McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Aston Martin News

Aston Martin news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, auction results and current market values. Our coverage runs across the Vantage, the DB12 and the DBX707, alongside landmark engineering projects such as the Valkyrie and Valhalla. We also follow the earlier cars that established the marque's name for British craftsmanship. Reporting comes from first-drive access and from the auction floors where these cars change hands. One thing separates this from other luxury sports car news. Many of the Aston Martins covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the story and the asking price appear together. For Aston Martin news today, and the performance car news around it, start below.

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2020

Aston Martin Announces Attractive Pricing for 2021 DBX an...

Covid has hit all automakers right where it counts. While some manufacturers have suspended production of their high-end models, Aston Martin has announced attractive pricing for the 2021 DBX and the 2021 Vantage for sale. In a report by CNET, the brand's first SUV has been trimmed by $13,000 and the Vantage is now $14,000 more affordable. Both are built by hand using the latest in materials and engineering. I wish the same strategy was applied to the DBS Superleggera, as it is among the best cars I have driven. If you have been contemplating an English luxury car, strike while the iron is hot. Click the button to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin For Sale " width="680">

a14blackbowmoredb5presentationcaseopenv2-jpg.

By Andrew Nabors – August 06, 2020

Aston Martin & Bowmore Unveil DB5 1964 Single Malt Scotch

Bowmore has been making world-renowned whiskey for over 240 years. But in 1964 they were forced to replace their ancient boiler with a modern one. Another momentus event happened that year, the Aston Martin DB5 was driven by Agent 007 in Goldfinger. As the master coachbuilders assembled each example by hand, the new upgraded distillery began brewing "Black Bowmore". It has been described as a rich and decadent single malt. Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation #1 Completed Only 25 bottles will be offered, each made by hand. The wood presentation box is also handmade, with calfskin leather and nickel-plated brass hardware. Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “This exciting new association with Bowmore gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate a vital part of our star-studded history by combining the unrivalled appeal of the iconic DB5 with the cultured flavours of this world-renowned single malt.” Browse Aston Martin For Sale Just like the latest supercars from Aston Martin, this scotch will only increase in value. It has been aged 31 years to reach 100-proof in Spanish Sherry casks. The suggested retail price is $65,685, so click the button to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2020

Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy Kicks Off 2020 Season

Finding a decent driver is a challenge for any automaker, so that's why Aston Martin Racing opened a Driving Academy. This year they have selected 13 drivers to push their track cars to the limits while being mindful of Covid precautions. The school focuses on young driver development, from the age of 17 to 25 years old. They are strapped into the Vantage GT3 and GT4 models along with factory drivers for the ultimate learning experience. Last year's British GT4 champion Tom Canning was also at the top of his class in last year's Driver Academy, and he credits his wins from what he learned at the academy. Aston Martin Vantage by RENNtech David King is the President of Aston Martin Racing, and he said: That there is a fresh group of talented individuals ready and eager to participate in the 2020 Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy, in spite of the difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrates the value of this initiative and the importance of the junior GT racing ecosystem. It remains our mission to uncover the best young talent emerging through our customer network, so that we may both assist them in their future careers and protect the competitve prospects for Aston Martin Racing and the teams that race our cars in the long-term.” The 2020 Aston Martin Vantage makes for a perfect track machine, so click the link below to find yours and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 22, 2020

R-Reforged Reveals Production Version of the Callum Vanqu...

Back in June we teased you with Ian Callum's latest project. After retiring from Jaguar/Land Rover last year, he found himself unable to stop designing incredible cars. Since he is responsible for the original Aston Martin Vanquish, he decided to build his interpretation of the perfect example. The Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged is a mouthful, and also a stunning supercar. Since the concept was unveiled, the Swiss coachbuilders amassed 350 engineering and design tweaks to make it more practical and relevant. Revealed: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante R-Reforged logged over 20,000 test miles were used to dial in the Bilstein suspension, tire choices, and the sway bars. Head of engineering Adam Donfrancesco said: "There was a perception that much of what we planned was aesthetic but the way the car drives, feels, goes, stops and sounds is actually where a lot of our efforts have been focused. We’ve defined a set up that finesses the composed, big Aston Martin GT feel but sharpens and hones it in line the progress that new tyres, suspension and knowledge brings. It’s got to be a car you want to use and be adaptable; laid back and comfortable enough to soak up a 300-mile trip across Europe but equally engaging and rewarding on a 20-minute run to meet friends at an informal cars and coffee meet. That versatility and accessible performance is something many contemporary GTs lack. We have all missed the chance to just go for a drive for pleasure in the past few months. This is now the car to make the most of those precious times.” Under the bonnet is a 580 horsepower V12. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual, sequential, or traditional automatic transmission. The exterior color palette is infinite, and the leather interior is from Bridge of Weir. Mulberry luggage and a Bremont Pocket Watch are just a few of the other included amenities also designed by Mr. Callum. Customers can spec their car via a video conference with him, or at the assembly plant in Warwick. This car raises the bar for coachbuilt English supercars, so stay with us for more updates from R-Reforged. Browse Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale

aston-martin-db5-goldfinger-continuation05-jpg-2.

