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 Edward Jones – July 15, 2021

Aston Martin Valhalla: Production Version and Specs Revealed

Aston Martin's new supercar is finally here. The production version of the mindblowing Aston Martin Valhalla has finally been unveiled and it's proved to be worth the wait. Categorized as a supercar by Aston Martin, the automaker is placing this one just below the Valkyrie which they describe as a hypercar. That being said, the Valhalla's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and twin E-motor powertrain produce a wild 937 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. With that power and a targeted dry weight of 3,417 lbs, the Valhalla will be able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 mph. Aston Martin is also aiming for a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of just 6:30. Mated to the engine is an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a new paddle-shift gearbox that's been designed specifically for hybrids. The powertrain is also equipped with an e-reverse and an electronic limited-slip differential. Ralph Illenberger, Head of Powertrain Engineering said: “Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission - a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar.” Aston Martin will be offering the Valhalla supercar in both left-hand and right-hand drive, the first series production mid-engined supercar from the automaker to be available with this feature. As for when delivered will begin or an official price, that has yet to be officially revealed by the automaker. Be sure to stay with us for more information regarding the Aston Martin Valhalla as it's released. See All Supercars For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – June 21, 2021

2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato For Sale - #87 of 99

Presented by Motor Cars LA - It was all the way back in 2016 that Aston Martin unveiled the Vanquish Zagato Concept car. When revealed, it was met with praise from all who saw it. Shortly thereafter, the production of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato was announced. What you see for sale here is one of those examples. To be a bit more exact, it’s #87 out of the 99 examples that were created. Finished in Scorching Black with a Spicy Red leather interior, this Vanquish Zagato is the epitome of an elegant luxury sports car. The red is a wonderful contrast to the black exterior, thanks to the brake calipers and the truly unique taillights. Inside features a predominately red interior with black trim, which is a perfect mirror of the exterior. The red and black color combo on this specific model is breathtaking. You can learn more about this ultra rare Aston Martin by clicking the button below. View Price and Listing

Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged 1

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2020

Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Back for a Limited Run

Life is too short to look back at missed opportunities. When Aston Martin joined forces to build bespoke versions of the Vantage V12, the world asked for more than 150 cars. Eight years later, and your wishes have come true. Design and production have been awarded to the English coachbuilders at R-Reforged. It was in a press release this morning that we learned the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato twins are back for a limited run. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time The team at R-Reforged will use the latest V12 Vantage to craft 19 pairs of Coupe & Speedster. Zagato will handle the styling while R-Reforged will craft new bodies of carbon fiber. With 600 horsepower at their disposal, it will be a fine blend of style and aerodynamics. Some details are historic, such as Bridge of Weir leather and the ability to match the interior and exterior colors to any customer sample. These cars also serve to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Zagato, so don't miss this opportunity at an instant collectible. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2020

3 Aston Martin Valkyries Tested by Formula One Drivers

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is now another step closer to production after three examples have undergone further testing at Silverstone. Driving the test cars was none other than Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, both of whom are racing drivers for Red Bull Racing. As for the Valkyries, these were actually verification prototypes numbers one, two and three. There are a total of eight planned for production and each of them will undergo rigorous testing. The purpose of these cars is to validate specific attributes so Aston Martin can accomplish their goal of creating the "world's fastest ever road-going hypercar." " width="680"> Luxury Sports Cars for Sale Max Verstappen had this to say about the experience: “I was here at Silverstone to watch the first runs of the Aston Martin Valkyrie at the British Grand Prix last year but of course it’s always better to be behind the wheel yourself, and to be one of the first guys to drive an insane car like this was really exciting. It was amazing to get a first taste of it”. Alex Albon was also very excited to get behind the wheel as well: “It was incredibly exciting to have this opportunity to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the first thing that struck me was the visual aspect – it looks awesome! It also really feels like a racing car. Max had a go before me, so the anticipation was building, and to get a chance to drive it was really special." SEE ALL ASTON MARTINS FOR SALE

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">

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