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 – April 16, 2019

Aston Martin Rapide E Unveiled at Auto Shanghai

In contrast to luxury marques who jumped into electric cars, Aston Martin decided to take their time. We've seen prototypes over the past few years, and now the car is ready for production. A press release earlier today shows the Aston Martin Rapide E unveiled at Auto Shanghai. China is a booming market for British and American luxury cars, and their air pollution is a major health concern. That's why electric cars are being embraced by the nation. The Rapide made the most sense because the long driveshaft tunnel could easily hold a battery pack. Fully charged to 800 volts, it offers 601 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. Williams Advanced Engineering was brought in to validate their efforts, so you know it will be a fast sedan. They developed a new aero package to optimize air under the car while also cooling the batteries. With a range over 200 miles, it can be charged with home A/C power, 400v, & 800v DC. This limited run of 155 cars will usher in the electric era at Aston Martin, so click the link below to find our dealer near you. Browse Aston Martin Rapide For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2019

Top Gear Explains Aston Martin's Mid Engined Supercars

England's automotive industry was in shambles after WWII. It was 1946 and Sir David Brown saw a classified listing for a luxury car company. The price was £30,000, and the rest is history. From the DB1 to the DB11, Aston Martin has built opulent masterpieces using traditional methods. There is nothing wrong with front engine, RWD V8 and V12 Grand Tourers, but it looks like it is time for a change. If you are curious about where they are heading, Top Gear explains Aston Martin's Mid Engine supercars. Starting on the right, the Vanquish will arrive in 2022 as their first production mid engine hybrid. Using a twin turbo V6 along with a hybrid system, it will compete against the McLaren 720S and the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Next to it is the wild AM-RB-003. Taking lessons learned on the Valkyrie, a new carbon fiber chassis has active suspension and another twin turbo hybrid V6. Using a flexible carbon rear spoiler, it is easy to see who they have in their crosshairs. Tell us what you think of these in the comments below and stay with us for all your Top Gear updates. Shop Aston Martin For Sale Related Aston Martin Valkyrie V12 Screams to 11,000 RPM Aston Martin AM-RB-003 Is Here!

By Andrew Nabors – November 14, 2018

Aston Martin is Testing an SUV Prototype

Everyone wants an SUV, at least that's what the industry wants us to think. Aston Martin might be a little late to the game, but the DBX is poised for greatness. The name of their latest model was included along with a video in a press release this morning. It outlines their rigorous testing of the first prototype on a few stages of the Welsh Rally. This is making news in Wales, thanks to Aston Martin announcing a new factory in the Vale of Glamorgan. Their main plant in Warwickshire is running at full capacity building the Vantage and DB11, so a new team has been assembled for the DBX. It involves countless hours of simulation that will be followed by flogging the test mules from the Arctic to the Arabian desert. Aimed at a wide audience, it will be able to carve out impressive times at the track while being able to tow your boat on the weekend. CEO Andy Palmer also mentioned the new factory will be centered around an electric future. No mention of the powertrain, but we'll keep you informed as the DBX approaches a planned launch in late 2019. Tell us your thoughts on it and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680"> Related: Aston Martin's New Factory Ready For 2019 Production DBS Superleggera vs Mercedes-AMG GT R Drag Race Aston Martin DBS 59 Celebrates Historic LeMans Victory

By Andrew Nabors – July 12, 2018

Aston Martin Unleashed A V8 Cygnet At Goodwood

Yes, you read that correctly. As if we needed another example of their abilities, the master coachbuilders at Q by Aston Martin have shoved a V8 into their smallest car. The Cygnet is a city car, the likes of Smart or Mini. It is only sold in a few markets where cars are taxed by weight and engine size. So normally, the Cygnet is a Toyota iQ with amazing leather and a wild 97 horsepower.As such, the public didn't truly accept the 1.3L Cygnet with open arms. It was a limited run project, but since it wears the Aston Martin badge, it is subject to any modifications the Q division can dream of. Now that V8 engines are supplied by Mercedes-AMG, a leftover 4.7L from the previous Vantage needed a forever home.Aston Martin Launches New 2018 Vantage ConfiguratorIn a press release this morning, we've learned that a curious Cygnet owner asked what Q could do for him, and as always, they answered with "Anything". So the car was stripped down to the cockpit and rebuilt on a tube-frame chassis. To this, the front and rear suspensions from the previous Vantage were attached. I guess you could still call the transmission rear-mounted, but the torque tube is only a few inches long. The diamond cut 19 x 9.5" rear wheels have 430 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque sent to 275/35 Bridgestone tires.Every aspect of this build is FIA compliant, down to the fire suppression system. It has two USB ports, Air Conditioning and Recaro seats covered in Alcantara. It reaches 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 170 mph. With a full tank, it weighs 3,031 lbs, with a center of gravity that is on-par with many race cars. Would you daily drive it? Tell us what you think in the comments below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=dzM9A_HkNL8

