McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

Aston Martin News

Aston Martin news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market values. Our coverage runs across the Vantage, the DB12 and the DBX707, alongside landmark engineering projects such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla. We also follow the earlier cars that established the marque's name for British craftsmanship. Reporting comes from first-drive access and from the auction floors where these cars change hands. One thing separates this from other luxury sports car news. Many of the Aston Martins covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the story and the asking price appear together. For Aston Martin news today, and the performance car news around it, start below.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 15, 2026

2026 Aston Martin Valhalla Heads To Mecum Indy 2026 Auction

The Aston Martin Valhalla marks an important milestone for the century-old British manufacturer. Known for combining elegant British design and luxury with brawny performance, Aston Martin’s cars have long been enthusiast favorites. However, the Valhalla represents a side of Aston Martin that is dedicated to uncompromising, high-tech performance derived from the F1 grid, and its production run only consists of 999 examples. One of those is heading to the 2026 Mecum Indianapolis Auction, which is bringing some of the most desirable luxury, exotic, and classic cars to cross the block in one of the world’s most historic motorsport capitals. With only 68 miles on its odometer, this 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla features Formula 1-derived performance engineering, a bold, performance-focused design, and enviable exclusivity. Its powertrain combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a plug-in hybrid system for a total output of over 1,000 horsepower. This example in particular, though, features more than just world-class hypercar performance. Rather, it features a unique configuration, including an optional Andromeda Red exterior paint color, gold wheels, and an interior upholstered in a unique shade of Deep Purple. <- Gallery -> Carrying an original MSRP of $1,479,000, this 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla features over $360,000 in optional equipment. During the Mecum Auctions Indianapolis 2026 Auction, this car will be crossing the block on Saturday, May 16. If you’re looking for a chance to own a unique example of Aston Martin’s futuristic, high-performance hybrid hypercar, now is the time. Click below to view more information about the listing. View Auction Listing Image Source: Mecum Auctions

A sleek white and black Aston Martin Valkyrie with aerodynamic features is parked in front of a modern building at night, reminiscent of something Daniel Ricciardo might drive to an exclusive auction.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2025

Daniel Ricciardo’s Bespoke Aston Martin Valkyrie Heads to...

Broad Arrow will present Daniel Ricciardo’s Aston Martin Valkyrie at the 2025 Zoute Concours Auction, offering collectors a rare chance at motorsport history. When it comes to hypercars, few names carry as much attention as the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Built as the ultimate road-going variation of a Formula 1 car, it represents the rare moment where a production car feels more like a track weapon. This October, Broad Arrow will give collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own one, made even more special because it was personally commissioned and owned by Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo. Crossing the block at the inaugural Zoute Concours Auction, Ricciardo’s Valkyrie is a slice of modern motorsport history that will surely bring a buzz to the room. The Valkyrie itself is already legendary, engineered in partnership between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing with direction from renowned designer Adrian Newey. Under its lightweight, aerodynamic body sits a Cosworth-built 6.5L naturally aspirated V12, paired with a hybrid KERS system, producing 1,000 horsepower with a redline north of 11,000 rpm. For Daniel Ricciardo, who was racing with Red Bull during the Valkyrie’s early development, it was love at first sight. He described it by saying, “It feels like a race car, and it looks like a race car. I’m not used to having a roof over my head, but that’s the only thing that feels different.” His example, chassis number 089, stands apart for the details that make it uniquely his. Ricciardo went deep into Aston Martin’s bespoke “Q” division to guarantee the Valkyrie mirrored his style. Painted in Dichroic Dawn, a £30,000 ($40,250) color he nicknamed “Badger Blue,” the car pays homage to his famous “Honey Badger” nickname while also showing off the Valkyrie’s curves and aero-focused design. Inside, black Alcantara and exposed satin carbon continue the no-compromise theme. Even the steering wheel and bucket seats feature bespoke touches with contrasting stitching and anodized switches. With fewer than 99 miles showing on the odometer, it’s practically brand-new, making this one of the most untouched Valkyries to hit the market since production ended in 2024. Broad Arrow’s Zoute Concours Auction will feature around 70 collectible cars, but Ricciardo’s Valkyrie is the undeniable showstopper. With an estimate of €2.4–2.8 million ($3.2-3.7 million), it’s prepared to draw the attention of serious collectors who want the pinnacle of Aston Martin performance and a car directly linked to an F1 driver. For enthusiasts, it’s the closest thing to experiencing Formula 1 on the road, and the fact that this one was spec’d by Ricciardo adds an extra layer of desirability that can’t be replicated. Adding to the excitement, Broad Arrow will also present another rare Aston Martin creation, the AMB 001 motorcycle, a collaboration with Brough Superior limited to just 100 units. With its turbocharged V-twin engine, carbon-fiber bodywork, and Aston’s featherlight “lacewing” badge shared with the Valkyrie, it serves as a reminder that Aston extends well beyond cars. All Broad Arrow Inventory Source: Broad Arrow Auctions