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2020

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation #1 Completed

What once was old is new again, and Aston Martin have completed the first new DB5 in over 50 years. As an iconic continuation car, it was built with original tooling and identical upgrades featured in the James Bond classic: Goldfinger. Less than 900 DB5 coupes were built between '63 and '65, and the car was immortalized with Agent 007 behind the wheel. "Job 1" took over 4,500 hours to build, in cooperation with EON Productions- the owners of the Bond film franchise. Only 25 cars will be built, with each featuring a smokescreen, revolving license plates, machine guns, bullet shields, and other gadgets developed by Q. Under the hood is a 4-liter straight-six with triple SU carburetors. ZF supplies a 5-speed gearbox, and the differential is limited-slip. Power disc brakes and manual steering are linked to coil-over shocks and a thick front sway bar. Deliveries are targeted to be completed this fall, unfortunately, all cars have been sold. The best way to experience the quality and power of Aston Martin is in the new DBS Superleggera, as I was in awe after a weekend review. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin DBS Superleggera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

Aston Martin Announces Tobias Moers as New CEO

Six years ago Aston Martin had their back against the wall. They needed direction, innovation, and cost savings. That is why they chose Dr. Andy Palmer to lead the brand. Not only did he streamline production and make the company profitable again, but his efforts also gave us the AMR editions and the DBX SUV. Personally inspecting each model as it left the plant, quality is at an all-time high. That is why he decided to step down yesterday, after appointing an automotive genius to succeed him. In a press release this morning, we learned that former head of Mercedes-AMG Tobias Moers is now in the big chair. The AMG division has been supplying engines, transmission, and operating systems for the past 5 years, prompting Mercedes to buy 5% of the company last year. This is a brilliant move to all involved, as Tobias injected AMG DNA to every Mercedes-Benz model. Even the CLA 45 AMG S offers 416 horsepower from their smallest sedan. Dr. Palmer has earned his retirement, and Mr. Moers will build amazing Aston Martins. Click the button below to find our dealer near you, and you won't be disappointed. Browse Aston Martin For Sale

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 Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2020

New Aston Martin Factory is Ready for Production

While production is on hold throughout the civilized world, the Aston Martin DBX is poised to be the world's most luxurious SUV. To raise the bar in terms of quality and quantity, the ancient plant at Gaydon was not suitable. So after years of converting an RAF base into an outstanding assembly plant, the new Aston Martin factory is ready for production. Located in St. Athan, Wales, it will be up and running as soon as the virus threat is over. This plant is dedicated to the DBX and has added 750 jobs to the local economy. Their goal is to deliver a hand-built SUV powered by a 542 horsepower 4.0L AMG V8. It sends 616 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Mercedes-AMG also supplies the infotainment systems and the 9-speed transmission, signaling a new age of cooperation between the brands. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 08, 2020

Aston Martin Announces 2021 V12 Speedster

With Daytona Speedweeks ramping up, it is a time to celebrate cars that have changed the sport of motor racing. The year was 1959 and the race was the 24 hours of LeMans. The Aston Martin DBR1 took home the trophy for Queen & Country. To remind the world of what they are capable of, Aston Martin has announced the 2021 V12 Speedster. Limited to only 88 cars, this open-cockpit rocket also has influences from the CC100 Speedster Concept seen below. Under the bonnet, you will find their 5.2L twin-turbo V12. Browse All Aston Martin for sale The press release predicts an output of 690 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Essentially a de-tuned engine from the DBS Superleggera, power was dialed back to keep this featherweight safe on the street. Your local dealer is ready to order yours, so act fast. Click the button above to find out more and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680"> Related: Jay Leno Drives the Aston Martin DB11 AMR Aston Martin Valkyrie: Price, Specs & Pics

By Andrew Nabors – November 20, 2019

Aston Martin DBX Revealed

You have been good all year, so why not reward yourself with something amazing. As the first SUV from this historic marque, the Aston Martin DBX is the perfect Holliday gift. Unveiled to the world in Beijing this morning, it is a work of art 106 years in the making. Combining the best features of a sports car and an off-road machine, it is being assembled at their new plant in St. Athan, Wales. The first 500 examples will feature the '1913 Package'. It consists of bespoke badging, and a build book signed by CEO Marek Reichman. Also included is an invitation to a cocktail party at the Waldorf Astoria. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale Under the hood is a 4-liter Mercedes-AMG V8 tuned to 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. U.S. pricing starts at $189,900 which includes 3 years of maintenance. Click the button above to find our dealer near you and stay with us for a comprehensive review of the Aston Martin DBX. " width="680"> Related: Aston Martin Wings Series Announced Aston Martin AMB 001 Debuts in Milan

Aston Martin News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe