team has also applied several elements from its cars. The familiar side strake extends through the bodywork toward the headlamp, while twin oval exhaust outlets carry ribbed heat sinks inspired by those on the Vanquish, DB12 S and DBX S. At the rear, individual light blades reference the Vulcan, Valkyrie and Valhalla. <- Gallery -> “It was always a long-term dream to make an Aston Martin motorcycle for the road. Combining the bold design aesthetic and pioneering engineering innovation which define. Aston Martin and Brough Superior’s work to-date, the AMB 002 is the vivid expression of our shared passion for sculptural, visceral, covetable machines.” - Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Power comes from an all-new 1,083cc four-stroke, water-cooled V-twin producing 130 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of torque. Brough Superior designs, machines, and assembles the engine in-house at its headquarters in Toulouse, France, using CNC-machined billet cases to reduce weight. The engine mounts within a titanium backbone frame milled from a solid billet. The frame weighs approximately 11 pounds and contributes to a claimed 50:50 weight distribution. Carbon-fiber body panels and a carbon-fiber fuel tank help bring total weight to roughly 419 pounds. The motorcycle employs Brough Superior's Fior double-wishbone front suspension, an evolution of the system developed for the AMB 001 Pro. The design separates steering and braking forces, which the company says allows more precise control of front-end geometry under braking while improving stability through high-speed corners. “This motorcycle is truly one of a kind, both in its design and in the riding experience it delivers. The rider's upright posture and the completely unobstructed field of vision combine to create a unique feeling of gliding above the road with absolute confidence and complete control.” - Thierry Henriette, President of Brough Superior Motorcycles Sas The AMB 002 also arrives as Brough Superior continues developing limited-production motorcycles outside its Aston Martin partnership. That includes the Richard Mille RMB01, another track-only machine limited to 150 examples. Orders for the hand-built AMB 002 are now being accepted ahead of first deliveries in Q3 2027. Pricing has not yet been announced. View All Aston Martins for Sale Images: Aston Martin, Brough Superior

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 18, 2026

1-of-4 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf For Sale

The Lagonda name has been under the Aston Martin umbrella for decades, similar to Mercedes-Benz's longtime ownership of Maybach. Throughout that time, the Lagonda nameplate has been attached to unique and ultra-luxurious Aston Martin sedans, including a model in the ‘60s under the Lagonda name, a ‘70s Aston Martin, and the iconic wedge-shaped Aston Martin Lagonda sedan that was sold from the late ‘70s until 1990. That wedge-shaped Aston Martin Lagonda served as the inspiration for a revival of the Lagonda brand, which came in 2014 with the Lagonda Taraf. That was a V12-powered ultra-luxe sedan, which was inspired by the wedge sedan’s futurism, proportions, and silhouette, but updated to showcase modern luxury. It was initially launched as a Middle Eastern market exclusive, but thanks to its popularity, it was introduced to other markets across the globe. The Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf was an ultra-exclusive model, with a total of only 120 units produced. As one of the rarest and most expensive sedans in the world, it remains one of the most desirable collector-worthy vehicles in recent memory. In a rare opportunity for enthusiasts, duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985, currently has a 2018 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf for sale. <- Gallery -> This example, currently available at Ferrari of Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California, is an example of the Final Edition of the stunning ultra-luxurious model. That makes it one of just four cars like it in existence, and it’s finished with an Ultramarine Black exterior color inspired by Lagonda’s historical palette. Contrasting that is an interior finished with Q White Essence leather and Caspian Blue carpets. Several opulent details indicate the exclusivity of the vehicle, and a four-seat layout combines luxurious comfort with performance-oriented design. If you’re interested in owning this incredibly exclusive masterpiece, you can click below to view the price and listing. View Price And Listing