A sleek black Aston Martin AMB 001 motorcycle with gold wheels is displayed on a stand inside a modern showroom with white walls, windows, and art. Another motorcycle is in the background at Sotheby’s Motorsport in 2022.

By Khris Bharath – July 12, 2025

#73-of-100: 2022 Aston Martin AMB 001 Listed on Sotheby's...

When you think of motorcycles, Aston Martin is unlikely to be one of the brands that pops up in your mind, and yet here it is: a $120,000 motorcycle (when new) without a headlight, wearing the famous wings, built not as an afterthought, but as a statement. The AMB 001 is Aston Martin’s first motorcycle. Built in collaboration with Brough Superior, the legendary British marque once dubbed the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” production of this track-only bike is limited to just 100 examples worldwide. While Aston Martin cut its teeth in the pre-war Grand Prix scene in the early part of the 20th century, George Brough’s motorcycles were shattering 100mph at the high-speed Brooklands course. Now revived in France, Brough Superior built each AMB 001 by hand and this particular example, chassis No. 073, is currently up for auction through Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO), with bidding open until July 16 at 5:15 PM EDT. Being offered by Strada Motorsports in Schaumburg, Illinois, this bike is made from lightweight carbon fiber and billet aluminum. The 001 tips the scales at just 396 pounds dry (180 kg). For some context, typical liter-class motorcycles weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. As for performance, at the AMB 001’s core is a turbocharged 997cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horsepower, with E98 race fuel feeding the motor. If you're into ratios, that’s one horsepower per kilogram, which sounds vaguely terrifying. A 1:1 power-to-weight is extremely rare, even in the performance world, and can be found on cars like the Koenigsegg One:1 and the Czinger 21C. Now, there's neither a speedometer nor a rev counter. Just three lights: oil, fuel, neutral, and a smartphone mount where the dash should be. You can pair your phone via Bluetooth to look at your speed and revs. Everything else is stripped away in the name of purity. The saddle is a minimal leather strap. The front end features Fior-type forks, which are more aircraft than motorcycle. The braking system and chassis are hand-finished by Brough Superior. Michelin Power Slick 2 tires provide grip. Now, to be fair, the AMB 001 isn’t the first time car and motorcycle cultures have collided. Dodge once bolted a Viper V10 into the Tomahawk, a $550,000 concept bike with four wheels. Allen Millyard built a fully functional motorcycle powered by a Dodge Viper V10 in his shed, and in terms of some truly radical engineering, Bimota’s Tesi 3D reimagined steering geometry with hub-centered front suspension. More recently, even Lamborghini partnered with Italian sportsbike maker Ducati, under the same corporate VW Group umbrella, to produce $68,000 limited-run motorcycle like the Streetfighter V4. But unlike those, the Aston Martin AMB 001 is a bespoke collector-grade machine with real racing pedigree behind it. For those who already own the car, the yacht, the helicopter, this could very well be the next indulgence. A collector-grade machine built in collaboration with one of Britain’s most revered motorcycle marques, this exquisite example finished in exposed gloss carbon with gold accents in showroom condition, and extensive service records, presents the opportunity to acquire and invest in something truly special. View Listing & Bid Now

Aston Martin Sixty Years of James Bond 1

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 29, 2022

An Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Stunt Car Auctioned For $3...

