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 Valkyrie AMR Pro Main Image

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 14, 2023

1-of-40 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro For Sale

One of just 40 production Valkyrie AMR Pros, the rarest Valkyrie model. Developed as Aston Martin's second wind in the world of motorsport-focused hypercars, the Valkyrie AMR Pro features Red Bull Racing F1-inspired engineering that makes it a track-only model with a completely sold-out 40-unit production life. Being the rarest version of Aston Martin's Valkyrie lineup, the AMR Pro continues to grow in popularity and value amongst the niche market of car collectors willing to spend seven figures on their next track toy. Offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a part of Aston Martin royalty, the professionals at RM Sotheby's Private Sales are pleased to present this 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro as part of their current inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. This specific Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro stands out as it comes directly from the first and only owner, who experienced the car once during a single shakedown at the Bahrain International Circuit, to ensure its pristine condition. Starting with its fierce exterior styling, the Valkyrie AMR Pro showcases a stunning blue and gloss carbon finish that highlights its lightweight design. While both Valkyrie models share the same silhouette, the AMR Pro version sports more aggressive elements to enhance downforce, like larger front and rear wings. Step inside the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, and you're immediately enveloped in a cockpit that screams high performance and minimalism. The interior is stripped down to its bare essentials, aimed at reducing weight and maximizing driver focus. Forget about plush leather seats or extravagant infotainment systems; here, you'll find bucket seats molded to the driver, subtle displays, and a racing wheel with critical controls. It's a space designed not for luxury, but for the sheer, unfiltered experience of speed and handling. Under the hood of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, you'll find a monstrous naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, developed in partnership with Cosworth to generate over 1,160 horsepower. What's more fascinating is its power-to-weight ratio, which exceeds 1:1, thanks to a weight reduction of 331 lbs compared to the standard Valkyrie. With no battery-electric system to lug around, the AMR Pro boasts astonishing acceleration and a top speed that easily eclipses the 200 mph mark. This immaculate 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro from RM Sotheby's Private Sale is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing Media Source: Robert Lintescu ©2023 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

By duPont Registry – May 31, 2023

Rare 15 of 99 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato For Sale

Only 13 ever made it to the U.S.

aston martin dbs superleggera vs. dbs volante.jpg

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 19, 2023

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Coupe vs. Volante: Which Is...

This is just one example of the great car enthusiast debate: coupe or convertible?

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 06, 2023

Why To Buy A 2021-2022 Aston Martin DBX

At long last, the hyped Aston Martin SUV can be yours. The only word to describe the rise of the luxury performance SUV within the automotive industry is meteoric. Brands from all over the world have imbued their performance characteristics into a vehicle that is sumptuous, comfortable, practical, and just about as impressive on a track or dyno as many of their much more ruthless counterparts. In addition, many of these brands, even in very recent memory, would never have been thought to carry an SUV in their lineup. Times, however, have changed, and for many manufacturers, the luxury SUV has become a popular and celebrated offering, with Aston Martin and its DBX included. The DBX is the result of years of built-up anticipation, and with its stunning design reminiscent of Aston Martin’s elegant performance cars, impressive craftsmanship, and hair-raising performance, it’s a vehicle that delivers on its promises. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the coveted machine, the opportunity is finally here to own an Aston Martin DBX, and these 10 are just some of the ones available for sale. MUST READ: The Best Lamborghini Huracan STOs You Can Buy Today What is the DBX 1/500 meaning? When the DBX was first unveiled in 2019, the first 500 customers of the car all received a special “1913 Package” as part of their configuration. These 500 DBX “1913 Edition” SUVs were equipped with 1/500 badging on the fenders, engine cover, and other areas, which indicates the example as a 1913 Edition Aston Martin DBX. What is the difference between the DBX and the DBX 707? In 2022, Aston Martin unveiled the DBX 707, an even more performance-oriented version of the DBX that takes the vehicle’s Mercedes-AMG-derived 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine to an even higher level, with an incredible 707 metric horsepower, which in standard horsepower translates to 697, a dramatic increase from the standard model’s 542. In addition to the power increase, plenty of other performance-oriented design changes grace the DBX 707 as well. View All Aston Martin DBXs For Sale 2021 Aston Martin DBX 1913 Edition View Price And Listng 2021 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2022 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX 1913 Edition View Price And Listing 2022 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2022 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 17, 2022

2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage For Sale: Own The Final V12...

Here’s the chance to own a legend as it’s being made. The Aston Martin Vantage is a well-loved sports car for its incredibly handsome looks, potent power, and highly respectable driving dynamics. It’s an elegant, fast, and luxurious dream car for any lover of classic British performance. However, the car enters an entirely different level when its typical V8 engine is replaced with a V12, and that magical result has been made real for the very last time, with the final Aston Martin V12 Vantage. This 2023 Aston Martin V12 Vantage for sale from duPont REGISTRY Supercars is one of only 333 that will ever be made, and with its rarity, performance, and the impending obsoletion of the V12 engine itself, it’s truly a unicorn of a car. With its performance-oriented bodywork and classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, it’s the ultimate driver’s car. Even the green paintwork itself speaks to Aston Martin’s British racing heritage, and once you open the signature Aston Martin swan doors, you’ll find that the stunning tan interior does the same. Available now in Miami, Florida from duPont REGISTRY Supercars, this is not the kind of car any car enthusiast would want to miss the opportunity of owning. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2022