By Charles Bradley – August 14, 2026

New Aston Martin Valen Is Most Powerful Front-Engined Car Ever

Aston Martin today launched its new Valen supercar at The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering during Monterey Car Week, the most powerful front-engined car from any manufacturer in the world. Limited to 150 examples, Valen represents the latest chapter in Aston Martin’s lineage of limited-production, 12-cylinder specials, combining extreme performance with bespoke craftsmanship and a highly personalized expression of the marque’s design language. Created through Aston Martin’s bespoke Q service and realized with the expertise of the company’s newly formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) Department, Valen takes the familiar front-engined Aston Martin formula in a deliberately more provocative direction. Its full-carbon-fiber body, aggressive proportions and extensive use of lightweight materials reflect the car’s performance ambitions, while its meticulously detailed cabin and broad personalization options reinforce its position as a flagship ultra-luxury supercar. Its name comes from the Latin word “valens,” with an etymology referencing “strong” or “powerful” – an appropriate designation for Aston Martin’s most powerful front-engined supercar in the company’s 113-year history. At its heart is a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12, producing 850PS. That output is paired with an eight-speed ZF transmission, revised chassis hardware and extensive software calibration to the steering, suspension and braking systems. The result is a supercar engineered around a driver-focused character while retaining the elevated luxury and craftsmanship expected of an Aston Martin special series model. Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said: “The latest in a bloodline of limited production special series models from our bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, Valen’s world-beating performance required a design to capture the raw motion and unmatched output of our V12 powertrain. With more power, less weight, and a spectacular soundtrack, the dramatic design is backed up by equally dramatic performance.” 850PS and a Sharper V12 Experience Valen’s performance credentials begin with its powertrain. The 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 produces 850PS and 1,000Nm, with peak torque available from just 2,500 rpm. A sharper-shifting eight-speed ZF transmission uses race-proven shift strategies developed for Aston Martin’s Vantage GT4 race program. The result is crisper and more engaging shifts across all drive modes, helping reduce Valen’s 0-to-60-mph time to just 3.0 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 214 mph. For Aston Martin Director of Vehicle Performance Simon Newton, the project presented an opportunity to give the company’s most powerful front-engined production car a more overt dynamic character. “When your basis for a project is the world’s most powerful front-engined production car you know you’re going to have fun,” he said. “Valen channels the more overt dynamic purpose of a true sportscar and amplifies that energy and focus to further unleash Valen’s potential. Everything we’ve done to the powertrain and chassis has been driven by the same objective; to intensify the character and capability to deliver a truly thrilling experience that’s accessible to all skill levels, but keen drivers will absolutely relish.” Valen uses a performance-focused drive-mode philosophy comprising Sport, Sport+ and Track settings. Throttle mapping changes with each mode, giving Sport and Sport+ a shorter map that delivers more throttle earlier in pedal travel. Track mode adopts a longer, more progressive delivery intended to prioritize precision when driving at the limit. The approach underscores Valen’s dual personality: a car designed to deliver urgency and focus when driven enthusiastically, while retaining the bandwidth necessary for everyday usability and longer journeys. Lightweight Engineering Meets Luxury Craftsmanship Weight reduction is central to Valen’s engineering program. The car saves up to 110 kilograms compared with the core V12 platform through the extensive use of carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium and magnesium. An optional lightweight package contributes a further 16.9-kilogram reduction through machined-from-solid aluminum suspension arms and knuckles, along with titanium chassis bolts. New lightweight magnesium wheels are standard, reducing unsprung mass while improving steering response, wheel control and ride refinement. They are fitted with Aston Martin-tuned Pirelli P Zero R or P Zero Winter 2 tires developed specifically for Valen. The bespoke tires are engineered to balance everyday usability with dynamic track capability, providing lateral and longitudinal grip while maintaining an approachable level of control. It also adopts Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technology, which shares real-time tire data with the vehicle’s dynamic control systems. Developed in conjunction with Bosch Engineering, the system is integrated into the car’s digital architecture, allowing the ESP, ABS and traction-control systems to continuously adapt their thresholds. Chassis changes extend to the ESP, dampers, steering, cambers and braking system. Valen uses a solid-mounted rear subframe, model-specific springs and helper springs, and Bilstein DTX semi-active dampers. The braking system features 410-millimeter front and 360-millimeter rear carbon-ceramic brakes. Aston Martin has also tuned the brake booster to maintain a firm pedal, providing precise modulation and driver confidence at both high and low speeds. A V12 Soundtrack With Titanium Details For a car built around the emotional appeal of a 12-cylinder engine, sound is as important as performance. Valen’s new lightweight titanium exhaust system was developed specifically for the car. New micro mufflers allow the system to meet homologation regulations while reducing weight and enhancing the V12 soundtrack. The quad exhaust arrangement is particularly distinctive. Two upper and two lower tailpipes evoke the design language of a mid-engine hypercar while being integrated into Valen’s front-mid-engined supercar proportions. The 3D-printed titanium tailpipe finishers provide another expression of Aston Martin’s focus on lightweight construction and material craftsmanship. The upper exhaust outlets remain open, while the lower outlets are valved and open according to drive mode. The resulting soundtrack has been tuned to reduce lower frequencies while amplifying higher tones. The upper outlets are tuned akin to organ pipes to generate resonance at higher engine speeds, creating what Aston Martin describes as a significant increase in character and presence. A More Provocative Aston Martin Design Valen represents a substantial reinterpretation of Aston Martin’s front-engined formula. Its design is more sharply sculpted and deliberately assertive, emphasizing the relationship between its front-engine, rear-drive architecture and its performance intentions. Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “Valen gave us the opportunity to explore and express more extreme emotions through a new form language and surface treatment. As such, Valen is a significant departure from what has gone before; sharply sculpted lines to reflect the aggressive dynamics, an attacking stance that emphasizes the front-engine rear-drive layout and a bespoke interior design that creates a more sporting cockpit environment. Valen is a provocative front-engined supercar exuding increased potency and sporting intent, yet still celebrating the elevated luxury, meticulous detailing and unmistakable design signatures expected of a flagship Aston Martin.” The front features deeply recessed slimline headlamps hooded beneath the sharp leading edge of the plunging bonnet. An angular radiator aperture, bold geometric mesh grille and acutely angled front splitter establish the car’s distinctive face. The bonnet incorporates a single top vent with perforations at its trailing edge. Aston Martin’s traditional side strake has been sharpened and elongated, becoming part of a functional vent that extracts air from the wheel arch and directs it down the car’s rounded flanks. A stepped sill creates a tightly cinched waistline between the muscular front and rear fenders, while saw-tooth vortex generators at the trailing edge of the sills pull high-speed airflow from beneath the car to reduce lift and generate downforce. At the rear, Aston Martin has replaced the conventional fixed rear window and trunk lid with a solid tailgate. Its upper section incorporates an aerodynamic wing, while the 170-liter trunk can be specified with an optional bespoke luggage set as part of the Touring Pack. A soft, tailored cover protects the paintwork when luggage is loaded and unloaded. Beneath the large upswept tail is a bespoke full-width light bar that also acts as a Gurney flap, generating downforce with minimal drag without requiring a motorsport-style wing. Carbon Fiber as a Luxury Statement The show car is finished in Q Ultra-developed Satin Andromeda Red, a satin topcoat designed to accentuate Valen’s sharply defined surfaces. The color blends deep red, copper and rich golden highlights that shift toward intense blue undertones. Chromaflair technology pigments create the dynamic color changes, allowing the finish to reveal different perspectives even in low-light environments. For customers seeking an even more dramatic expression of the car’s construction, Valen is available with a fully exposed carbon-fiber exterior. The exposed carbon-fiber option highlights the craftsmanship of the material itself, with the herringbone weave running down the center of the car. Customers can also specify tinted exposed carbon fiber in Satin or Gloss finishes, with the Q by Aston Martin team able to curate and develop bespoke tints. It is precisely this level of personalization that distinguishes Valen from a conventional high-performance production car. A Bespoke Interior for the Driver Inside, Valen’s cabin follows the philosophy of visual lightness established throughout the car. A slim center console is enabled by advanced 3D-printed components and incorporates the performance-focused switch pack introduced on Valhalla. Angled toward the driver, the console creates a more focused cockpit while reinforcing the connection between driver and machine. Customers can choose between newly developed Sports Plus seats, designed to combine support with long-distance comfort, and lightweight carbon-fiber performance seats intended for a more focused driving experience. The interior is equally customizable. Customers first choose between Semi-Aniline Leather and Alcantara or full Semi-Aniline Leather, followed by one of five material splits: Monotone, Duotone, Light Duotone, Tritone or Driver Focused. A newly developed upholstery quilting treatment expands incrementally with each trim level. Depending on specification, it can extend from the door panels to the doors and seats, and ultimately to the doors, seats and headlining. A driver-focused option emphasizes the driver’s seat, while an accent pack introduces contrasting color details. Throughout the cabin, 3D-printed elements echo the exterior cooling vents. Their perforated surfaces add visual intrigue while contributing to the interior’s sense of lightness and simplicity. The center touchscreen is reclined at a more pronounced angle, integrating it more closely with the pared-back geometry of the cabin. Functional elements such as the air vents have also been redesigned to reduce visual clutter, while a new palette of anodizing colors expands the personalization possibilities offered through Q by Aston Martin. The Latest Q by Aston Martin Special Valen is the latest limited-production special from Q by Aston Martin, the company’s bespoke service, following creations including Valour, Valiant and DBR22. The project was realized with the scope and expertise of Aston Martin’s newly formed Special Vehicle Operations Department, bringing together the marque’s performance engineering, design and bespoke capabilities. Limited to just 150 examples, Valen represents an unusually focused expression of Aston Martin’s front-engined performance philosophy, with first deliveries scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. In an era of increasingly complex performance cars, Valen makes a deliberately emphatic statement about the enduring appeal of Aston Martin’s V12 formula. It is more powerful, lighter and more aggressively styled than the core V12 platform, yet its defining quality may be the way performance, craftsmanship and personalization are brought together. View All Aston Martins for Sale Images by Aston Martin, Charles Bradley