The only history more iconic than Aston Martin’s or James Bond’s is the history of both together. Ever since the films first started to hit the big screen over 60 years ago, the glamorous, thrilling, and action-packed James Bond franchise has been one of the film industry’s most loved entities. The luxury and good taste of its titular main character are one of the most significant sources of appeal for the films, especially when it comes to cars. Because of the shared British heritage, one of the most frequently and iconically featured automotive brands in James Bond movies is Aston Martin. In fact, since the two brands came together, they have each been important to each other’s history. As James Bond celebrates its 60th anniversary, an Aston Martin DB5 stunt car featured in No Time To Die was sold at a special charity auction with Christie’s, catching a price of over $3.2 million. MUST READ: Danica Patrick Drives The Aston Martin Vulcan At Willow Springs On A New Episode Of Jay Leno’s Garage It’s one of eight that were built exclusively for the movie by Aston Martin, and it was sold alongside a 1981 Aston Martin V8 also featured in the movie, which was an iconic car in the UK and also a star in The Living Daylights. Following that, the auction also featured one of 25 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 007 Editions, designed to celebrate the important anniversary of the film franchise. For James Bond fans, there’s good news: while the live auction might be done, an online sale lasts until James Bond Day on October 5 when all kinds of movie paraphernalia will be available for sale. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2019

1965 Aston Martin DB5 "Bond Car" Sells for Big Money

RM Sotheby's has auctioned off one of the three surviving 1965 Aston Martin DB5 cars seen in the "Goldfinger" film. The car went across the block at their "An Evening with Aston Martin" event in Monterey, where it sold for an astonishing $6,385,000. This price makes it the most valuable DB5 ever sold at an auction. Bidding took place between six parties and it lasted four-and-a-half minutes. "It was an honor to offer the iconic James Bond 007 Aston Martin DB5 alongside our partners at Aston Martin Works and Aston Martin Lagonda," said Barney Ruprecht, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby’s. "We are beyond thrilled with tonight’s fantastic result and proud to have set a new record for the most valuable DB5 sold at auction. Beyond this new auction record, the enormous amount of interest in the car and excitement surrounding it ahead of the auction solidifies its status as the "most famous car in the world," along with the hobby’s great respect for the Aston Martin brand." RM Sotheby's Monterey sale is set to continue through August 17. For more information, click the button below. learn more

By Andrew Nabors – July 26, 2016

Aston Martin Vulcan #11 of 24 Headed to Monterey

Limited production is an understatement when it comes to Aston Martin. Taking lessons learned on the One-77 project, only 24 Vulcans were built. Each one is a hand built statement of world dominance in motorsport. Built in compliance with FIA regulations, Vulcan is a track-only supercar. Without regard to emissions or noise restrictions, they have unlocked 820 hp from a 7.0L evolution of their classic V12.Almost every component of the interior and exterior is made of carbon fiber, including the driveshaft. It connects the engine to a rear mounted transmission, running in a sealed magnesium torque tube. The F1 inspired steering wheel has controls for pit road speed limits along with ABS and stability controls. Turning to the best suppliers in racing, Cosworth supplied the instrumentation, engine controls, and data acquisition. Bosch supplied the ABS system with 11 distinct driver-selected modes. The side exit exhaust is made of Titanium and Inconel which is dumped just ahead of the 12.5" wide rear tires. You probably won't ever see one in person, so stay tuned for our coverage from Monterey.Vulcan #11 is offered by Mecum Auctions and will be available at the Monterey event located at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in gorgeous Monterey, California on August 18-20, 2016 as Lot S99. Click here to learn more. This car is going to be a primetime main attraction, so be sure to tune into CNBC between 12-4 PST to see it cross the block. Or better yet, why don't you just head out to Monterey and buy it for yourself!Learn More

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