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 Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2019

Aston Martin Rapide E Unveiled at Auto Shanghai

In contrast to luxury marques who jumped into electric cars, Aston Martin decided to take their time. We've seen prototypes over the past few years, and now the car is ready for production. A press release earlier today shows the Aston Martin Rapide E unveiled at Auto Shanghai. China is a booming market for British and American luxury cars, and their air pollution is a major health concern. That's why electric cars are being embraced by the nation. The Rapide made the most sense because the long driveshaft tunnel could easily hold a battery pack. Fully charged to 800 volts, it offers 601 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. Williams Advanced Engineering was brought in to validate their efforts, so you know it will be a fast sedan. They developed a new aero package to optimize air under the car while also cooling the batteries. With a range over 200 miles, it can be charged with home A/C power, 400v, & 800v DC. This limited run of 155 cars will usher in the electric era at Aston Martin, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Browse Aston Martin Rapide For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2019

Aston Martin Celebrates First DB4 Zagato Continuation

Sir David Brown had a problem. The year was 1960 and his goal was to put his DB4 in first place on tracks around the world. He had purchased Aston Martin and Lagonda shortly after WW2 and transformed them into world class luxury marques. He named the DB series for himself, and the early versions showed great promise. To make sure the 4th example was ready to race, he turned to Zagato for styling and fine tuning. Only 19 examples were build, so Aston Martin is Celebrating the first DB4 Continuation car. In a press release this morning, we see the first completed body of this reborn classic. Aston Martin chose to build a new run of 19 cars using most of the original tooling. Instead of building a wooden buck to shape the body, they scanned an original car to explore its curves in a virtual realm. This allows the coachbuilders to see each panel in detail before work begins. Using hammers and an English wheel, the first body has been built of 1.2 mm aerospace aluminum. Stronger and lighter than the original, these 19 beauties will command a premium price when completed. Kudos to Aston Martin for bringing the past back to life, and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale Related: Aston Martin Valkyrie: Price, Specs & Pics Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato Previewed

By Edward Jones – March 25, 2019

Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato Previewed for First Time

Zagato is about to celebrate their 100th anniversary and is doing so with the DBZ Centenary Collection. This collection includes two cars: a continuation of the DB4 GT Zagato and the newly revealed DBS GT Zagato. The DBS GT Zagato is based on the DBS Superleggera, meaning it will be powered by a twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that produces 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. One design aspect that will surely catch everyone's eyes is the double-bubble roof (that's fun to say). This design feature spans the full length of the canopy. Separating the roof from the hood is a wrap-around windscreen, a design cue that always looks fantastic. "In the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation we have one of the world’s most beautiful and instantly recognisable pieces of car design," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. "Creating a car fit to stand alongside it was always going to be a formidable challenge, but also a great motivation. Both design teams at Aston Martin and Zagato have together risen to the task magnificently; taking the already fabulous DBS Superleggera and shaping something which retains its identity as an Aston Martin, but expresses itself as only a Zagato can. Sensational-looking and extremely rare, it is the modern incarnation of a timeless icon." Only 19 examples of the DBS GTG Zagato will be created, each of them paired with a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation. Together, the collection will cost £6m (plus taxes), which translates to roughly $7.9 million. view all aston martins for sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2019

Top Gear Explains Aston Martin's Mid Engined Supercars

England's automotive industry was in shambles after WWII. It was 1946 and Sir David Brown saw a classified listing for a luxury car company. The price was £30,000, and the rest is history. From the DB1 to the DB11, Aston Martin has built opulent masterpieces using traditional methods. There is nothing wrong with front engine, RWD V8 and V12 Grand Tourers, but it looks like it is time for a change. If you are curious about where they are heading, Top Gear explains Aston Martin's Mid Engine supercars. Starting on the right, the Vanquish will arrive in 2022 as their first production mid engine hybrid. Using a twin turbo V6 along with a hybrid system, it will compete against the McLaren 720S and the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Next to it is the wild AM-RB-003. Taking lessons learned on the Valkyrie, a new carbon fiber chassis has active suspension and another twin turbo hybrid V6. Using a flexible carbon rear spoiler, it is easy to see who they have in their crosshairs. Tell us what you think of these in the comments below and stay with us for all your Top Gear updates. Shop Aston Martin For Sale Related Aston Martin Valkyrie V12 Screams to 11,000 RPM Aston Martin AM-RB-003 Is Here!

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2019

Aston Martin Lagonda All-Terrain Concept Previews a Produ...

In Geneva, the Aston Martin Lagonda All-Terrain was unveiled as the English automaker's next step towards a production luxury SUV. Aston Martin notes that while it may be a concept car, it is a "new future study" that includes design language that could possibly be seen in production Lagonda models. For that, we'll have to wait until 2022, the year when Aston Martin plans production on the SUV. The new Lagonda brand is aiming to be the world's first zero emission luxury brand. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's President and Group Chief Executive Officer said: "The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept adds a hugely exciting sense of adventure to the unique brand of luxury, emission-free vehicles that Lagonda is planning to produce. This is a car that would be at home whisking someone straight from a glamorous red carpet event to a remote scientific research lab." Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept Revealed Aston Martin AM-RB 003 Hypercar is Here

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept Revealed: Preview to...

On the same day that Aston Martin unveiled their AM-RB 003 hypercar, the English automaker has revealed yet another car. Welcome into the world the Aston Martin Vision Concept. Alright, so it may be a concept but they do say that it's a preview of their first series production supercar. “Firstly, what a pleasure to revive the Vanquish name. Synonymous with our series production flagships, it felt entirely appropriate to attach it to such a significant car," says Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO. "The Vanquish Vision Concept marks another pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, and another critical step in delivering the Second Century Plan. Our first series production rear mid-engined supercar will be a transformational moment for the brand, for it is the car that will propel Aston Martin into a sector of the market traditionally seen as the heartland of luxury sports cars.” There are no specific details on the new Vanquish Vision Concept, but we do know that it does feature Aston Martin's new V6 engine, which is debuting in the AM-RB 003 as a hybrid-turbo setup. More technical specs will be revealed as the development of the car progresses. We do, however, know that it will have a bonded aluminum chassis. Aston Martin points out that this is a departure from the carbon fiber construction of the Valkyrie and AM-RB 003. view all vanquish's for sale

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

Aston Martin AM-RB 003 Hypercar is Here

Introducing the new Aston Martin AM-RB 003, a new model that's coming in as the third mid-engined from the English automaker. Its name may not be final, but it does tell us that Red Bull Advanced Technologies are involved in the creation of the car (just like the Valkyrie). Aston Martin says that the AM-RB 003 will feature a new hybrid turbo V6 engine that will put out undefined amounts of power. That being said, it will be a road-going car but it will still be filled with F1 technology. Even with such groundbreaking tech installed, Aston Martin will be pushing out 500 examples of the car to customers. When noting the production amount, they use the term "coupe," so the possibility of a convertible variant is there. If there's one thing that should definitely be pointed out about the AM -RB 003 is that its the first car to utilize FlexFoil, developed by FlexSys Inc. This is how Aston Martin explains this new technology: "The system allows for the car’s downforce to be changed without changing the physical angle of the entire element, resulting in a seamless design with high performance, improved efficiency and reduced wind noise." It should also be pointed out that FlexFoil his also NASA-validated. Some may note that the AM-RB 003 is similar to the Valkyrie, and there are some similarities. But there are also plenty of differences between the two that allow this new model to stand out on its own. For example, the size of the cockpit has been increased and the center console's size was increased to provide more space between the driver and passenger. Aston Martin also installed LMP1-style doors that open forwards. The pricing and exact specifications of the Aston Martin AM-RB 003 have yet to be revealed, but the automaker notes they'll release all the information as the development progresses. see all aston martins for sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2019

Full Aston Martin Valkyrie Power Figures Finally Revealed

Regarding the Aston Martin Valkyrie's ppower figures, the English automaker has been remarkably hush-hush. Thankfully, they have opened up and divulged all the details when it comes to how their new hypercar performs. Here's a breakdown of the performance figures that were just unveiled. The 6.5-liter V12 engine delivers 1,000 bhp @ 10,5000 rpm and 546 lb-ft of torque @ 7000 rpm. Full hybrid system delivers 1,160 hp @ 10,5000 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque @ 6,000 rpm. Can rev up to 11,100 rpm. Those are some serious numbers from the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is a road-going car. Aston Martin notes that the Valkyrie's ability to rev up to 11,100 rpm is a "world first for a naturally-aspirated, emissions-compliant road car." If you can't wait to see the AstoN Martin Valkyrie, you'll be happy to know that the first prototypes are in build right now. view all aston martins for sale

By Edward Jones – February 20, 2019

Aston Martin '003' Hypercar Confirmed

If you're paying attention to the automotive world, then you've seen that Aston Martin is on an absolute roll. Now, the English automaker is continuing the roll with the announcement of the Aston Martin '003' hypercar, which has just been confirmed. This new hypercar comes in right after the stupendous Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro models, which were 001 and 002, respectively, in the hypercar numbering system that Aston Martin has created. Hypercar 003 will be powered by a turbocharged hybrid engine and has DNA that is "deeply rooted in concepts and technology currently being developed for those revolutionary road and track-only machines," according to Aston Martin. What's more, 003 is going to be a road car and it will have space for luggage. Gasp! But it doesn't stop there, as Aston Martin says it will be fully homologated in all markets with the option for both left and right-hand drive models. The Aston Martin '003' hypercar will be limited to 500 coupe examples and the first ones will arrive to the market in late 2021. Yes, they specifically noted that they would be "coupes," so a roadster or convertible variant is likely. view all aston martin vulcans for sale Related Video: " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 06, 2019

Aston Martin Lagonda All-Terrain Concept Debut Date Revealed

Aston Martin will be bringing a very special model to the 89th Geneva International Motor show that the public has not seen before: the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept. This new model's unveiling comes after the Lagonda Vision Concept's reveal at last year's Geneva Motor Show and the launch of Lagonda as Aston Martin's luxury zero emission brand. The unveiling will give the world the first glimpse into the first production model from Lagonda. Joining the Lagonda Vision Concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show will be the Vantage, DB11 AMR and DBS Superleggera. If you're interested in seeing them for yourself, you can visit Aston martin Lagonda's stand at Hall 2, stand #2229 at the event, which runs from March 5 to March 17. view all aston martins for sale

Aston Martin News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe