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.

Aston Martin Brings The Valkyrie To Laguna Seca For IMSA

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 28, 2026

The Aston Martin Valkyrie Is Racing At Laguna Seca

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is part of the top GTP class racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and among the exciting lineup of hypercars on the grid, the Valkyrie stands out. It’s the only car in the IMSA series with a V12 engine, and it’s also the only GTP hypercar with a roadgoing production equivalent, not only in IMSA, but also in the FIA WEC, where many of the same racing hypercars are taking on tracks across the globe. This season, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is about to take on one of the most iconic race courses in the United States: the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Known for its mountainous setting in California and for its legendary and tricky Corkscrew turn, Laguna Seca is one of the definitive tests for many of the season’s competitors, drivers, teams, and cars alike. The race is taking place this weekend, and it hasn’t even been two weeks since the Valkyrie took on Long Beach, where the Aston Martin THOR Team and drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn finished in the top ten. The track at Laguna Seca features a much smoother asphalt surface than the street circuit of Long Beach, where the team qualified quicker than in 2025. Because of the conditions that are more suited to the Valkyrie for racing, Aston Martin hopes for a successful racing weekend at the legendary course. <- Gallery -> With 11 starts and 10 top-ten finishes for the team, the season has been a successful one for the Aston Martin THOR team, and it would have been more successful if not for a collison during the last hour of the Long Beach race. Ahead of this weekend’s challenge at Laguna Seca, team principal Ian James said, “The result at Long Beach did not reflect the potential of the drivers, the team or the car; and yet we still finished in the top ten. Both drivers were able to comfortably run on the pace of the leading pack, and we were building a good foundation for a strong finish before the race was taken away from us. What this tells us is that with every IMSA race that we contest, we edge a little closer to the consistent pace, performance and results that we know Aston Martin THOR and Valkyrie is capable of. If we execute, control our controllables and manage the strategy as we know we can, there is no reason to think we cannot fight for a strong result at Laguna Seca.” As the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season continues, Aston Martin and its Valkyrie hypercar continue to chase racing excellence. View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

Aston Martin Valkyrie Returns To Sebring A Year After IMSA Debut

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 16, 2026

Aston Martin Celebrates IMSA Anniversary At Sebring

The Aston Martin Valkyrie made its IMSA debut at the 2025 12 Hours of Sebring, at one of the country’s most iconic racing venues and began a season of intense endurance competition. Now, a second season is underway, with the 2026 12 Hours of Sebring taking place on March 21. A year in, the race also serves as an anniversary celebration for Aston Martin Racing’s participation in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Developed from the production Aston Martin Valkyrie and in collaboration with The Heart of Racing, the racing Valkyrie is taking on its second 12 Hours of Sebring with a modified version of the Valkyrie’s hybrid 6.5-liter V12 engine that is limited to 680 horsepower, down from its standard figure of over 1,000. It will be the only V12-powered car on the grid, and it’s also the only car in either the IMSA series or the FIA WEC that is derived from a production hypercar. The driver lineup consists of full-season works IMSA drivers Roman De Angelis and Ross Gunn, and they’ll be joined by WEC Valkyrie racer Alex Riberas. Last year, the Valkyrie’s IMSA effort culminated in an overall second-place finish at the season finale race, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, starting with a ninth-place finish at the Sebring debut. Coming off of significant success in its debut IMSA season, Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing hope to celebrate a racing anniversary with victory at this year’s 12 Hours of Sebring. View All Aston Martin For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Charles Bradley – March 11, 2025

Aston Martin Valkyrie Brings New V12 Era For IMSA At The ...

Aston Martin’s highly anticipated return to endurance racing takes a bold step forward as the Valkyrie prepares for its North American competition debut in the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend. It marks a pivotal moment for the British automaker and America’s top sportscar series, as it brings revolutionary high-revving V12-powered Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) technology to one of the toughest endurance races in the world. The IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring, known for its punishing track surface, intense multi-class racing, and unpredictable weather conditions, will serve as the perfect proving ground for the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH. The hypercar is set to compete in IMSA’s top-tier GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) class, where it will go head-to-head with the likes of Porsche, Cadillac, Acura, Lamborghini and BMW in the battle for overall victory. All of its class rivals run cars built to IMSA’s LMDh platform, but the Valkyrie is the first true road-based hypercar chassis to race in the GTP category, and is the only car in the class not to feature a high-voltage hybrid electrical system. Run by the works Aston Martin THOR team, its entry into IMSA’s endurance racing scene aligns with the brand’s push to cement itself as a leader in hypercar performance. The AMR-LMH is derived from the road-going Valkyrie but engineered specifically for top-level endurance racing, featuring a naturally aspirated V12 engine, that revs to 11,000rpm, developed in collaboration with Cosworth and a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. “With Aston Martin returning to top-flight endurance competition in the US with such a breathtaking hypercar, the first of its kind to race in IMSA and the only one developed from a road car, this is clearly a landmark step for the Valkyrie programme,” said Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport. “We all know the challenges Sebring offers, both as a venue and as a race, but these are important tests for Valkyrie and every mile builds data and understanding. The car cuts a striking silhouette in its blue livery, and with its unique sound from the V12, 6.5-litre engine, I am certain this car will win the hearts and minds of the American racing fans.” The 12 Hours of Sebring is one of the most challenging races on the IMSA calendar, held on a former WWII-era airfield circuit that is famous for its bumpy surface, tight corners, and high-speed sections. The track pushes both drivers and machines to their absolute limits, making it a true test of endurance for any race car. For Aston Martin, competing in Sebring is more than just a debut—it’s a statement of intent. The race will showcase the Valkyrie AMR-LMH’s capabilities, providing crucial data and experience for its 2025 IMSA and World Endurance Championship campaigns. Driver Ross Gunn said: “Sebring this year is a very important event for us, even more than normal, and it will be the first IMSA race for Valkyrie, which is incredibly exciting. Of course we are on a very steep learning trajectory right now, but everyone is working super-hard to bring as much performance as possible to the car. It’s very exciting to have the V12 engine going around Sebring. It’s going to be an incredible weekend.” Aston Martin has a storied history in endurance racing, but the 12 Hours of Sebring holds special significance. The British marque has previously seen success in GT competition, but the arrival of the Valkyrie signals a return to prototype racing on American soil for the first time in over a decade. With IMSA’s growing international appeal and an increasingly competitive GTP class, the Valkyrie’s entry into the 12 Hours of Sebring sets the stage for an exciting new era in hypercar endurance racing. As the countdown to Sebring 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Aston Martin and the Valkyrie AMR-LMH as they aim to make history in North America’s premier endurance series, before taking on the challenge of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. View All Aston Martins For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

Three green Aston Martin cars, including a sleek Valkyrie Hypercar, are displayed in a row. The center car proudly features "007" and "The Heart of Racing" emblazoned on it.

By Charles Bradley – February 04, 2025

Aston Martin Reveals Valkyrie Hypercar For Le Mans Return...

Aston Martin has confirmed the racing plans for its latest masterpiece, the Valkyrie hypercar, marking a significant milestone in the British brand's illustrious history. This road-derived race car is set to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2025, making it the only hypercar to contest both prestigious series. The Valkyrie, developed in collaboration with The Heart of Racing (THOR) and Aston Martin Performance Technologies, is poised to bring the high-end performance car brand back to the pinnacle of endurance motorsport, which includes the fabled 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Valkyrie is powered by a state-of-the-art, lean-burning 6.5-litre V12 engine, optimized for the rigorous demands of endurance racing. This engine, developed by Cosworth, is a modified version of the one found in the road-legal Valkyrie, capable of revving to 11,000rpm and producing over 1000bhp in its standard form. For racing, the engine has been adapted to meet the performance window of the Hypercar class, with a focus on fuel efficiency and durability. Aston Martin's return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a significant moment for the brand, which last claimed overall victory in 1959. The Valkyrie will make its world competition debut at the opening round of the 2025 WEC in Qatar on February 28. The works Aston Martin THOR Team will enter two Valkyries in the WEC, with an all-British driver line-up for Le Mans. Harry Tincknell, Tom Gamble, Marco Sørensen, and Alex Riberas will lead the charge, with Ross Gunn and Roman De Angelis joining the team for the iconic 24-hour race. The Valkyrie is not just a hypercar; it represents a revolution in automotive engineering. With its carbon fiber chassis, advanced aerodynamics, and bespoke suspension system, the Valkyrie is designed to meet the specific parameters of endurance racing. The car features quick-change front and rear bodywork, a high-speed pneumatic jack system, and a driver cockpit optimized for safety and visibility. The racing suspension configuration includes double wishbones front and rear, with pushrod actuated torsion bar springs and adjustable dampers. The Heart of Racing has embarked on an extensive evaluation program for the Valkyrie, covering over 15,000km of testing across various tracks worldwide. This rigorous testing regime ensures that the Valkyrie is ready to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. The team has tested the car at Donington Park, Silverstone, Vallelunga, Jerez, Bahrain, Qatar, Road Atlanta, Sebring, and Daytona, ensuring a comprehensive development program. The Valkyrie will also compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, starting with the Sebring 12 Hours in March. The single Valkyrie entry in IMSA will be driven by Gunn and De Angelis, both of whom have a proven track record in GT racing. The car will run in a special version of the distinctive THOR blue livery, managed from the team's US base in Phoenix, Arizona. Aston Martin's return to endurance racing with the Valkyrie is a testament to the brand's enduring sporting ethos and commitment to innovation. The Valkyrie embodies the pinnacle of performance, design, and engineering, making it a formidable contender in the world of endurance motorsport. As the only hypercar derived from a road-legal vehicle, the Valkyrie is set to make a significant impact on the global stage, competing against seasoned rivals in a fair and competitive environment. “This is a proud moment for Aston Martin,” and Adrian Hallmark, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda. “To be returning to the fight for overall honors at the 24 Hours of Le Mans exists at the very core of our values and marks a key milestone in our motor racing heritage. As the only hypercar born from the road to challenge at the top of sports car racing in both the WEC and IMSA, the Valkyrie is an embodiment of our enduring sporting ethos, one that has defined the brand for more than a century.” With a dual race program in both the WEC and IMSA, Aston Martin is poised to make a triumphant return to the top of endurance racing. The Valkyrie hypercar, with its blend of F1 technology and road car mastery, is ready to take on the world's greatest sportscar series and bid for overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2024

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Begins Testing For 2025 Le ...

The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH hits the track, beginning its testing phase for the 2025 Le Mans and IMSA debut. Aston Martin's latest secret weapon, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH, has officially hit the track to begin the start of an intense testing phase. Developed in collaboration with The Heart of Racing, the new hypercar recently completed its shakedown and initial testing in the UK. Drivers Darren Turner, Mario Farnbacher, and Harry Tincknell are taking lead spots behind the wheel, each bringing years of experience and a hunger for victory. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH derives from the production-based Aston Martin Valkyrie, combining extreme performance with cutting-edge F1 technology. Photo: Drew Gibson The upcoming development schedule for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is extensive. Aston Martin and The Heart of Racing are gearing up for FIA homologation in the autumn, with the car's competitive debut set for early 2025. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH will compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The Heart of Racing will field two cars in the WEC and one in IMSA, cementing Aston Martin's presence across all racing platforms. Photo: Drew Gibson The Valkyrie AMR-LMH's carbon-fiber chassis and modified Cosworth-built 6.5L V12 engine, capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower, guarantee it meets the demands of top-tier competition. Team Principal Ian James is hopeful about the car's potential as the testing progresses to European circuits. With Aston Martin's rich legacy and renowned engineering, the Valkyrie AMR-LMH aims to significantly impact endurance racing. View all Aston Martin supercars and hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 16, 2023

Aston Martin Electrifies Las Vegas With An Interactive F1...

Aston Martin is set to dazzle Las Vegas with its most significant Formula 1 marketing stunt to date, celebrating its British ultra-luxury performance identity. In line with the much-awaited Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Aston Martin brand is spotlighting its high-performance lineup of cars and SUVs through an array of VIP experiences and track activations. Key to Aston Martin’s presence is their partnership with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This includes its largest VIP customer program, thrilling track experiences, and dynamic displays of Aston Martin content on the Sphere throughout race week. The company is also integrating the new street circuit into its luxury configurator, a first for an F1 track. Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin's Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer, highlights the significance of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in their largest race marketing and VIP hospitality presence. Aston Martin's immersive advertising debut on the Sphere brings the brand’s performance cars to life, featuring the iconic Aston Martin wings and Scarab Beetle, leading to the dramatic reveal of the AMR23 racecar and the DBX707 and DB12 supercars. This advertisement uses advanced CGI technology to create a depth illusion, showcasing Aston Martin’s high-performance supercars on an unprecedented scale. At the Grand Prix, Aston Martin will celebrate its 110th anniversary with 45 Hot Laps of the unique track in DBX707 and Vantage F1® Edition, a bespoke hospitality experience for over 100 loyal customers, and an off-road DBX707 adventure in the Nevada desert. Additionally, Aston Martin is innovating with its online configurator, allowing global customers to customize their cars in the Las Vegas Strip environment. This digital innovation highlights Aston Martin's commitment to ultra-luxury and bespoke customer experiences. View all Aston Martin models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martin For Sale Source: Aston Martin F1

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