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 – November 23, 2020

Aston Martin Vantage Legacy Collection Can Be Yours

A decade of dominance in motorsports is not an easy task. If you appreciate the time an effort of their creations, the Aston Martin Vantage Legacy Collection can be yours. From 2009 to 2018, the Vantage GT4, GT3, and GTE teams battled every other manufacturer on tracks around the world. While it would be amazing to own the actual cars, the same workers responsible for them have built exact replicas using original tooling. All three are being offered together, and splitting them up is not an option. This trio is FIA-compliant for their respective classes. Arriving ready to race, you will have polycarbonate windows, air jacks, fire supression and full instrumentation. Both V8 engines and the V12 in the GT3 are race-prepped, with the most aggressive intake and exhaust systems allowed in their class. While this collection would be perfect in a museum, it would be a shame to let them collect dust. If you have a need for speed, click the button below to find our Aston Martin dealer near you and they will have all the details on this unprecedented opportunity. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2020

Aston Martin Wins LeMans & Manufacturers' Trophy

Our hats are off to the drivers and crewmembers of AMR. If you missed the live stream over the weekend, Aston Martin won LeMans along with the Manufacturers' Championship trophy. Even with one race remaining this season, Aston Martin's 1-2 finish for both Vantage GTE teams earned enough points to win the Manufacturer's Championship. " width="680"> Team TF Sports was head by Aston Martin Works drivers Jonny Adam and Charlie Eastwood took 2nd place while Alex Lynn and Maxime Martin hammered car #97 to 1st place. Tobias Moers, Aston Martin CEO, commented: “I am extremely proud of everyone who has played a part in this momentous victory today. To win both GTE classes and the WEC Manufacturer’s title is testimony to the quality of both the team, the Vantage GTE and the Vantage road car that is the basis of the race car.” If you are curious as to how the Vantage is so potent, click the button below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

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 – May 01, 2019

Aston Martin Vantage AMR is a 7-Speed Supercar

Aston Martin and ZF have collaborated to built the best 8-speed automatic, but some of us need total control. If you need three pedals and a rewarding experience, the new Aston Martin Vantage AMR is a 7-Speed supercar. We learned that 200 examples will be produced, with 59 cars slated to be the "Vantage 59" edition. They scheduled the reveal ahead of the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. Taking inspiration from the Vantage GTE race car, the Vantage AMR is 210 lbs lighter. European drivers will enjoy the dogleg 1st gear. It placed 2nd and 3rd opposite each other in the first gate of the shifter. You won't need first gear very often, because the 4.0L twin turbo V8 offers 503 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. All of the torque is available between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. You will reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 195 mph. The limited-slip differential was tuned at Silverstone to offer amazing grip on the track. Aside from the 59 examples of the Vantage 59, the remaining 141 cars will be offered in Sabiro Blue, Onyx Black, China Grey or White Stone. The MSRP in the U.S. has been set at $204,995, and it will quickly sell out on a first-come-first-served basis. Don't miss this opportunity, click the link below to find our dealer near you and get ready to enjoy driving again. Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here Related: Aston Martin DBS 59 Unveiled to Showcase Racing Heritage Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Resurrected

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2019

Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Twins Resurrected

While they are busy building the Valkyrie and the AM-RB 003 Aston Martin still has time to celebrate Zagato's 100th Anniversary. Sure they could have built a new Vanquish to honor their long collaboration, but they chose a unique path. AF Racing has offered a blast from the past, and the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato twins are being resurrected. Last built in 2011, AF Racing has an exclusive license to build 19 coupes and 19 speedsters. Dr Andrea Zagato says: "The Aston Martin V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged are an exceptional tribute to our very own heritage. They are the most beautiful retro-future (neo-classic) designed Zagatos to be ever produced." "They combine the best of two automotive worlds: A Speedster in its purest form and the perfectly shaped and astonishing silhouette of the Coupé. A very bespoke and emotional experience as well as an invaluable and special project.” Needless to say, this limited run will cost a small fortune, but these timeless classics will only increase in value. Our dealers have great incentives on new & pre-owned Vantages, so click the like below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here! Related: Aston Martin Celebrates First DB4 Zagato Continuation Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato Previewed

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2018

Jay Leno Drives 2019 Aston Martin Vantage

Are you looking for a nimble V8 luxury car that is smaller than a Porsche 911? The new Aston Martin Vantage is smaller than it appears. In the latest upload from Jay Leno's Garage, he touches on the finer points of the 2019 model. They needed the best V8 available, and it sparked a collaboration between Mercedes-AMG. Aston Martin builds their own version of the 4-liter twin turbo, making 503 hp and 505 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to the rear 8-speed transmission by a carbon fiber torque tube. Placing the wheels at the very corners of the body allows the car to look larger than it is. Along with an all-new aluminum chassis, it allows the Vantage to weigh-in at only 3,300 lbs. For $150,000 you will have a great power-to-weight ratio along with English luxury and German reliability. Click the link below to find out more and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates. Related: Aston Martin Begins Production of 2019 Vantage Check Out Jay Leno's Collection! Sultan of Brunei Has 7,000 Cars!