By Andrew Nabors – July 14, 2017

Chris Harris Reviews the Aston Martin DB11 on Top Gear

Last year at the Nashville Auto Show, our friends a Music City Motor Cars allowed me to put a few miles on the new Aston Martin DB11. It is a stunning departure from every Aston in recent history, and the change was long overdue. The turbos are perfectly sized to the big V12, and that allows for torque in any situation. My experience was a late night run from the convention center back to the dealership in Brentwood, and the car was flawless in traffic and on the interstate.Also Check Out: Aston Martin Unveils V8 Powered DB11For a proper British review, you need Chris Harris and torrential rain. Such was the case in the latest upload from Top Gear. No matter how objective the show may be, it's an English show featuring an Aston Martin, so take it with a grain of salt. Adaptive suspension has three modes for comfort and performance, and they are controlled by a thumb button on the steering wheel. Powertrain response also offers three levels, also within easy reach. The interior is a clean-sheet design, borrowing Mercedes infotainment systems for a logical layout of controls. The chassis that supports it all is also all-new, doing away with the ancient VH architecture that was introduced on the first Vanquish in 2001. Chris mentions the size and width are larger than proper sports cars, making it a grand tourer. You might not believe it, but the DB11 is actually 10 inches longer and wider than a Corvette Z06. Rain soaked roads are boring if you have 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, so click here to find an Aston Martin DB11 for sale near you and experience it for yourself.

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2017

Aston Martin Vulcans Gather for Epic Track Day

Owning one of the world's rarest cars has some nice perks. The Vulcan from Aston Martin is the ultimate evolution of their 7.0 liter V12. It offers 800 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque to a sequential 6-speed transmission. Because of the extensive racing equipment and lack of pollution controls, it is not street legal. Owners must get permission from the factory before participating in any motorsports events. Only 24 examples were built, and each one had a price tag over $2 million dollars. Much of the engineering and production was done by Multimatic. Their innovative DSSV shocks are mounted on inboard suspension front and rear.Also Check Out: Ferrari F430 For SaleNeedless to say, it's a rare sight to see one in person, so catching a group of them is awe-inspiring. In a YouTube video uploaded by the manufacturer this morning, we are allowed a glimpse of the recent Vulcan gathering at the Circuit of the Americas. The only Formula 1 track in the US is located just outside Austin's City Limits and the world-class facility has been host to everything from V8 Supercars to MotoGP. Vulcan owners were treated like royalty, with food, Stetson hats, and racing rubber. If you would like to be part of the scene, we have new Aston Martin DB11 for sale, with street legal amenities. Stay with us for more Aston Martin event coverage.

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2017

Aston Martin Shoots Three-Foot Flames

Cars spitting flames isn't crazy nowadays, but an Aston Martin V8 Vantage shooting three-foot flames is.This insane English Aston Martin sports car was stumbled upon by YouTuber TheCarGuy18 in Belfast. In order to make the flames possible, it has a flame kit that purposefully dumps unburnt fuel into the rear of the exhaust, results in the massive flames. He notes in the description that this was filmed on private property and out of harm's way because frankly, this is a borderline weapon.What do you guys think of this mod? Is it cool, unsafe, or would you install one on your car? Let us know in the comments section below.Aston Martin Flamethrower

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2016

Aston Martin Racing Does Incredible Mannequin Challenge

The new Mannequin Challenge is taking the world by storm, just like the Harlem Shake did back in the day. While the hype for this new trend is strong right now, it will eventually die out just like ones before it. But for now, we get to enjoy the videos featuring eerily still people in random situations.(Related - 2018 Aston Martin Vantage's New Engine Heard for First Time)The one Mannequin Challenge that actually surprised me was the one created by Aston Martin Racing. During the Dia World Endurance Championship's 6 Hours of Bahrain, the entire AMR team got together for a spectacular video. From the pit crew to the engineers, they are all as still as a stone as the camera ventures through their paddock.Check out the video below and share your favorite Mannequin Challenge in the comments below!All Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2016

Jaw-Dropping Aston Martin Vulcan Sounds and Burnouts

To say that Aston Martin's Vulcan can spin its tires is an understatement. In the best footage of the supercar we have seen so far, the Vulcan was fitted with racing rubber to attack the Goodwood hill climb. Uploaded earlier today by Marchettino, the 7.0L V12 sounds like nothing else on earth. Since the Vulcan was never intended to be street legal, the engine and exhaust are unencumbered by noise or emissions regulations.(Also Watch - Aston Martin DB11 Chases Down Vulcan)Every time we watch a new Vulcan video we find something else to love about the car. Vulcan's composites are crafted by Multimatic, the same wizards responsible for the new Ford GT. Not only are the intakes, heat extractors, and cam covers made of the wonder material; but every component is mirror imaged down the center of the body. Also, this is the best view of the taillights in action, and its as close as most of us will ever be. The 800hp supercar spins completely through 1st and chirps 2nd gear for Queen and Country. The exhaust audio is just as stunning as the visual, so turn up the volume and watch the tires become part of the atmosphere.View Vulcans For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 05, 2016

Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Spied Going Hard on Nurburgring

The Aston Martin Vantage GT12 is set to be the fastest, most powerful road-going car the manufacturer will produce this year. It comes packing a 6.0-liter V12 that's capable of producing 600 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque.The English automaker will only 100 examples of this car, making it a rare sight when seen. That what makes cvdzijden's video, found below, so special.2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Specs Price: $385,000 Engine: 5.9-liter V12 Horsepower: 600 hp 0–60: 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 185 mph Transmission: automated manual Sportshift III Torque: 461 lb-ft He was recently visiting Nurburgring when he saw one of the 100 GT12s testing its capabilities in a brutal manner. He recorded the event and uploaded it for us all to enjoy. In the video below you can hear the car and boy does it sound like a dream.Listen to the video below to see what I mean.V12 Vantages For Sale

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