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.

Two views of a modern high-rise residential building with balconies and palm trees in Daytona Beach Shores, featuring a sleek white car—perfect for Aston Martin enthusiasts—in the driveway. An exceptional real estate opportunity.

By Charles Bradley – October 22, 2025

Aston Martin Expands Real Estate Empire With Daytona Beac...

Aston Martin’s design language has long shaped some of the world’s most desirable grand tourers. Now, the British marque is applying that same sense of performance and proportion to real estate. In partnership with Valor Real Estate Development, Aston Martin has announced its latest residential project: Aston Martin Residences Daytona Beach Shores – an 18-story oceanfront sanctuary just minutes from the legendary Daytona International Speedway. This new development marks the next evolution in Aston Martin’s journey beyond the road, joining an established portfolio of world-class properties that began with the record-breaking Aston Martin Residences Miami and now extends across the globe to Tokyo, where the brand recently completed a bespoke four-bedroom townhouse in the city’s prestigious Omotesandō neighborhood. Craftsmanship Beyond the Automobile Spanning roughly 215,000 square feet, the Daytona Beach Shores property will include 86 residences across 18 floors, featuring two parking levels and two double-height penthouse levels with eight ultra-luxury homes. Each residence is designed to deliver the same meticulous craftsmanship found in Aston Martin’s finest cars – defined by flowing lines, sculpted materials, and the pursuit of elegance in motion. Every unit will offer panoramic ocean views and direct beach access, complemented by elevated amenities including fine dining venues, a bakery, and curated communal spaces inspired by the marque’s design philosophy. “Our world-class experience with crafted materials, high-quality detail design, and dynamic, expressive forms finds a natural expression in architecture,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer. “Daytona Beach Shores will allow us to take our holistic design approach to another level – merging bespoke interior elements with the rhythm and emotion of the oceanfront setting.” The Spirit of Speed and Luxury Few locations resonate more deeply with Aston Martin’s motorsport heritage than Daytona; the new residences will sit only a short drive from the fabled high-banked Speedway, home to both the Daytona 500 and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. Aston Martin has an impressive history at the circuit, including a one-two GTD class finish at the 2023 Rolex 24, and its Valkyrie hypercar is set to race there in 2026, having missed the ’25 edition. “Every drive deserves a destination,” said Valor Real Estate Development CEO Moises Agami. “Partnered with Aston Martin’s unmatched craftsmanship and ultra-luxury vision, the Daytona Beach Shores residences will redefine coastal living and set a new benchmark for design and exclusivity.” A Global Vision for Ultra-Luxury Living The partnership between Aston Martin and Valor Real Estate Development represents a broader expansion into high-end real estate across North America, with additional landmark projects planned for Mexico City and Tampa Bay. With its blend of design pedigree, motorsport heritage, and lifestyle appeal, Aston Martin Residences Daytona Beach Shores signals a bold step forward for the brand – where the thrill of the drive meets the serenity of the ocean. View All Aston Martins For Sale Images: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 26, 2025

Aston Martin Reveals Its First Ultra-Luxury Private Resid...

Aston Martin's first home blends supercars and architecture. Whether the topic of discussion centers around hand-crafted supercars or breathtaking modern homes, the art of design bridges the gap between these two ultra-luxury worlds. Bridging the gap even further, leading luxury automakers like Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, and Porsche have developed their own branded properties in the most popular cities around the globe. Three years ago, Aston Martin and Japanese real estate leader VIBORA revealed renderings of a private contemporary home in Omotesandō. Today, Aston Martin and VIBORA are pleased to announce the launch of № 001 Minami Aoyama as the first luxury home in Japan designed by the U.K. supercar manufacturer. The four-story townhouse is tucked into the stylish Omotesandō neighborhood, an area known for high-end everything. Working closely with VIBROA, Aston Martin helped shape a space that leans into its signature style without overdoing the car references. It’s meant to feel like a retreat from the city, but one with deep design intent worked into every floor. The 7,793-square-foot layout is split across three floors plus a large basement, which houses a gym, spa, wine cellar, and even a golf simulator. The rooftop terrace offers sunset views, a green roof, and a full outdoor kitchen. Inside, you’ll notice the interiors get lighter as you go up floors. One of the more dramatic design elements is a folded steel staircase that mimics origami and ties the floors together, with an in-house garden and chandelier to make the space feel even more contemporary. Materials like wood, stone, and metal were chosen to come together in a clean and modern way without being cold. But what really makes this house feel like an Aston Martin is the car gallery on the ground floor. Instead of hiding your cars in a garage, the space is designed to show them off with display lighting and a ceiling that has a wave-like texture. The cars can be seen from the lounge through a special glass panel, which basically turns them into functional home decor. It’s subtle, but it says a lot about how this home is meant to be lived in. № 001 Minami Aoyama is a signal that Aston Martin is settling deeper into Japan and Asia, especially after opening a showroom in Ginza last year. If this project is anything to go by, we’ll probably see more of the brand combining architecture and lifestyle. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 04, 2024

Discover The Astera: Aston Martin's Ultimate Beachfront L...

