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.

Rear view of a 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S in silver and red speeding along a road, with a stone wall lining the side.

By Khris Bharath – July 08, 2025

The ‘S’ Returns: 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Is Track-Tun...

Aston Martin has just taken the wraps off the latest evolution of its iconic front-engined sports car: this is the 2026 Vantage S. Following up on the DBX ‘S’ SUV announced in late April, the Vantage S will make its debut at this week’s 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and builds upon the muscular DNA of the standard Vantage. Now, for those unaware, the "S" designation in Aston Martin's lineup has historically signified a sportier, sharper, and more performance-focused variant. Its roots can be traced back to the 1953 DB3S race car and have subsequently appeared on everything from the Rapide to the Vanquish. When it comes to the Vantage specifically, since its rebirth in the mid-2000s, it has served as Aston’s most driver-focused offering. But it was the V8 Vantage S, launched in 2011, that really turned up the heat. Then came the V12 Vantage S in 2013 with the massive 5.9-liter mill. The 2017 V12 Vantage S would be the last to carry the torch with a raw, dog-leg manual-only setup that enthusiasts still lament. While the V12 Vantage has since made a comeback, the S badge is now back, and here’s how it stacks up against the standard Vantage. 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Performance Source: Aston Martin Let’s kick things off with performance. Under the hood, the new Vantage S features an uprated version of the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now delivering 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A modest gain over the standard Vantage’s already formidable 656 horsepower, yes, but the powerband has been broadened for a flatter torque curve, which should offer sharper in-gear acceleration. A bespoke drive-by-wire throttle map has been calibrated for each of the Drive Modes, offering a throttle pedal resistance and responsiveness that aligns with the ‘S’ characteristics. Zero to 60 mph now comes up in 3.3 seconds ( which is 0.1 quicker than the standard model), while the top speed remains unchanged at a supercar-grade 202 mph. But the S is so much more than just straight-line metrics. Aston’s Engineers have worked extensively on improving the dynamics. The re-tuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers have been calibrated for improved response, while the transmission mount stiffness has been lowered by 10%. The Rear subframe mounts have been switched from rubber to solid, which Aston says should deliver an improved steering feel. Meanwhile, suspension geometry has been recalibrated with camber, toe, and caster tweaked to increase grip during high lateral loads. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard. The result is a car more confident on the limit, has improved front-end grip, a softer ride, and a package that doesn’t compromise on daily usability. Specification Aston Martin Vantage S Aston Martin Vantage Engine 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) Power 671 hp 656 hp Torque 590 lb-ft 590 lb-ft Transmission 8-speed ZF automatic 8-speed ZF automatic 0–60 mph 3.3 seconds 3.4 seconds Top Speed 202 mph 202 mph Dry Weight 3,538 lbs 3,538 lbs Exterior Design Now, visually, the changes may not be very obvious, but some ‘S’ specific touches set it apart from the standard Vantage. Upfront, the gloss black or carbon fiber hood blades not only add more drama, but also act as functional heat extractors for the hot-V configured V8 powerplant. Red highlights on the front lip, sills, the rear diffuser, and ‘S’ specific 21-inch Y-spoke satin black wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires separate the S from its sibling. A full-width sculpted rear spoiler generates 97 pounds of downforce at top speed, contributing to the overall 245-pound package, which works with redesigned underbody aero and new front venturi vanes. Additional highlights also include things like the “S” badges, which are forged in brass, filled with red enamel, and plated in chrome. Where the standard model Vantage is mostly about elegance, the S, with its combination of blacked-out elements, exudes aggression. You can further make it your own by choosing from a plethora of optional exterior shades, colors for the brake calipers, wheel graphics, liveries, and exterior packages. Interior Design The “S” theme continues on board, right from the embroidered Aston Wing, which features 2,500 individual stitches, to a red or silver anodized knurled rotary drive selector that matches the seatbelts and stitching. Where the standard Vantage S cabin features a unique Alcantara and leather blend with carbon fiber inlays, you can also opt for the Inspire Sport package that adds semi-aniline leather, duotone finishes, and perforated chevron quilting. But despite all this flair, one thing is notably absent: a manual transmission. Aston has committed to the tried-and-tested 8-speed ZF automatic, which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, much like the base Vantage. 12-way heated sports seats are standard, but you can also opt for sportier carbon fiber performance seats, choose from a mono-tone or dual-tone trim split, and choose to add more carbon and a premium audio system from Bowers & Wilkins. 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Price & Availability Often considered the 'baby' of the Aston range, the current generation of the Vantage no longer plays second fiddle, and this is especially true after its comprehensive 2024 makeover that brought the much bigger grille and side blade and also a mainstay in motorsports in the GT3 category. The return of the “S” badge marks a pivotal moment for Aston Martin’s long-established front-engined sports car, and while it won’t bring back the stick, it does enhance the Vantage in several ways. The 2025 Vantage S will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and even the Ferrari Amalfi, unveiled last week. While pricing hasn’t been announced, expect a premium of roughly over the standard Vantage’s near 200k starting MSRP, and this is without options. For some context, the 2017 V12 Vantage S Coupe cost $16,000 more than its base counterpart. Available in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, deliveries begin in Q4 of 2025. View All Aston Martin Vantages For Sale Source: Aston Martin

