Aston Martin News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2018

2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Revealed

This is the one we've been waiting for. The 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been released, and it's the star of the latest film by cinematographer Nick Night. He is an avid collector of all things Aston Martin, so the factory invited him to oversee this launch. In the 3pm press release, we learned that he asked Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman what the car's most important attribute is, and the answer was "Speed"!2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Caught TestingTorque is such an important feature of the DBS Superleggera, it’s the delivery of the power that throws you back into your seat as you accelerate,’ said Reichman, ‘this power is what defines the DBS Superleggera. This car is about bold, athletic muscularity." It was accompanied by a simultaneous release that has all the details of the new car.Touring was a coachbuilder in Italy that first coined the Superleggera name in 1967. Literally translated as Super Light, their name was found on the DB4, DB5, and the DB6 Mark 1 made David Brown's sports cars untouchable. The original DBS was the successor to the DB6, but it had grown larger than the previous cars, and it didn't wear the Superleggera badge. But it was the first Aston Martin to have a V8, which changed everyone's perceptions of the brand.This new model is destined to do the same, thanks to a carbon fiber body and a big V12. The 5.2-liter engine is joined by twin turbos to offer 664 lb-ft of torque and 715 horsepower. You will be at 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and 100 mph in 6.4 seconds. As a display of the brutal torque, the car can leap from 50 to 100 mph in 4.2 seconds while locked in 4th gear. Downshifting is for the weak.Mounted behind the centerline of the front wheels, it places the center of mass near the driver. Almost 400 lbs of downforce are used to keep it glued to the track. Like the DB11 and the Vantage, a rear-mounted ZF 8-speed automatic is coupled to a 2.91 differential. This efficient combination offers near-perfect weight distribution and almost 23 miles per gallon. Maximum torque is available from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, which will make for brutal acceleration. If you don't need a rocketship, the DB11 can be had with a 600 horsepower version of this V12 or a 4.0L AMG V8. Click the link below to find our dealer nearest you and stay with us for more updates on the DBS Superleggera.Browse Aston-Martin DB11 For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DrUAHyMWd5c

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2018

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 & GT4 Unveiled At LeMans

If you enjoy endurance racing, Aston Martin just revealed their lineup for LeMans. Their latest Vantage has arrived in two flavors. The Vantage GT3 is running its first shakedown laps later today, with their veteran driver Ross Gunn behind the wheel. It is an evolution of the Vantage GTE, two of which will be seen in the GTE Pro class.With a dry weight of 2,745 lbs, the Vantage GT3 is rated at 535 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The press release also says it is powered by the Mercedes-AMG 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 found in the production Vantage. This makes us wonder what the Balance of Performance rules will compare between Aston Martin and the Mercedes-Benz teams.Surprise: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage GTE Race Car RevealedIf you are lucky enough to be invited to the Aston Martin Paddock, you will see the Vantage GT4 on display. It is not racing this weekend, as it is still being finalized. Engineers have a deadline of March 1st 2019 so it will be shown to potential buyers who don't have the deep pockets needed for GT3. To clarify this, a GT4 car is much closer to a street car, and therefore it is a much more affordable way to go racing. Good luck from us to everyone at Aston Martin Racing. May the wind be at your back, and your finish end with a trophy. Stay with us for all your LeMans and Vantage updates.Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here!

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2018

Aston Martin Unveils the Rapide AMR

If you are in the market for a fast luxury sedan, Aston Martin needs a few minutes of your time. That's because they have borrowed the 603 horsepower V12 from the Vantage GT12 and dropped it into their 4-door. In a press release this morning, we learn the Rapide AMR will be limited to 210 examples and offered in three versions: Standard, Silhouette, and Signature.CEO Andy Palmer said: "AMR takes technology and inspiration from our motorsport programme to amplify the sporting prowess in our road cars which is clear to see in the Rapide AMR, Aston Martin’s most extreme, 4-door sports car. With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more powerful design language, Aston Martin has taken Rapide to new and exciting extremes.”Bespoke Aston Martin Rapide S from Dom PérignonIt is the first Rapide to reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, along with a top speed of 205 mph. A car this capable needs powerful brakes, so it also arrives with 15.7" rotors. The 21" wheels are unique to this model. It is nearly identical to the concept shown at Geneva last year, with carbon fiber in all the right places. Under the carbon fiber hood is ample room for the V12, so AMR developed longer intake runners. This pushes torque up to 465 lb-ft....more than enough to scare your in-laws! Of course, if you don't need that much power, the Rapide and Rapide S are both excellent choices. So click the link below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin newsBrowse Aston Martin Rapide For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 06, 2018

New Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake Colors

Aston Martin is throwing different shades on their exclusive Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake. Up until now, we've only seen the car in a red and black color scheme. Now, thanks to a tweet from the English automaker, we get to see what the car looks like in four new colorways.First up is a lavish white and gold scheme that will definitely speak to the posh crowd.And then there's this bad boy. All black with barely any contrasting tones found on its body. This has to be my favorite right here. Batman, here's your new ride.This one's a bit more expected, but the blue is truly stunning. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a blue car and this one fits the bill.Tihs last one is has a black and green colorway that's very elegant. Considering that English cars always look great in green, this is no exception.

