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 – November 05, 2019

Aston Martin AMB 001 Debuts in Milan

Never before has the Aston Martin badge adorned a motorcycle. That is because there has never been a 2-wheeler worthy of their efforts. Welcome to the future of v-twin superbikes, as the Aston Martin AMB 001 has debuted in Milan. Working with Brough Motorcycles in France, they have combined a carbon fiber chassis with a massive turbocharged v-twin. The result is a gorgeous machine finished in Stirling Green and Lime Essence. Conservatively rated at 180 horsepower, all 100 examples will be confined to the racetrack. Browse All Aston Martin FOr Sale Taking inspiration from the Valkyrie and the Valhalla, your new bike has arrived. Click the button above to find our Aston Martin dealer near you and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

By Andrew Nabors – August 05, 2019

Aston Martin Residences are Rising in Miami

If you are in the market for a great investment, check out what's happening at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way. With the foundations complete, the Aston Martin Residences are rising in Miami. With a target of early 2022, over 14,000 cubic yards of concrete have already been poured. The project is a collaboration between G&G Business Developments and Aston Martin's Design Team. In a press release this morning, the ground floor is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Rising 66 floors above street level, the Residences range in size from 700 to 19,000 square feet. It will be the tallest residential building outside of NYC, and a new icon of the South Florida skyline. Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "One of the greatest joys of design is seeing your work come to life. As this is Aston Martin’s first foray into real estate we are especially keen to see the tower start to take shape". Over 50% of the properties have already been sold, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $50 Million. You can't roll up here in a Saturn or Pontiac, so we recommend the latest Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Click the link below to find a dealer near you, and ask them about your new Miami abode. Browse Aston Martin DBS Superleggera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2019

Aston Martin Vantage AMR is a 7-Speed Supercar

Aston Martin and ZF have collaborated to built the best 8-speed automatic, but some of us need total control. If you need three pedals and a rewarding experience, the new Aston Martin Vantage AMR is a 7-Speed supercar. We learned that 200 examples will be produced, with 59 cars slated to be the "Vantage 59" edition. They scheduled the reveal ahead of the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. Taking inspiration from the Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage AMR is 210 lbs lighter. European drivers will enjoy the dogleg 1st gear. It placed 2nd and 3rd opposite each other in the first gate of the shifter. You won't need first gear very often, because the 4.0L twin turbo V8 offers 503 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. All of the torque is available between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. You will reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 195 mph. The limited-slip differential was tuned at Silverstone to offer amazing grip on the track. Aside from the 59 examples of the Vantage 59, the remaining 141 cars will be offered in Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. The MSRP in the U.S. has been set at $204,995, and it will quickly sell out on a first-come-first-served basis. Don't miss this opportunity, click the link below to find our dealer near you and get ready to enjoy driving again. Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here Related: Aston Martin DBS 59 Unveiled to Showcase Racing Heritage Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Resurrected

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2019

Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Resurrected

While they are busy building the Valkyrie and the AM-RB 003 Aston Martin still has time to celebrate Zagato's 100th Anniversary. Sure they could have built a new Vanquish to honor their long collaboration, but they chose a unique path. AF Racing has offered a blast from the past, and the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato twins are being resurrected. Last built in 2011, AF Racing has an exclusive license to build 19 coupes and 19 speedsters. Dr Andrea Zagato says: "The Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged are an exceptional tribute to our very own heritage. They are the most beautiful retro-future (neo-classic) designed Zagatos to be ever produced." "They combine the best of two automotive worlds: A Speedster in its purest form and the perfectly shaped and astonishing silhouette of the Coupé. A very bespoke and emotional experience as well as an invaluable and special project.” Needless to say, this limited run will cost a small fortune, but these timeless classics will only increase in value. Our dealers have great incentives on new & pre-owned Vantages, so click the like below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here! Related: Aston Martin Celebrates First DB4 Zagato Continuation Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato Previewed