Four sports cars are shown: a blue coupe with gold wheels and a patterned hood, a red coupe side view, a white hood close-up, and a green coupe rear view—celebrating Aston Martin marking 10 years in Mexico with six bespoke Q-Commission Vantage Coupes.

By Khris Bharath – May 21, 2025

Aston Martin Marks 10 Years In Mexico With Six Bespoke Q-...

To mark a decade of Aston Martin’s presence in Mexico, the British sports car maker’s bespoke arm, ‘Q’ by Aston Martin, has collaborated with Aston Martin Mexico City and Menchaca Studio to create the Mex’Uk Series: six one-off Vantage coupes that feature exquisite details portraying Mexico’s indigenous culture. Each car is a singular build, with the livery and interior tied to a different power animal from the Wixárika culture, representing the people of western Mexico. Rendered in dramatic Q-exclusive finishes and traditional motifs, these aren’t mere artistic details but are symbols that possess deep spiritual meaning. The canvas for this project is the new Aston Martin Vantage, introduced last year. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 656 horsepower, the dash to 60 mph happens in 3.4 seconds and a 202 mph top speed, which is the fastest Vantage to date. The immense power reserves are complemented with active vehicle dynamics, adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers, an electronic rear differential, and 21-inch Michelin Pilot S5 rubber. A fully reimagined cabin with a state-of-the-art infotainment system completes the package. “The Vantage has been a treasured part of our brand’s line-up for 75 years, and it’s now a high-performance ‘canvas’ for our Mexico City dealership to commemorate a milestone decade of sales in Mexico,” said Pedro Mota, President of Aston Martin The Americas. “Their work with Q by Aston Martin and Menchaca Studio exemplifies the truly endless possibilities that result from creative minds uniting to celebrate culture, history, design, and performance.” Aston Martin by 'Q' Mex’Uk Series Every Vantage in the series features a custom Wixárika-inspired motif: an intricate, pearl-bronze graphic pattern on the hood. Other exterior details include a bronze-painted grille and side strakes, and forged 21-inch Y-spoke wheels are finished in Satin Copper Bronze. Being used here for the first time, each of the six cars also bears the colors of the Mexican flag on the Aston Martin Wings, a special badge created back in 2016 to celebrate the World Endurance Championship (WEC) GTE Series win. Handcrafted in copper and featuring green, white, and red enamel, the tri-color badge took several hours to complete, with each hue applied separately to prevent mixing. Each of the six cars also features a ‘Q’ badge that indicates the bespoke commission. Step inside, and the cultural theme continues with a Huichol Quilt design embroidered into the leather seats; an homage to the indigenous beaded textiles. A custom sill plaque features the Mex’Uk logo, along with a central cross representing the union between the U.K. marque and its outpost in Mexico City. Surrounding it are 10 concentric chevrons, which is a nod to both Aston Martin’s 10 years in Mexico and the Wixárika "Ojo de Dios" or “God’s eye” protective amulet. The plaques identify each of the six cars by name and their symbolic animal: Blue Maxa (Blue Deer): A study in serenity, finished in Q Ion Blue with an Aurora Blue interior. It symbolizes purity and grace Gray Rawe (Gray Wolf): Q Satin Aluminite Silver outside, Spicy Red inside. A nod to ancestral wisdom and communal strength Crimson Cauxai (Crimson Fox): Painted Q Supernova Red with Oxford Tan leather. This combination honors intellect and agility Green Xaye (Green Snake): Dressed in Buckinghamshire Green with a Forest Green interior. A metaphor for renewal and harmony White Terika (White Scorpion): Metallic Zenith White with Eifel Green. It channels resilience and the will to endure Red Hukuri (Red Falcon): Finished in Scorpus Red over Navy Blue. It captures perspective, clarity, and the will to ascend Beyond the bodywork, each animal is honored with six Wixárika-style beaded sculptures, representative of spiritual wildlife were handcrafted by Menchaca Studio. Every Mex’Uk unit has already been sold, and deliveries are expected to begin in Q2, 2025. View All Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2023

Aston Martin Enters The High-End Cycling World With Its A...