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 10, 2026

Aston Martin Honors Racing History At Pebble Beach

Aston Martin is one of the world’s most celebrated manufacturers in the automotive industry, with a history of luxurious British performance cars and a legacy of racing icons. Ahead of this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the 75th iteration of the legendary event, Aston Martin Q has created a trio of exclusive DB12 S cars, all tying Aston Martin’s racing roots to those of the historic concours event. This year’s concours will highlight ‘50s sports cars, historic racers, and the history of performance-oriented automotive engineering and design. Referencing race cars from the same period as the inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston Martin’s new trio of exclusive cars echoes the 1951 Aston Martin Racing Team cars. That year, the Aston Martin Racing Team competed with three DB2s, registered with plates that read ‘VMF,’ and each sporting a uniquely colored grille. Built the year before, they were made to compete at Le Mans and raced in other competitions in 1951. <- Gallery -> Each of the three DB12 S cars references one of the three cars from 75 years ago, including VMF 63, with accents in Rosso Red, VMF 64, with Speed Yellow details, and VMF 65, which features accents in Ellwood Blue. The cars are finished with Carbon Black exteriors and feature painted grilles, “75” roundel graphics, and other commemorative details. The interiors feature contrast stitching and special embroidery, commemorative plaques, and painted touches. In addition to debuting the new bespoke cars, Aston Martin’s presence at Monterey Car Week this year also includes “Astons on the Avenue,” an event gathering old and new Aston Martin cars on the idyllic Ocean Avenue of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and The House of Aston Martin, located near Poppy Hills Golf Course, featuring the latest Aston Martin cars, as well as the presences of Aston Martin’s partners, like Bollinger, Bowers & Wilkins, Breitling, Glenfiddich, and Elemis. Celebrating a shared heritage in automotive excellence and sporting triumph, Aston Martin’s presence at this year’s Monterey Car Week is a major one. View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 03, 2026

New Bespoke Aston Martins Celebrate Heritage Colors

Aston Martin boasts over a century of history, creating some of the world’s favorite British luxury performance cars. Several icons over the past decades serve as inspiration for current models, and the latest collection of bespoke Aston Martins, created in collaboration between Aston Martin Newport Beach and Q by Aston Martin, celebrates the brand’s rich and storied legacy. Dubbed “Heritage Edition” cars, the bespoke quintet highlights some of the most iconic Aston Martin paint colors from the 1960s and 1970s. Each car in the collection is a one-of-one, and it features a paint color that is remastered from decades past with Aston Martin’s current-day paint technology, while maintaining the classic charm of the original. The cars are available exclusively through Aston Martin Newport Beach, and they are 2027 model-year examples of the Vantage Roadster, Vantage, DB12, DB12 Volante, and the Vanquish. Along with the stunning exterior colors, the interiors of the five cars also feature bespoke Q perforated fluted upholstery, which is seen for the first time in the Vanquish and Vantage. The Aston Martin logo is embroidered into the center armrests of the cars, and in the DB12s and the Vanquish, Dark Walnut Open Pore Wood inlays add to the stunning luxury craftsmanship. <- Gallery -> The DB12 Volante is finished in Pale Primrose, known for being featured on the sales brochure cover for the 1958 DB4. Pacific Blue adorns the DB12 Coupe, which previously was featured on the DB4, DB5, and DB6. The Vanquish Coupe, Aston Martin’s V12 flagship, is finished in Tudor Green, a color with a major presence in the 1970s, and another ‘70s color, Winchester Blue, is featured on the Vantage Coupe. Mink Silver, a color known for being painted on the DB6 in the 1960s, adorns the Vantage Roadster. The Heritage Edition collection celebrates stunning historic colors from Aston Martin’s storied past, bringing the legacies of classics back to life in a modernized, luxurious collection of bespoke one-offs that combine the history of the manufacturer with its modern-day British luxury performance excellence. The only five current Aston Martins in the world to be painted in these colors, exclusivity and history combine in this stunning new collection from Aston Martin Newport Beach. View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Khris Bharath – July 22, 2026

Aston Martin Celebrates 25 Years of the Vanquish With an Exclusive Anniversary Commission