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

Aston Martin: We're Ready For LeMans

We are less than a month away from one of the biggest races of the year, and Aston Martin is ready to win. The 86th running of the "24 Heures du Mans" will feature fierce competition in all classes, but the biggest rivalries are in GTE. In an email this morning, Aston Martin Racing spilled the beans on their new Vantage GTE. Powered by an AMG 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, it was closely developed alongside the production Vantage. LeMans- 6 Times Longer Than Indy 500Engineering your race car along with the street version is how Team Corvette's C7.R has been so consistent, but the Balance Of Performance regulations have choked with restrictor plates and a 5.5 liter V8 instead of the production 6.2. But Aston Martin will probably get by without restrictions as this is their first outing.The Vantage GTE has Ohlins 5-way adjustable suspension, Alcon brakes, and the bulletproof Xtrac sequential transmission. If you want to join in on the fun, Aston Martin is offering a VIP package to join them. It includes a pit pass, VIP suite access long with food & drink for the weekend. Click the link below to find your Vantage, and ask your local dealer about the VIP details. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2018

Aston Martin Begins Production of 2019 Vantage

Fans of British motoring rejoice! Aston Martin has started building the 2019 Vantage. Because their cars are built by hand, these first cars will be thoroughly scrutinized by engineers and the top brass. Although it shares a few styling cues with its predecessor, their latest model was built from scratch. President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer said this in the press release: "Today marks an exciting moment for the entire company and an important day in the history of Aston Martin. The outgoing Vantage was the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history and we believe its successor will surpass that.We will do this by retention of our important existing owners and through the repositioning of the car, create new customers in new countries. The new Vantage ticks all the boxes for a luxury sports car and unashamedly aspires to be the best in its segment. With the imminent launch of the DBS Superleggera, we are on track to replace each of our existing two-door sports car models by the end of this year.”Aston Martin Confirms The Lagonda Vision SUV The new Vantage is the 2nd of 7 new cars to be launched in over the next 7 years. This "Second Century Plan" will make sure the 105-year old brand will remain as relevant as ever. Our dealers are ready to answer your questions, so click the link below and Rule Britania!Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 04, 2018

Aston Martin Unveiling New Race Cars

Aston Martin is ushering in a new era of race cars as they go ahead to replace the current V12 Vantage GT3 and V8 Vantage GT4. Replacing these vehicles are new generations of Vantage GT3 and GT4 race cars. These new track cars will feature race-modified versions of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine used int he road-going Aston Martins. The new Vantage GT3 will also be heavily influenced by the Vantage GTE, a car that was developed alongside the road car.Surprise: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage GTE Race Car Revealed“We are very proud of the heritage we have established as a leading supplier of customer GT cars, with customers racing our cars all around the world," says Aston Martin Racing Managing Director John Gaw. "We told the clients who first purchased our GT3 cars seven years ago, that they would be buying a car that would be capable of winning races for years to come. This year we have already proved that with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3’s successes in the British GT Championship. That longevity is something that separates us from other manufacturers. I expect the new GT3 and GT4 to be just as competitive as the cars they are replacing and to remain so for a similar period of time.”The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4 will be ready for racing starting March 1st, 2019. Aston Martin is already taking orders on the car from customer teams. Also, keep an eye out for the Vantage GTE's debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

By Edward Jones – April 30, 2018

2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Caught Testing

The Aston Martin DBS is being revived in a big way. The English automaker has teased the upcoming DBS Superleggera as part of the "brand’s ambitions to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models as part of its Second Century Plan.”Not a long of information has been released regarding the DBS Superleggera, but AutomotiveMike seems to have captured the car on film. During Industry Pool, he filmed the DBS Superleggera flying by and the sound of the twin-turbo V12 sounds downright fierce. As for its looks, the car spotted at the 'Ring isn't under heavy camo so we get a good idea of what it will look like when it's revealed. The only little bit of camo that you'll notice on the car is found on the hood where two vents would possibly be.Click play on the video below to hear and see Aston Martin's upcoming supercar for yourself.

By Edward Jones – April 18, 2018

Aston Martin Revival: DBS Superleggera Coming Soon

Aston Martin hasn't touched the DBS nameplate for a couple of years now. Instead, we've been treated with cars like the new DB11, Vantage and even the Valkyrie hypercar. But that will all change as the English automaker has announced their upcoming DBS Superleggera model.The DBS Superleggera is meant to " brand’s ambitions to replace each of its existing two-door sportscar models as part of its Second Century Plan," according to Aston Martin. In terms of hierarchy, this new model will sit at the top of their lineup and will feature the highest levels of performance.New STARTECH Package for the Aston Martin DB11“When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is," says Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer and studio head at Aston Martin. "It’s the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. It’s an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. We’ve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure it’s worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries.”The new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera will be unveiled in Q2 of 2018.

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2018

2017 Aston Martin DB11 for Sale in Frosted Glass Blue

Finding an Aston Martin DB11 for sale that you like shouldn't be that tough of a feat considering how customizable they are. But if you have a craving for the "blues," we have the perfect DB11 for sale for you. Available at Excell Auto Group is a pristine used 2017 DB11 for sale.This example comes with a Frosted Glass Blue exterior that matches a clear sky perfectly. The Gloss Black roof panel creates a two-tone appearance, a $1,595 option that seems to be popular amongst DB11's. Matching the exterior is an Aurora Blue interior with contrasting white tones. Champagne seatbelt, a $570 option, is another white tone addition to this DB11's cabin. On the darker side, the interior's high-gloss chopped carbon inlay ($1,095 option) is a perfect pair for the lighter tones.Aesthetics aside, the heart of this DB11 is a powerful twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that's new to the company. The amount of power created by this engine rates in at a mighty 600 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All of this power surges through an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission that uses quick shifts to accomplish a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds. However, all prospective owners should know that the DB11 is more than just fast in a straight line. Aston Martin's engineers have equipped the car with adaptive damping and a series of dynamic settings. When combined, these features make the DB11 a blast on the track.Excell Auto Group is offering this Aston Martin DB11 for sale at a price of just $203,900. Considering how many options this DB11, that price is quite fantastic. It's a one-owner, 100 percent Carfax certified English sports car that needs a new driver. Is it you?Learn More About This Aston Martin DB11 for Sale

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