Dar Global, the London-based international luxury real estate developer, has announced the launch of The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin. The new beachfront residential development brings Aston Martin's renowned interior design to the scenic Al Marjan Islands in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. With a Gross Development Value of $255 million, the architectural project marks the first time Aston Martin's design team has applied their skills to real estate development in the Middle East. Located near the upcoming Wynn Resort, The Astera promises to deliver an ultra-luxury lifestyle experience. The development will feature the signature design elements and craftsmanship that Aston Martin is known for when crafting supercar cabins. Expected to be completed by December 2028, the waterfront property aims to become a landmark on the Arabian Sea. The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin, will offer a variety of living spaces, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas. Each residence will display British design, featuring bespoke styles, premium materials, and detailed craftsmanship. The goal is to create one of the world's most desirable beachfront residences, complete with a private beach for residents. Residents of The Astera will enjoy a relaxing environment on Al Marjan Island, offering a blend of privacy and convenience. The residence also includes world-class amenities like access to a private beach, an infinity pool with ocean views, a scenic walking track, and relaxation spaces. Additional features include an indoor cinema, a fitness center, a children's play area, a spa, a yoga lawn, and an event hall. Unveiled today in Dubai, The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin and Dar Global now welcome inquiries. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2024

Aston Martin Residences Miami: Luxury Living At Its Finest

Aston Martin Residences Miami epitomizes luxury living with its iconic design and top-notch amenities. Nestled in downtown Miami, Aston Martin Residences Miami stands out as a pinnacle of luxury, marking Aston Martin's debut in the ultra-luxury real estate sector of sunny South Florida. Developed in partnership with G&G Business Developments, the residential project mirrors Aston Martin's dedication to excellence, with 99% of its 391 condominiums already sold ahead of its completion. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned architect Rodolfo Miani, the condominiums perfectly portray Aston Martin's design DNA, featuring bespoke artisan handles, leather door tabs, and meticulously crafted interiors. Residents are greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, set against the backdrop of a sail-shaped building. Elevating the concept of ultra-luxury living, Aston Martin Residences Miami offers an array of "Sky Amenities" spread across four levels, including a fitness center, art gallery, movie theaters, virtual golf simulator, and spa facilities. The infinity pool on the 55th floor, overlooking Biscayne Bay, serves as the epitome of relaxation. For those seeking the best of the best, Aston Martin Residences Miami offers seven penthouses, each with private pools and massive terraces. The crown jewel, the "Unique Triplex Penthouse," spans three floors and boasts 27,191 square feet of living space. Residents can choose from three exclusive interior design collections curated by Aston Martin. Whether its classic elegance or contemporary flair, residents can customize their living spaces to reflect their style and taste. With Aston Martin's successful entry into residential real estate, the brand continues to redefine luxury living across the globe. From Sylvan Rock in Rhinebeck, New York, to № 001 Minami Aoyama in Asia, Aston Martin remains at the forefront of luxury living. View all Aston Martin models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2020

Aston Martin Creating Luxury Homes in New York City That ...

New York, get ready because there are about to be five new luxury homes that will be highly sought after. These new homes are coming into existence thanks to a collaboration between Aston Martin, architect Sir David Adjaye and Lightstone. "This is a fascinating project for the Aston Martin design team to work on and a great opportunity to collaborate with Sir David," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer. "It is our first real estate project in New York City but our second collaboration in real estate design after the Aston Martin Residences in Miami." These five homes will be located on the 59th and 60th floors of 130 William and will come fully furnished. Each of these homes will include a large outdoor loggia, a feature that's rare with New York City residences. Furniture and materials for the interiors will come from the Aston Martin Home Collection by the Italian manufacturer Formitalia, each of them curated by Marek Reichman and Sir David Adjaye. When purchasing one of these homes, buyers have the ability to turn one of the rooms into either a racing simulator room, office and library space or bedroom. If the racing simulator option is picked, the tech will come from Curv Racing Simulators who has collaborated with Aston Martin for special simulator setups. As for pricing of the homes, here's the breakdown: $11,500,000 for PH60A, $10,500,000 for PH60B, and three loggia residences L59A, L59B and L59C, priced from $3,985,000, $5,985,000 and $10,000,000. Along with the purchase of one of these homes comes the 130 William Adjaye Special Edition Aston Martin DBX. This marks the first time that Aston Martin has teamed up with an architect for a signature vehicle. Another first is the inclusion of real stone accents, grey “Pietra D’Avola” marble inlays. The interior also has Q by Aston Martin Parliament Green leatherwork, Parliament Green trim, a bespoke exterior color inspired by 130 William's exterior, Satin Walnut wood, and black, bronze, anodized aluminum and real stone details. See All Aston Martins For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2020

Aston Martin Designs Sylvan Rock Mansion With S3 Architec...

Aston Martin is notorious for producing a line-up of supercars capable of both turning heads and setting lap times. However, the British auto manufacturer is also known to take part in real estate design. The first two projects being a Miami penthouse and an Aston Martin auto gallery. Aston Martin and S3 Architecture have announced the Sylvan Rock project, a breathtaking residential estate located in the Hudson Valley of New York. The 5,983-square foot home will be constructed on a 55-acre lot secluded in the woods, 2 hours from Manhattan. Sylvan Rock feature a dark geometric design that features an open glass structure to compliment the four-bedroom home. The interior amenities include a three-car auto gallery style garage, a lounge, and a wine cellar. The exterior of the property houses three guest pods and a modern style treehouse designed to match the aesthetics of the main home. Sylvan Rock will begin construction in 2021 and will be listed through Corcoran Country Living for $7.7 million dollars. A true work of art that would leave anyone breathless traveling up the 2,000-foot driveway. Click the link below to learn more about Sylvan Rock by Aston Martin x S3 Architecture. Visit Sylvan Rock

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