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 Tyler Rampersaud – December 13, 2021

2022 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Front Teased in New Photo

Aston Martin is teasing a new V12 Vantage, and we can’t be more excited for the return of the brand’s ultimate speed star. With the exception of the One-77, in its time the previous Aston Martin V12 Vantage was the fastest car that the brand had on offer. With a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 205 miles per hour, the V12 Vantage S meant business. Aston Martin has once again teased on Instagram that the model will be returning for a new generation next year with a new image of the car's front end. Based on the bar that the last V12 Vantage set, expectations for the performance of the new model are very high. The Vantage is Aston Martin’s smaller, more sports-focused model, and as the past generations of the car have shown, the combination of a light and agile car with a roaring V12 has made for a performance machine that is rivaled by few. The current Vantage is impressive on its own, with a 3.6 second 0-60 time and a 195 mph top speed, and improving on those numbers is surely a difficult task. But with four more cylinders, we think Aston Martin is undoubtedly up to the job. With tightening emissions restrictions spurring a move towards electric powertrains for Aston Martin and other sports and luxury auto manufacturers like it, the V12 Vantage may well be the last of its kind. It seems like Aston Martin wants it to go out with a bang, and considering the Instagram post is hashtagged with #NeverLeaveQuietly, we think it will. V12 Vantages For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Martin (@astonmartinlagonda)

By Edward Jones – December 01, 2021

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Is Returning in 2022 and You...

The triumphant return of the V12 Vantage. Since the new generation of the Aston Martin Vantage was revealed, many were wondering if we would get a V12 version of the sports car. Considering how popular and loved the V12 Vantage of the previous generation was, it only makes sense that they'd bring it back. Right? Well, we finally have some closure as the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage has been announced and it will be returning in 2022. On top of that solid news, Aston Martin also launched a video that lets us hear the V12 engine open up a bit. While this is all great news, Aston Martin did note that the new V12 Vantage will not be a Limited Edition and will instead be a Final Edition. This could mean many things, including this new model being the last V12-powered Aston Martin. Until the actual reveal in 2022, however, it's all speculation. Browse All Vantages For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2021

Aston Martin is Honoring Their Oldest Surviving Car With ...

Aston Martin No.3, known as 'A3', rolled out of the production facility 100 years ago. While there were Aston Martin prototypes created, 'A3' is the oldest surviving car from the marque. The Aston Martin Heritage Trust collection acquired this car after a generous donation at a 2002 auction. Now, Aston Martin HWM, the world's longest-serving Aston Martin dealership, is celebrating A3 with a very special creation. The new Vantage Roadster commissioned through Q by Aston Martin was designed to honor the A3 through various elements. There are quite a few special touches given to this car that make it truly unique. This includes the aluminum surround for the black square mesh grille, the use of the Aston Martin heritage badge, unique side fender panels with a saddle leather strap, bronze brake calipers, 20-inch lightweight forged Gloss Black wheels, micro-perforated fluted seats, embroidered heritage Aston Martin script, Chestnut Tan leather accents, brass rotaries and more. Orders are currently being taken for the 'A3' Vantage Roadster through Aston Martin HWM, but just three examples will be created. See All Aston Martin Vantages For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2021

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster vs. DBX

Max & Martijn are at it again! The best Aston Martin action vids come from one team. AutoTopNL is based in the Netherlands, and they somehow have access to the world's most exclusive exotic cars for sale. Their hottest models for 2022 are powered by a Mercedes-AMG 4-liter V8 that is also found in the AMG GT R. The DBX has the advantage of AWD, but that incurs a weight penalty compared to the svelte Vantage roadster. The transmission's shift strategy is timed well, and the Vantage can be ordered with a 7-speed stick shift. Tell us which Aston Martin appeals to you in the comments below and stay with us for all your Autobahn videos. Shop Aston Martin DBX Shop Aston Martin Vantage

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

Aston Martin Racing Aims For European Domination

Vantage GT4 & GTE look unstoppable It's going to be an epic weekend for Aston Martin Racing. Garage 59 has returned to defend their Pro-Am title by fielding two examples of the Vantage GT3. Behind the wheel will be Alexander West, Chris Goodwin, and AMR driver Jonny Adam. Power is supplied by Mercedes-AMG, who massaged their 4-liter V8. This lightweight beast replaces the V12 Vantage GT3, but it can't replace that car's thunderous soundtrack. The closest to a pure race car is the new Vantage F1 Edition. Racing for the GT4 championship, six cars are looking to be in contention. Because the GT4 rules are more of a departure from the street-legal Vantage GTE, it is nice to see them unchained. The purest form of Aston Martin Racing pushes aerodynamics and cooling systems to their max, so tell us which Vantage you would drive in the comments below and click the button to find one for yourself. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Images (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2021

Aston Martin Unveils Vantage F1 Edition

More power and new suspension tuning will improve your lap times! Six decades ago, Aston Martin decided to leave Formula 1 racing. Now that they've returned, a new Vantage has been long overdue. Aston Martin has unveiled the Vantage F1 Edition with 25 additional horsepower. Now with 535 hp under the bonnet, the suspension and aerodynamics were also dialed up. Torque from the AMG 4-liter is unchanged at 505 lb-ft, but it is available across a wider rpm range. To create the ultimate street-legal Aston Martin, the springs, shocks and sway bars are all-new. Rolling on 21" forged wheels, Pirelli developed a propretary tread for this beast. Suspension mounting points have been reinforced and braces were added to the steering gear. The only potential gripe is that this car is only offered with the 8-speed automatic. The ZF box sends power to a 2.93 differential in order to keep rpm low at cruising speeds. The body is essentially the same as the F1 Safety Car we first saw in Bahrain, and the upgrades have added 440 lbs of downforce. Pricing starts at the equivalent of $193,494 with deliveries slated for the Summer. If this is where Aston Martin is heading, sign us up! Shop Aston Martin Vantage Images (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

Aston Martin Teases Something New For March 22

Almost five years ago we were thrilled to see the Vantage evolve into a track missile, so could it happen again? Social Media is buzzing because Aston Martin has teased something new for March 22nd. The AMR lineup consists of their performance-minded cars at an easier price-point. Some of the sensibilities are withheld to keep weight down and a manual transmission is standard equipment. If I had to guess, we are looking at the silhouette of the 2022 Vantage AMR Pro. This year's Vantage offers 503 horsepower through a seven-speed dog-leg. You also have 505 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm thanks the 4-liter V8. The twin-turbo engine is built by AMG and this is the only way you can have it with three pedals. Could this new car have more power from the Black Series? Anything is possible, so check out these great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. View All Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Image (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

Aston Martin Is Ready To Race At Daytona

Although it is chilly outside, Speedweeks is heating up here in Florida. With teams preparing for the Rolex 24, Aston Martin is ready to race at Daytona. Two factory-backed teams will field the latest Vantage GT3 in the historic race, while the Vantage GT4 will star in the Michelin Pilot Challenge on Friday. This 4-hour opening event is a kickoff to a long weekend, and the weather is looking great. Team TF Sport has won LeMans in GTE, and they are excited about their Daytona debut. Car #23 starts from 7th place, and #97 starts in 13th spot. They will have their work cut out for them with Corvette Racing starting 1st and 2nd, so we're looking for a great race. Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Images (C) Aston Martin Racing

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2020

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage Twins Revealed

The team at R-Reforged has been hard at work recreating the most popular English-Italian supercars. Now after years in the making, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage Twins have been revealed. Offered as a pair of coupe and roadster, only 19 sets will be produced. The prototypes seen in the press release this morning are better than anyone could have expected. First Pair of Zagato Heritage Twins Begin Production While the gorgeous lines are true to Zagato's original work, dynamic upgrades are found underneath. Technically the first pair, these two cars were spec'ed by Andrea and Marella Zagato. A new splitter and active rear spoiler make them much more stable than their predecessors. The engine has improvements to cam timing and exhaust to offer 600 horsepower, and the bodies are completely carbon fiber. The ultimate V12 Vantage can be yours, so click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 23, 2020

First Pair of Zagato Heritage Twins Begin Production

Don't dwell on missed oppotunities. If an English exotics with a taste of Italy appeal to your finer sensibilities, the first pair of Zagato Heritage Twins have entered production. Because they are busy building the future of the brand, Aston Martin has allowed R-Reforged to improve upon perfection. Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Back for a Limited Run All 38 cars will benefit from comprehensive improvements. Starting with the engine and ending at the lug nuts, the coupe and speedster are more powerful and more capable. Each pair is built to order, and as production progresses the owners will receive tailored gifts to signify milestones in the process. Only 4 examples of the V12 Zagato have made it to the U.S. since 2011, so now is your chance. Click the button to find our Aston Martin dealer near you for all the information. Browse Aston Martin V12 Vantage For Sale

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