Aston Martin is celebrating 25 years of the Vanquish with a limited-edition model crafted by ‘Q’ by Aston Martin, paying tribute to one of the British marque's most significant modern nameplates. Dubbed the Vanquish 25, this bespoke commission is limited to just 50 examples worldwide, split evenly between 25 Coupes and 25 Volantes (Roadsters). You can choose between either a 2+0 or 2+2 seating configuration across both body styles. Based on the Gen-3 Vanquish, Q has created this carefully curated specification inspired by the original Vanquish unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. Exclusive Q Skye Silver paintwork is paired with Q Commission metal foil detailing on the side sills and shield vanes, bespoke Aston Martin script, a unique exhaust finisher, stainless steel side strakes, and exclusive Vanquish 25 badging. Completing the exterior is a subtle "V" motif incorporated into the 21-inch forged alloy wheels. Inside, the anniversary treatment continues with unique perforation patterns, embroidered Vanquish 25 seatbacks, laser-etched trim inlays, and a bright red start/stop button surrounded by bespoke rotary detailing on the center console. A black Alcantara headlining comes as standard, while you can choose from Onyx Black, Oxford Tan, or Phantom Grey interior finishes. <- Gallery -> Power comes from a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 824 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. With a 214 mph top speed and a 0-to-62 mph dash in just 3.3 seconds, it continues the Vanquish tradition as Aston Martin's definitive V12 grand tourer. Earlier this year, our team spent time behind the wheel of both the latest Coupe and the Volante variants, exploring how each interpretation delivers Aston Martin's flagship grand touring experience. We also broke down the numbers behind the Gen-2 Vanquish in a separate technical feature. "Vanquish 25 builds on the extraordinary achievements of the modern, third-generation Vanquish with a carefully curated package of exterior and interior features that subtly celebrate this important milestone in our history." - Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin. The Vanquish name has now spanned three generations across a quarter century, remaining one of the few grand touring nameplates to have stayed exclusively V12-powered throughout its history. First introduced in 2001 as the successor to the Virage, the original Vanquish appeared on the cover of our September issue that year and quickly became one of Aston Martin's defining modern models, combining Ian Callum's timeless design with a naturally aspirated V12 and bonded-aluminum construction. Its reputation extended well beyond the showroom. The first-generation Vanquish starred alongside Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in Die Another Day, cementing its place in popular culture, a role that Petrolicious revisited during the film's 15th anniversary. Ardent TopGear fans may remember Jeremy Clarkson famously comparing it against the Ferrari 575M Maranello on two occasions, first with Formula One World Champion Damon Hill in 2002, then with actor Steve Coogan in 2007. The anniversary commission also arrives with an important distinction. This is not the Callum Vanquish 25, the extensively re-engineered first-generation restomod developed by the Vanquish’s original designer Ian Callum. Petrolicious was granted an exclusive first look at the Callum Vanquish 25 when it debuted, while more recently, we covered the studio's striking Shooting Brake concept and its equally dramatic widebody GT reimagining, both based on the original Vanquish. Vanquish 25 will make its global debut during the upcoming Monterey Car Week, running August 10 through 16, before customer deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The unveiling also follows Aston Martin's strong recent presence at Monterey, where the marque celebrated 75 years in the Americas last year with the Thrillseeker Collection and the North American debut of the Valhalla. View All Aston Martin Vanquish for Sale Images: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 16, 2026

Aston Martin Reveals The New Dreadnought In Call Of Duty

Aston Martin has been known for decades for its sports cars, British luxury touring masterpieces that combine elegant design and luxurious accommodations with robust power and compelling performance. While the DBX, which was introduced to the Aston Martin lineup at the turn of this decade, is an SUV, Aston Martin isn’t known for off-roading. However, despite only existing in the virtual world, that’s what Aston Martin’s latest creation is meant for. It’s called the Dreadnought, and it’s a military-grade off-roading Aston Martin that lives in the world of the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 video game. The new first-person shooter from the acclaimed series will feature several game modes, and the new Aston Martin Dreadnought will be a part of the DMZ and Call of Duty: Warzone modes. Rather than occupying the typical luxury and sporting environments that Aston Martins usually do, the Dreadnought will be in the heart of action-packed adventure and intense combat within the video game. Its name is inspired by HMS Dreadnought, a famous early 20th-century British warship, whose innovation put her in a class of her own. As such, the design of the Dreadnought combines Aston Martin’s signature design language and touches, like the iconic front fascia shape, the Chiltern Green paint color, Oxford Tan leather, and gold accents, with expressions of military might, including armor plating, an aggressive and tall stance, weapons storage, and reserve fuel tanks. <- Gallery -> While the Aston Martin Design team took creative liberty and expressed imagination given the privilege of not having the real world’s constraints when designing the Dreadnought, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said “I had to imagine Dreadnought… as a vehicle living in the real world—navigating the streets of New York, powering through the monsoon-soaked roads of Mumbai, and performing with complete authenticity in every environment.” As such, the Dreadnought boasts all-wheel drive and V12 power, with supercar performance and tactical capability in tandem. Beyond the virtual world of the upcoming first-person shooter title, the new Aston Martin Dreadnought will make its debut at Fanatics Fest in New York. There, festival attendees will get a chance to see a full-size model of the new Dreadnought at the Call of Duty stand. Combining Aston Martin luxury and performance with Call of Duty’s action-packed universe, the Dreadnought is, in Marek Reichman’s words, “what an Aston Martin can be when the only limit is imagination.” View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

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