Check The Spec: 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

A chance to own a true work of art from Aston Martin. Within its lineup of luxury British-inspired supercars, Aston Martin highlights its creativity and craftsmanship through special edition specs with limited production numbers. The automotive sales specialists at O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills are proud to offer an extensive collection of supercars, which includes this stunning 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato. The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato presents itself in a shooting-brake body style that mimics the rear end of a wagon while achieving greater aerodynamics and downforce through its lengthened roofline. The unique exterior of the Aston Martin features a Satin Morning Frost White finish with a contrasting gloss black roof. Hints of gold are subtly incorporated into the exterior, where front fender badging and a set of 20” 10-spoke gloss black wheels receive the luxurious touch from the Aston Martin designers. MUST-READ: Check The Spec: A 2021 McLaren Elva In Borealis Black Over Mantis Green A Pure Black Aniline and White Essence Semi Anili interior layout beautifully transitions the design from the exterior, giving this configuration a more aggressive appearance on the inside. The driver-oriented cabin features a set of sport-style seats with a custom Zagato ‘Z’ pattern that finds its way throughout other areas of the interior. The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is powered by a 6.0-Liter Naturally-Aspirated V12 that produces over 600-horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is currently available from O’Gara Coach Beverly Hills with 693-miles by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear releases and Check The Spec specials. View Listing

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2021

Two Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12s For Sale at O'Gara Coach B...

Two examples of the flagship DB11 are looking for new owners. Aston Martin unveiled the new DB11 AMR model back in 2018 as the new flagship model for the exciting DB11 range. With an additional 30 horsepower, for a total of 630 hp, this model is a powerhouse. What's more, it features a slew of other upgrades like a refined chassis, recalibrated shift for the transmission, enhanced exhaust note, and plenty of visual treatments. For sale right now at O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills are two examples of the 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR, each powered by a V12 engine. One is finished in Zaffire Blue over Obsidian Black and the other is Onyx Black over Obsidian Black. With more electric cars and smaller turbocharged engines coming out, V12-powered automobiles like these two are going to be harder and harder to come by. If you are a fan of big and loud V12 engines, then you ought to check these two out. You can see them both right down below. 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12 Coupe in Zaffire Blue View Price and Listing 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12 Coupe in Onyx Black View Price and Listing

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

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2018

2017 Aston Martin DB11 for Sale in Frosted Glass Blue

Finding an Aston Martin DB11 for sale that you like shouldn't be that tough of a feat considering how customizable they are. But if you have a craving for the "blues," we have the perfect DB11 for sale for you. Available at Excell Auto Group is a pristine used 2017 DB11 for sale.This example comes with a Frosted Glass Blue exterior that matches a clear sky perfectly. The Gloss Black roof panel creates a two-tone appearance, a $1,595 option that seems to be popular amongst DB11's. Matching the exterior is an Aurora Blue interior with contrasting white tones. Champagne seatbelt, a $570 option, is another white tone addition to this DB11's cabin. On the darker side, the interior's high-gloss chopped carbon inlay ($1,095 option) is a perfect pair for the lighter tones.Aesthetics aside, the heart of this DB11 is a powerful twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine that's new to the company. The amount of power created by this engine rates in at a mighty 600 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque. All of this power surges through an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission that uses quick shifts to accomplish a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds. However, all prospective owners should know that the DB11 is more than just fast in a straight line. Aston Martin's engineers have equipped the car with adaptive damping and a series of dynamic settings. When combined, these features make the DB11 a blast on the track.Excell Auto Group is offering this Aston Martin DB11 for sale at a price of just $203,900. Considering how many options this DB11, that price is quite fantastic. It's a one-owner, 100 percent Carfax certified English sports car that needs a new driver. Is it you?Learn More About This Aston Martin DB11 for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 18, 2017

Aston Martin Vulcan #14 For Sale

One of the best ways to increase demand is to limit the supply. That's why Aston Martin only built 24 examples of the Vulcan. Using the wild One-77 as a learning experience, they developed a one-piece carbon fiber tub that is only 396 lbs. The end result of a 9 person team, each tub was built in four days, requiring three trips through the Autoclave.Extensive computer modeling allowed the rear suspension, transmission, and spoiler to share the same mounting points. This is just one of the ways strength was optimized and weight was saved. For power, they turned to the GT3 division of Aston Martin Racing. Sure they could have added turbos or a supercharger to the 6.0 liter, but that would be too easy. In order to reach 800 horsepower, a new 7.0 liter V12 needed its own block, heads, and internals. Cosworth supplied the electronics in a unique format. The computer allows for 3 power levels so drivers can adapt to changing conditions.The big V12 sits behind the front wheels to provide an optimal weight distribution, and it is connected to a brutal Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission. The straight-cut gears provide a rewarding soundtrack, as you shift from paddles on the steering wheel. Inboard suspension with DSSV shocks and adjustable sway bars make for comfort and performance in the same space. They could have used T45 steel for the roll cage. Instead, they went with 15 CDV 6 aerospace steel to save 13 lbs in the chassis. No detail was overlooked, which is why all 24 examples of the Vulcan are guaranteed to never depreciate. If you are looking for an investment, #14 is available by Kaaimans International. It is located in the United Kingdom with 200 miles on the odometer. Click on the link below for all the details and stay with us for more great Aston Martins.Learn More

Aston Martin News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe