Aston Martin News

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2022

Girard-Perregaux Releases The Limited-Edition Laureato Ab...

The luxury watch made from real F1 race cars. Since its partnership first began in early 2021, Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin aim to bridge the two luxury worlds together with a collection of exclusive timepieces that incorporate motorsport inspiration. The performance duo has already established itself with the recent Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition and Tourbillon With Three Flying Bridges Aston Martin Edition releases. Girard-Perregaux is proud to unveil the all-new Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin F1 Edition, the first watch to be designed with help from the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team. The Laureato Absolute Chronograph AMF1 Edition features a lightweight 44mm case made using titanium and carbon from two 2021 season Formula One race cars. A sunray ‘Aston Martin Green’ chronograph dial layout showcases a cross-hatching pattern that resembles the grille of an Aston Martin, with subtle hints of Green Emission on the indexes and hands. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Aston Martin DBS Superleggera x Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Aston Martin Edition The engine delivering power to the race-inspired watch is Girard-Perregaux’s in-house GP03300-1058 self-winding mechanical movement, operating the chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, and date functions. With performance and technology as its main focus, the special edition Laureato Absolute holds a lengthy 46-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The sapphire backcase offers a closer work at the complex movement in action, with a laser-etched ‘Aston Martin’ logo proudly displayed in the center. The outer portion of the backcase reveals engravings that signify Girard-Perreguax’s involvement as The Official Watch Partner of the Aston Martin F1 Team. Continuing its theme of reducing weight and adding comfort, Girard-Perregaux adds a GP rubber alloy strap in Aston Martin Green to the new Laureato Absolute. The mix of rubber and carbon is also extracted from two Formula One race cars from last year’s season, which also features a fabric effect with green contrast stitching. The all-new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin Formula 1 Edition is limited to only 306-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $27,800. Stay tuned into the 2022 Formula 1 Season to see Aston Martin F1 Team drivers Lance Stroll and Sebastian Vettel rocking the new timepiece. View all of the current Aston Martin models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. View All Aston Martin For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 22, 2022

Aston Martin's Racing.Green. Strategy Targets Start-To-Fi...

Earth Day makes for a perfect time to start down a serious path to sustainability for Aston Martin. Green has always been a symbol that means it’s time to go. And Aston Martin has decided to use that signal to go green as a brand. The new strategy, called “Racing.Green.” lays out Aston Martin’s journey towards all-round sustainability. The brand aims to achieve net-zero emissions according to the Science Based Targets initiative’s Net-Zero Standard, with goals to make its manufacturing facilities net-zero by 2030, and net-zero emissions across the entire supply chain by 2030. MUST READ: Aston Martin Is Working With Britishvolt To Develop Its First Electric Car By 2025 Since 2019, Aston Martin has used 100% renewable energy in its UK manufacturing facilities, but Racing.Green. takes this effort much further, targeting reduced water consumption, an electrified vehicle lineup starting with the Valhalla plug-in hybrid that will be complete in 2030, leather-free vegan interiors, and other initiatives that holistically improve Aston Martin’s environmental impact. This Earth Day marks the start of a new race for Aston Martin, and knowing the brand, it’s sure to reach the finish line. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 07, 2022

The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro's Bahrain Debut Is Just...

The Valkyrie AMR Pro is ready to go to customers, and possibly Le Mans as well. Aston Martin’s track-only hypercar made its incredible debut by putting down some very hot laps before the Bahrain Grand Prix. The car is inspired by the past Formula 1 cars that had screaming V12 engines with fully racing-focused weight and dynamics. It’s a hypercar and a race car through and through, limited to a top speed of 223 mph, with 1000 horsepower, and with more downforce than it has weight. MUST READ: Deliveries Begin For The New Aston Martin AMB 001 Motorcycle Its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine echoes Formula One legacy, rekindling the glory of an engine that is no longer used in the sport, and while the sound of the engine is familiar it never fails to impress, especially at the Bahrain circuit where crowds of F1 fans got to hear a sound that they missed, and see an incredible new car take the track for the first time. As deliveries of the Valkyrie AMR Pro commence, plans for the future of the car are without a doubt going to be exciting. Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 29, 2022