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2018

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 & GT4 Unveiled At LeMans

If you enjoy endurance racing, Aston Martin just revealed their lineup for LeMans. Their latest Vantage has arrived in two flavors. The Vantage GT3 is running its first shakedown laps later today, with their veteran driver Ross Gunn behind the wheel. It is an evolution of the Vantage GTE, two of which will be seen in the GTE Pro class.With a dry weight of 2,745 lbs, the Vantage GT3 is rated at 535 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The press release also says it is powered by the Mercedes-AMG 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 found in the production Vantage. This makes us wonder what the Balance of Performance rules will compare between Aston Martin and the Mercedes-Benz teams.Surprise: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage GTE Race Car RevealedIf you are lucky enough to be invited to the Aston Martin Paddock, you will see the Vantage GT4 on display. It is not racing this weekend, as it is still being finalized. Engineers have a deadline of March 1st 2019 so it will be shown to potential buyers who don't have the deep pockets needed for GT3. To clarify this, a GT4 car is much closer to a street car, and therefore it is a much more affordable way to go racing. Good luck from us to everyone at Aston Martin Racing. May the wind be at your back, and your finish end with a trophy. Stay with us for all your LeMans and Vantage updates.Find Your Aston Martin Vantage Here!

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

Aston Martin: We're Ready For LeMans

We are less than a month away from one of the biggest races of the year, and Aston Martin is ready to win. The 86th running of the "24 Heures du Mans" will feature fierce competition in all classes, but the biggest rivalries are in GTE. In an email this morning, Aston Martin Racing spilled the beans on their new Vantage GTE. Powered by an AMG 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, it was closely developed alongside the production Vantage. LeMans- 6 Times Longer Than Indy 500Engineering your race car along with the street version is how Team Corvette's C7.R has been so consistent, but the Balance Of Performance regulations have choked with restrictor plates and a 5.5 liter V8 instead of the production 6.2. But Aston Martin will probably get by without restrictions as this is their first outing.The Vantage GTE has Ohlins 5-way adjustable suspension, Alcon brakes, and the bulletproof Xtrac sequential transmission. If you want to join in on the fun, Aston Martin is offering a VIP package to join them. It includes a pit pass, VIP suite access long with food & drink for the weekend. Click the link below to find your Vantage, and ask your local dealer about the VIP details. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2018

Aston Martin Begins Production of 2019 Vantage

Fans of British motoring rejoice! Aston Martin has started building the 2019 Vantage. Because their cars are built by hand, these first cars will be thoroughly scrutinized by engineers and the top brass. Although it shares a few styling cues with its predecessor, their latest model was built from scratch. President and CEO Dr. Andy Palmer said this in the press release: "Today marks an exciting moment for the entire company and an important day in the history of Aston Martin. The outgoing Vantage was the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history and we believe its successor will surpass that.We will do this by retention of our important existing owners and through the repositioning of the car, create new customers in new countries. The new Vantage ticks all the boxes for a luxury sports car and unashamedly aspires to be the best in its segment. With the imminent launch of the DBS Superleggera, we are on track to replace each of our existing two-door sports car models by the end of this year.”Aston Martin Confirms The Lagonda Vision SUV The new Vantage is the 2nd of 7 new cars to be launched in over the next 7 years. This "Second Century Plan" will make sure the 105-year old brand will remain as relevant as ever. Our dealers are ready to answer your questions, so click the link below and Rule Britania!Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 04, 2018

Aston Martin Unveiling New Race Cars

Aston Martin is ushering in a new era of race cars as they go ahead to replace the current V12 Vantage GT3 and V8 Vantage GT4. Replacing these vehicles are new generations of Vantage GT3 and GT4 race cars. These new track cars will feature race-modified versions of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine used int he road-going Aston Martins. The new Vantage GT3 will also be heavily influenced by the Vantage GTE, a car that was developed alongside the road car.Surprise: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage GTE Race Car Revealed“We are very proud of the heritage we have established as a leading supplier of customer GT cars, with customers racing our cars all around the world," says Aston Martin Racing Managing Director John Gaw. "We told the clients who first purchased our GT3 cars seven years ago, that they would be buying a car that would be capable of winning races for years to come. This year we have already proved that with the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3’s successes in the British GT Championship. That longevity is something that separates us from other manufacturers. I expect the new GT3 and GT4 to be just as competitive as the cars they are replacing and to remain so for a similar period of time.”The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4 will be ready for racing starting March 1st, 2019. Aston Martin is already taking orders on the car from customer teams. Also, keep an eye out for the Vantage GTE's debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

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