Aston Martin joins the two-wheel world with help from J.Laverack. Luxury meets innovation as Aston Martin joins forces with J.Laverack to launch the J.Laverack x Aston Martin .1R, showcased as the pinnacle of bespoke bicycles. This collaboration is a fusion of automotive high-performance design and cycling craftsmanship, resulting in a visually boltless, elegantly integrated two-wheel masterpiece. The .1R features a unique blend of 3D-printed titanium and carbon fiber, ensuring comfort and responsiveness without compromising on its sleek design. The intricate herringbone carbon fiber weave and meticulously crafted components reflect an exceptional level of detail, elevating the .1R to the status of the world's most luxurious road bicycle. Oliver Laverack, Co-founder of J.Laverack Bicycles, highlights the partnership with Aston Martin as a breakthrough in bike engineering, delivering a level of craftsmanship and performance previously unseen in the cycling industry. Marek Reichman of Aston Martin commends the .1R for its hypercar-like design on two wheels, blending engineering advancements with a clean performance aesthetic for an unmatched riding experience. Customers are invited to Gaydon for a bespoke fitting, offering customization options mirroring Aston Martin's own processes, aligning car and cycle design. The .1R's design eliminates visible cables, and its innovative braking system is an example of its forward-thinking technology. Each .1R, a numbered work of art, comes with a bespoke travel case, reflecting the craftsmanship of the bike itself. With Aston Martin's online configurator, the .1R can be tailored down to the finest detail, ensuring each bicycle is a personalized statement of luxury and performance. View all Aston Marton supercars and SUVs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martin For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 27, 2023

Aston Martin Reveals That Production Of The F1-Inspired V...

Aston Martin's Valhalla mid-engine supercar is utilizing Formula 1 technology, slated for production in 2024. The Aston Martin Valhalla is starting to emerge as the road and track weapon it was designed to be, thanks to its strategic use of Formula 1 technology and performance. Unveiled as the brand’s first series production mid-engine supercar, the Valhalla aims to deliver a truly exceptional driving experience. Collaborating closely with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One team (AMF1), Aston Martin is blending race-proven expertise with its signature luxury to create the ultimate supercar. Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin emphasized the exchange between Aston Martin's road car engineers and AMF1's F1 engineering capabilities focused on three key areas: dynamics, aerodynamics, and materials. The driving dynamics of the Valhalla have been fine-tuned through track-inspired simulations. Astonishingly, 90% of its dynamic features were completed in simulation, with real-world testing reserved for the final development phase. Valhalla’s aerodynamics come directly from F1's book, utilizing an active aerodynamic system to achieve over 1,323 pounds of downforce at 149 mph. In terms of high-tech materials, AMPT and AMF1 have shared their know-how in crafting carbon-fiber structures to create an incredibly stiff, strong, and lightweight chassis for Valhalla. Powering the Valhalla is a bespoke twin-turbo flat-plane V8 engine, assisted by three e-motors, to produce an impressive 998 horsepower through a hybrid all-wheel-drive powertrain. Additionally, the Valhalla is also part of Aston Martin's broader strategy to transition to hybrid and electric vehicles. Scheduled to hit the roads as a running prototype later this year, the Valhalla aims to set a new benchmark in supercar performance when it enters production in 2024. View all Aston Martin models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martin For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 13, 2023

The Aston Martin DB5 Celebrates 60 Years Of Automotive Ex...

As the Aston Martin DB5 hits the 60-year milestone, we dive into its storied past and present, along with its timeless appeal. When it comes to iconic automobiles, few can hold a candle to the Aston Martin DB5. Sixty years ago, Aston Martin introduced the DB5, immediately solidifying its status as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands. As Aston Martin celebrates its 60th anniversary, DB5 remains a head-turner, most recently commanding attention at the Goodwood Revival festival in Sussex. Alongside it was the DB12, Aston Martin's latest model, showcasing how the brand's DNA continues to evolve while paying homage to its successful past. Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll, a DB5 owner, commended the car for laying the "foundations of our identity as a British luxury brand synonymous with style, performance, and exclusivity." In 1963, Aston Martin was already popular thanks to its DB4, but the DB5 took things to a new level. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the car boasted a range of improvements, most notably a 4.0L engine putting out 282 horsepower. Icons from Sir Paul McCartney to Mick Jagger have been part of the DB5 club. The DB5 is a masterpiece of British engineering, produced in limited numbers (only 887 saloons, to be precise) at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory. Despite its limited production, the DB5 was instrumental in skyrocketing Aston Martin from a niche British sports car maker to a global automotive superstar. While the DB5 remains a cornerstone in automotive history, Aston Martin isn’t resting there. The all-new DB12, introduced as the world’s first Super Tourer, is proof that the brand is committed to innovation without sacrificing what made it great in the first place. View all Aston Martin models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martin For Sale Source: Aston Martin