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 28, 2018

Aston Martin Begins Production of Vanquish Zagato Shootin...

Every time Zagato gets a call from Aston Martin, the end result is breathtaking. In a photo uploaded to Instagram this morning, we have our first glimpse of the new Vanquish Zagato. A Shooting Brake is a truly European body style. It is not quite a wagon and not a traditional 2-door coupe. What it is, is breathtaking. By virtue of the sloping roof it fills a void in the aerodynamics that is usually turbulent air. It allows for ample interior room and a shape that is unmistakable. Aston Martin's first full-scale production of a Shooting Brake will be limited to 99 examples, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you. Stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. View All Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqt99mHjndx/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=ttank2eljrgh

By Andrew Nabors – November 14, 2018

Aston Martin is Testing an SUV Prototype

Everyone wants an SUV, at least that's what the industry wants us to think. Aston Martin might be a little late to the game, but the DBX is poised for greatness. The name of their latest model was included along with a video in a press release this morning. It outlines their rigorous testing of the first prototype on a few stages of the Welsh Rally. This is making news in Wales, thanks to Aston Martin announcing a new factory in the Vale of Glamorgan. Their main plant in Warwickshire is running at full capacity building the Vantage and DB11, so a new team has been assembled for the DBX. It involves countless hours of simulation that will be followed by flogging the test mules from the Arctic to the Arabian desert. Aimed at a wide audience, it will be able to carve out impressive times at the track while being able to tow your boat on the weekend. CEO Andy Palmer also mentioned the new factory will be centered around an electric future. No mention of the powertrain, but we'll keep you informed as the DBX approaches a planned launch in late 2019. Tell us your thoughts on it and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680"> Related: Aston Martin's New Factory Ready For 2019 Production DBS Superleggera vs Mercedes-AMG GT R Drag Race Aston Martin DBS 59 Celebrates Historic LeMans Victory

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2018

Jay Leno Drives 2019 Aston Martin Vantage

Are you looking for a nimble V8 luxury car that is smaller than a Porsche 911? The new Aston Martin Vantage is smaller than it appears. In the latest upload from Jay Leno's Garage, he touches on the finer points of the 2019 model. They needed the best V8 available, and it sparked a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG. Aston Martin builds their own version of the 4-liter twin turbo, making 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to the rear 8-speed transmission by a carbon fiber torque tube. Placing the wheels at the very corners of the body allows the car to look larger than it is. Along with an all-new aluminum chassis, it allows the Vantage to weigh-in at only 3,300 lbs. For $150,000 you will have a great power-to-weight ratio along with English luxury and German reliability. Click the link below to find out more and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. Related: Aston Martin Begins Production of 2019 Vantage Check Out Jay Leno's Collection! Sultan of Brunei Has 7,000 Cars!

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2018

Aston-Martin DBS 59 Celebrates Their LeMans Victory

Sixty years ago, David Brown and his team shocked the world. Their DBR1 won the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1959, cementing Aston-Martin as a leader in world of high performance cars. To celebrate the anniversary of their win, Aston-Martin of Cambridge proposed a unique project. Working with the talented coach builders at Q by Aston-Martin, they have announced 24 examples of the 'DBS 59'. Based on the potent DBS Superleggera, each one will be delivered in British Racing Green. Sir Sterling Moss described the 1959 DBR1 as the most important Aston-Martin of all time, so the DBS 59 will have references to it inside and out. Saddle leather in the rear compartment is molded to hold the 1959-spec helmet and store the racing suit when you aren't at the track. The gloves are molded after the ones Carroll Shelby used to fight his way to 1st place. A 2-piece leather luggage set is also included. The 715 horsepower supercar is capable of 211 mph, and each example will be numbered 1-24. They will undoubtedly be right-hand drive, but our dealers have a great selection of DBS models to choose from View All Aston-Martin DBS For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2018

Second Tag Heuer and Aston Martin Watch Revealed

The collaborative effort between Aston Martin and Tag Heuer has resulted in another fine watch called the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Aston Martin Special Edition. This is the second watch to come out since the two luxury brands announced their partnership at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. As you'd expect, this watch was inspired by Aston Martin cars. They say it draws specifically from the colors, shapes, patterns, and materials used in Aston Martin vehicles.As for the specifics of the watch, it has a 45mm solid steel case with a ceramic black brushed tachymeter bezel and Aston Martin engraving. A nice touch is the ability to see the manufacture movement through the dial, which has a pattern similar to the details on the new Vantage. Bentley Renews Breitling Partnership, More Watches Coming“This timepiece is a beautiful reflection of the design language of both Aston Martin and TAG Heuer," says Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman. "The collaboration provided a fascinating opportunity for us to work with the creative talents at TAG Heuer to design a product that truly showcased beautiful bespoke craftsmanship that reflects the importance of peak performance. Each watch will provide its owner with a taste of the Aston Martin luxury lifestyle where there is attention paid to every detail. They will also enjoy the craftsmanship and build quality that is synonymous with the two brands.”The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Aston Martin Special Edition is available right now from TAG Heuer retailers for roughly $6,700.Check Out Our 2018 Watch Guide View All Aston Martins For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 04, 2018

Finally Hear What the Aston Martin Valkyrie Sounds Like

The Aston Martin Valkyrie began its life in the media as the AM-RB 001. That "project name" came from the collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull that was need for the car to come about. With the motorsport knowledge that's held between the brains of both companies, the Valkyrie will be more than capable as a hypercar. The naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 is also going to put in the work that's needed to make it a powerhouse. And now, we also now know that this engine is also going to give the Valkyrie a vicious scream that's comparable to an Formula 1 car. The sound of the engine comes from a tweet by Andy Palmer, the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. Check it out for yourself in the video below.https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1047394902483644417

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2018

Aston Martin Seeking Multi-Billion IPO Value

Aston Martin is heading to the stock market with their first initial public offering (IPO) in October and is seeking a value of 5.1 billion pounds ($6.7 billion USD). In this IPO, Aston Martin will be selling about 25 percent of their stock and they're already off to a great start. According to Reuters, a bookrunner for the IPO has said the company already has orders in for all of the stock that will be offered. What's more, the company is also said to be ready for whatever Brexit throws their way.The $6.7 billion valuation seems to just be an estimate as of right now and a final price of the stock will be announced around October 3. After the final price is announced, Aston Martin is looking to admittance into the London Stock Exchange shortly after.Related Video: Source: Reuters

By Andrew Nabors – September 19, 2018

Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection Includes $7.9 Milli...

If you are looking for the ultimate in Italian style, Zagato is celebrating 100 years in the business. For over 58 of those years they have collaborated with Aston Martin to combine English supercars along with Italian DNA. In a press release this morning, we've learned the details of their 100th anniversary. The guests of honor will be 19 pairs of the DBZ Centenary Collection.Check Out The Sultan of Brunei's Collection!It is comprised of a DB4 GT Zagato Continuation alongside a DBS GT Zagato. The first is a faithful resurrection of the classic DB4, using the latest in technology to replicate the original design while retaining David Brown's traditional coachbuilding assembly techniques. Under the hood is a 380 horsepower version of the Marek straight-six, sending power to a limited-slip differential through a 4-speed manual transmission.The other half of this equation is the new DBS GT Zagato. Based on the new DBS Superleggera, it combines the most potent series-production car with a traditional double-bubble roof. Only one teaser shot and an illustration were included with the release, but we're sure we'll see more of it soon. Other Zagato hallmarks will be seen inside and out, and like the DB4, only 19 will be produced. They won't be sold individually, and pricing for each pair is £6m (not including taxes). This translates to $7.88 Million and change, so we hope at least one pair makes it to the US.Browse Aston Martins For Sale

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 Edward Jones – July 23, 2018

Aston Martin's New Plant Ready for SUV in 2019

Aston Martin's plans for creating the new Lagonda SUV in 2019 look to be on track. The English automaker announced that the third and final stage of preparation for their assembly plant in St. Athan, South Wales is underway.(Lagonda Vision Concept pictured above)The new assembly plant was converted out of three hangars that were used as a former Ministry of Defence site. This new facility will create 750 jobs to the area, 150 of which have already been filled as part of the preparation processes. It's at this location that Aston Martin's first SUV, the Lagonda, will be created in late 2019. Aston Martin's new car assembly plant at St Athan, in South Wales.“We are delighted at the progress being made at the St Athan site," says Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer. "The team have done a fantastic job in advancing the facility and I was incredibly proud to chair our first Board meeting at the new plant. Wales has a long history of engineering excellence and the Board is delighted that it will play such an important part in Aston Martin’s development.”The Lagonda will be just one of the new Aston Martin models in the company's Second Century Plan.

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