The Aston Martin Vantage Gets Bulletproofed By AddArmor

Leave it to AddArmor by Quality Coachworks to make an Aston Martin Vantage that’s never disadvantaged. The Aston Martin Vantage is one of the most loved luxury sports cars in the world. With timeless looks, British racing spirit, and pure performance, the Vantage has few aspects that it can improve on. But what about security? Owning an Aston Martin Vantage, you certainly wouldn’t want to risk your car being broken into, stolen, or threatened, and while owning an armored car instead would reduce that risk, what if you could own an armored car that is an Aston Martin Vantage? MUST READ: Deliveries Begin For The New Aston Martin AMB 001 Motorcycle AddArmor has stepped up to this challenge and created an Aston Martin Vantage that is as secure as it is an incredible performance car. With AddArmor’s B4 armoring, the Vantage gets great protection like bulletproof glass, run-flat tire inserts, and kevlar armoring throughout. This lightweight kevlar armoring gives the car impressive added security while only adding 450 pounds to the total weight, keeping the performance at a level that an Aston Martin should deliver. AddArmor can armor just about any vehicle you can think of, from SUVs to supercars, and with Anti-intrusion packages starting at $32,500, it’s better safe than sorry. Source: AddArmor

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By Tyler Rampersaud – March 22, 2022

Deliveries Begin For The New Aston Martin AMB 001 Motorcycle

An incredibly unusual and beautiful turbocharged motorcycle comes from the likes of… Aston Martin. Fans of Aston Martin know how well-versed the brand is in making beautiful, luxurious, and fast cars that ooze luxury, sophistication, and incredible performance. Aston Martin knows without a doubt how to combine style and speed on four wheels. But what about two? MUST READ: Indian Motorcycles x Super73 Launch The New eFTR Hooligan 1.2 eBike Enter the AMB 001, created in a collaboration between Aston Martin and Brough Superior, an Aston Martin-branded motorcycle of which only 100 will be made. However, it doesn’t just rely on rarity to be unique, with 180 horsepower, a carbon fiber body and subframe, and a turbocharged engine, which is something nearly unheard-of in the motorcycle world. The unique turbocharged engine provides incredible amounts of torque across much of the RPM range, and at long last, customers of the new AMB 001 motorcycle are enjoying that unique performance out on the road, as testing has been completed and Aston Martin and Brough Superior are now starting to deliver the AMB 001. It might seem crazy, but seeing a two-wheeled Aston Martin on the road is now a very real possibility. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Martin (@astonmartinlagonda) Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 21, 2022

The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Wows At Bahrain Grand Prix

Aston Martin gave F1 fans a little something extra at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend proved to be the perfect spot for Aston Martin to show just what the Valkyrie AMR Pro, its most extreme car yet, was capable of doing. The venue came complete with a crowd full of passionate Formula 1 fans to watch, and with a Cosworth-built, naturally aspirated V12 engine able to rev up to 11,000 rpm, the crowd had little choice but to pay attention. MUST READ: Aston Martin Debuts The New V12 Vantage Final Edition As a matter of fact, the sound of the Valkyrie was something much different on the track during the Grand Prix weekend, because it has been decades since V12 engines graced the Formula 1 championships. The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is a track-only car, with a 6.5-liter engine producing 1000 horsepower, so the car's runs before the Saturday Qualifying sessions and the Sunday race were no opening act to miss. Tobias Moers, CEO of Aston Martin, claims that the car “is approaching F1 performance levels,” and Dirk Müller, the man behind the wheel, backs this up, saying it is “closer to an F1 car in terms of performance than anything else I have ever driven.” And this performance isn’t just for Aston Martin development drivers to enjoy. The owners of just 40 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pros will all have the opportunity to be a part of a dedicated Aston Martin track experience, which takes them and their cars to incredible FIA circuits around the world to race their cars with trackside support from F1 and endurance racing drivers. The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro makes the wildest racing dreams into reality. Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 16, 2022

Aston Martin Debuts The New V12 Vantage Final Edition

Aston Martin celebrates the V12 with its new Vantage. Throughout Aston Martin's history, the iconic V12 platform has been a staple for the British supercar manufacturer for the past 15-years. Today, Aston Martin is proud to continue that legacy with the debut of the all-new final edition V12 Vantage. The new Aston Martin V12 Vantage presents itself as the fastest, fiercest, and most dynamically accomplished model in its long-standing family of generations. The production life of the updated Aston Martin will be limited to only 333 examples globally, celebrating the end of an epic era in style. At the heart of the beast lies a 690-horsepower 5.2-Liter V12 that features offers instant torque and astonishing top-end power. Managed by a ZF 8-Speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage launches from 0-60mph in just 3.4-seconds. The dramatic tone of the iconic V12 plays elegantly through a new factory center-mount twin-tailpipe exhaust system. MUST-READ: MANSORY Unveils Its New Ferrari Roma Build The V12 Vantage exterior update takes on a performance-focused feel with a sleek new design that focuses on cooling and aerodynamics using lightweight carbon fiber components. The redesign features a new 40mm wide-body look that includes updates on the bumpers, hood, side skirts, splitter, diffuser, and optional carbon-fiber wing. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage achieves a lower center of gravity and better traction from its track-inspired suspension. A set of 21-inch sport alloy wheels pairs perfectly with the standard carbon-ceramic braking system for any on or off-track driving. While the exterior showcases a new facelift, the interior of the final edition V12 Vantage retains a familiar design to the current model. The most noticeable change in the interior is a pair of exposed carbon fiber performance seats that feature a ‘Wings’ quilt and perforated pattern that matches the rest of the elegant design. For customers looking to enhance the design of the new V12 Vantage, Aston Martin is proud to offer a custom configuration process through the Q by Aston Martin division. View all of the current Aston Martin V12 Vantage examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and supercar releases. View All Aston Martin V12 Vantage For Sale Source: Aston Martin

Aston Martin to develop high performance battery technology with Britishvolt

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 07, 2022

Aston Martin Is Working With Britishvolt To Develop Its F...

Aston Martin is recruiting the help of Britishvolt to help them charge into the future. Even after 109 years of creating a legacy of making incredible cars that push the boundaries of performance, beauty, and luxury, Aston Martin is still pushing to be on the cutting edge of technology and automotive prowess. In 2025, Aston Martin plans to dive headfirst into the world of electric vehicles, and this car will be a performance car, with Aston martin citing on-track performance when announcing what the brand’s targets are for the car. MUST READ: Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car and DBX Medical Car Will Support This Year’s F1 Races Britishvolt, the UK’s leading investor in lithium-ion battery tech, has formed a joint R&D team with Aston Martin, with the goal of creating and manufacturing battery packs and systems to use in Aston Martin’s future electric performance cars. Before this, Aston Martin wasn’t a complete stranger to the concept of electrification. The Valhalla, Aston Martin’s new supercar, is a plug-in hybrid, and Aston Martin says that that’s just the tip of the iceberg. By 2026, All Aston Martin product lines will have an electrified option, with the entire lineup of its core portfolio becoming electrified by 2030.

Aston Martin continues to lead the way with Official Safety Car of Formula 1 02 1

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 24, 2022

Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car and DBX Medical Car Will ...

For the coming F1 season, we’ll be seeing our favorite road-going Aston Martins on the track as well. Aston Martin has announced that they will continue to provide the safety and medical cars to this year’s F1 races, starting in Melbourne. The Vantage is going to serve as the safety car, while the DBX SUV will serve as the medical car. VIDEO REVIEW: Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition The safety car will be driven by Bernd Mayländer, a highly experienced driver appointed by the FIA for the job. The medical car will have the responsibility of transporting Dr. Ian Roberts to the scenes of accidents should they happen. With a 0-60 time of under 4.5 seconds, and a top speed of over 180 miles per hour, the Aston Martin DBX is a car that is more than fit for the job. Features that the medical car version of the DBX receives include racing seats, plenty of medical equipment, and even TV screens so that Dr. Roberts can constantly monitor the race and make sure that things are going as they should. The Aston Martin safety and medical cars will make their debut on April 8, and while they hopefully are not relied upon too often, we can be sure that they will get the job done well, and in beautiful Aston Martin style. Image Source: Aston Martin All Aston Martins For Sale

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

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