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2019

Aston Martin Unveils Waldorf Astoria Driving Experience

Regardless of where you have stayed, everyone has a story of the hotel shuttle. It would be nice for a luxury automaker to join forces with the world's most exclusive resorts, so Aston Martin has unveiled the Waldorf Astoria Driving Experience. This upcoming world tour will allow guests to get behind the wheel, and hopefully influence their next purchase. Here are the dates: Palm Springs: April 5-7 Shanghai: June 22-23 Edinburgh: September 20-21 Atlanta: October 12-13 Las Vegas October 19-10 Dubai: November 2-3 Guests can book the one-hour guided tour through the hotel's concierge, but you better act fast. Both the manufacturer and the hotel chain expect the time slots to fill up quickly. This unprecedented collaboration doesn't include their original hotel on Park Avenue. That is because track 66 of Grand Central has a private elevator for wealthy guests, and the streets of NYC would not be kind to these handmade masterpieces. Click the link below to find an Aston Martin dealer near you, and you won't regret the experience. Find Your Aston Martin Here https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJhiDsn2hx/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ho3zm7osu9t6

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 – 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 Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2018

Aston Martin Shows Off Electric Conversion for Their Clas...

One of the challenges of our hobby is keeping old cars in running condition. Trying to find a set of points or a condenser for a rare classic can be next to impossible. That is why Aston Martin Works have future-proofed a 1970 DB6. In a press release this morning, we see the details of their new EV "casette". It is a self-contained electric conversion that bolts in place of the original engine. The technology it contains is a supporting piece of Aston Martin's EV strategy. An electric motor and its controller sit on the original engine and transmission mounts. It even includes a 12v supply to run the car's original accessories. The only interior modification is a small screen to control the battery and power management systems. They envision a future where older carbureted cars are restricted due to their polluting exhaust. It is very similar to our friends at Genovation. Their GXE is an electric supercar based on the Corvette Z06. It reminds me of the "Hover Conversion" business seen in Back to the Future II. Old cars are not going anywhere, so it's about time they get a high voltage makeover. Congrats to Aston Martin for taking the initiative, as it also applies to their other historic models. Click the link below for great deals on the Vanquish and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. View All Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale Related: Aston Martin Begins Production of Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake Aston Martin is Testing an SUV

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2018

Rapide E: Aston-Martin's First Electric Car

We heard rumors last year that the Rapide S was not available for order. Aston Martin's sleek sedan was put on hiatus to our dealers. While they could have dropped in the same AMG V8 used in the latest Vantage, they chose a path of high voltage. In a press release this morning, we have learned the shocking details of the new Rapide E.Check out the Sultan of Brunei's CollectionIn a limited run of 155 cars, they have partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering for the all-electric drive. Two electric motors offer a combined output of 601 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. It uses an 800v battery, which is capable of quick charging at 400v stations. The 5,600 individual cells are packed into a shape that is close to that of the Aston Martin 6-liter V12 it replaces.Both electric motors and their reduction gears take the place of the gas tank and the rear transaxle, so the Rapide E retains its perfect weight distribution. Their goal is over 200 miles of range with 0-60 under 4 seconds. Click the link below to find the last remaining V12 models and ask our dealers about their battery-powered future.Browse Aston Martin Rapide For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 12, 2018

Aston Martin Unleashed A V8 Cygnet At Goodwood

Yes, you read that correctly. As if we needed another example of their abilities, the master coachbuilders at Q by Aston Martin have shoved a V8 into their smallest car. The Cygnet is a city car, the likes of Smart or Mini. It is only sold in a few markets where cars are taxed by weight and engine size. So normally, the Cygnet is a Toyota iQ with amazing leather and a wild 97 horsepower.As such, the public didn't truly accept the 1.3L Cygnet with open arms. It was a limited run project, but since it wears the Aston Martin badge, it is subject to any modifications the Q division can dream of. Now that V8 engines are supplied by Mercedes-AMG, a leftover 4.7L from the previous Vantage needed a forever home.Aston Martin Launches New 2018 Vantage ConfiguratorIn a press release this morning, we've learned that a curious Cygnet owner asked what Q could do for him, and as always, they answered with "Anything". So the car was stripped down to the cockpit and rebuilt on a tube-frame chassis. To this, the front and rear suspensions from the previous Vantage were attached. I guess you could still call the transmission rear-mounted, but the torque tube is only a few inches long. The diamond cut 19 x 9.5" rear wheels have 430 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque sent to 275/35 Bridgestone tires.Every aspect of this build is FIA compliant, down to the fire suppression system. It has two USB ports, Air Conditioning and Recaro seats covered in Alcantara. It reaches 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 170 mph. With a full tank, it weighs 3,031 lbs, with a center of gravity that is on-par with many race cars. Would you daily drive it? Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=dzM9A_HkNL8

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