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 Edward Jones – November 23, 2015

Only Aston Martin Vulcan in USA and Where to See It

Halley’s Comet and Comet Hale-Bopp are both “once-in-a-lifetime” events. This time, we are going to keep it more grounded.There is only one Aston Martin Vulcan in the USA and you will have one chance over two days to see it, only at Cleveland Motorsports.Cleveland Motorsports is the Midwest’s premier luxury and sports vehicle auto dealership, and events like the Black Friday Vulcan Experience keep it that way. The event will take place Black Friday Weekend (November 27th through 28th) at the North Olmsted-based luxury dealership. General Manager Michael Thomas will be on hand to discuss Aston Martin and the Vulcan model throughout the weekend.The Aston Martin Vulcan, specifically created as a track-only supercar, performs with an unbelievable 800-plus horsepower from a 7-liter V12 engine. This noticeable upgrade from the Aston Martin One-77 features specifications that far outclass the current FIA GTE competition.The Vulcan, named after the Roman god of fire, will be quite a hot commodity; only 24 vehicles are expected to be made at a $2.3 million price point, but only one will be near you.Head to Cleveland Motorsports in North Olmsted, OH on Friday, November 27th and Saturday, November 28th to catch a glimpse of automotive history.View Inventory Article provided by Cleveland Motorsports

By Caitlin Duffy – November 12, 2015

Aston Martin Vulcan's VMax Run, On-Board Air Jacks

The Vulcan has been active over the past few days, and as a video from Aston Martin and Tweet from Aston Martin's Director of Special Projects and Motorsport show, it's living up to its Roman name.At the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show, guests were treated to a display of the Vulcan's on-board air jacks, a feature that assists in track-side maintenance of the supercar at races. The 811 hp racer houses a 7.0-liter V12 under its hood, meaning it's capable of speeds in excess of 200 mph. When you hit those speeds, there's bound to be some damage to tires after a few laps, making quick and easy changes all the more important. Vulcan Vmax sign off at Nardo Italy. 204mph/328kmh & enough downforce to stick to the ceiling (in theory!) #Vulcan pic.twitter.com/VW9iRogny3 — David King (@dking17) November 12, 2015 Of course, they had to test out that top speed at least a few times. In a Tweet earlier today, David King, Director of Special Projects and Motorsport show, shared a photo of the Vulcan. In a run around the Nardo Ring in Italy, King says the Vulcan hit a top speed of 204 mph, with, in theory, "enough downforce to stick to the ceiling."We'll have to wait and see if there's any on-board footage of this Vmax run; we hope it comes soon. In the mean time, check out the air jacks below, then find your own Aston Martin from our exclusive listings.Aston Martins For Sale (via Twitter, YouTube) See More Aston Martin News

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2015

Breathtaking Sounds of the Aston Martin Vulcan's V12 Engi...

Aston Martin, I beg of you, please produce more hypercars like the Vulcan.Why? For starters, it comes with a massive, naturally-aspirated, 7.0-liter V12 engine that produces over 811 hp, and it sounds downright ferocious when unleashed on the track.Don't believe me? Thankfully, Marchettino filmed a Vulcan taking on the Misano World Circuit during the Ultracar Sports Club track event. In the video, uploaded Oct. 13, the sounds of the Vulcan's V12 are on full display. Not only do we get to hear the engine at idle, but also when it's ripping down the straight of the circuit.And by ripping, I mean flying at full-throttle; the sense of speed in this video is unreal.You can see it below for yourself to get why the Vulcan should be more than a project car by Aston Martin.Aston Martin Listings (Source: YouTube) Aston Martin Videos, News and Pics

By Caitlin Duffy – October 05, 2015

Aston Martin Vulcan Meets Vulcan V Bomber Jet

The Vulcan moniker is officially transitioning from the sky to the ground, but before passing the torch, the two feats of engineering had a day on the airstrip together.The Vulcan XH558 is the last airworthy Avro Vulcan still in operation, marking the end of an era for British engineering. It'll be flying its final flight this October, and as an Oct. 2 press release from Aston Martin shares, one of its final fly-by moments was at the Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, England, with the Aston Martin Vulcan sitting on the tarmac.“Clearly the Avro Vulcan provided the inspiration for the naming of our most extreme sports car," Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer, said in the release, "and I’m delighted that we have been able to unite the ‘two Vulcans’ and deliver our own tribute to this world-renowned aeronautical phenomenon.”The Vulcan XH558 is currently operated by the charitable trust Vulcan To The Sky, but when it's retired at the end of this month, the 1950s British V bomber will become the centerpeice in Robin Hood Airport's educational Vulcan Aviation Academy & Heritage Center. The Aston Martin Vulcan is a fitting creation to carry on the the Vulcan name. The 811+ hp race car is limited to just 24 examples, making it both extraordinarily powerful and rare. It signals the beginning of a new design and engineering era for the marque, much like how the Vulcan bomber signaled a new era of aeronautical engineering. Operated by the Royal Air Force between 1956 and 1984, it was the first successful delta wing strategic bomber. As Vulcan To The Sky's website describes, its design lead to the creation of the space shuttle and Concorde. (See Also: 5 Best Winter Driving Academies for 2015-2016)A video shared to YouTube by Aston Martin the same day they issued the release shows the moment the Vulcan passed by the Vulcan, in a striking black and white appearance. Check it out above, then find your own Aston Martin from our exclusive listings.Aston Martins For SaleGallery (Source: Aston Martin, YouTube, Vulcan To The Sky) See More Aston Martin News

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2015

Aston Martin Vulcan's Lap Around Goodwood and Burnouts

Over the weekend, the Aston Martin Vulcan was unleashed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015. This event takes place at the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England where cars from around the world and from every generation partake in the annual hill climb.(Related: Koenigsegg Regera & One:1 Driving at Goodwood)The Vulcan put on a great show while completing the hill climb, giving spectators a chance to witness the raw power that its 7.0-liter V12 engine can produce. How much power were they seeing? 811 hp.Below is a video of the Vulcan taking on the hill climb, uploaded to YouTube June 27, performing burnouts and spitting flames along the way. Clearly, the new supercar wasn't out to set track records, but instead put on a great show. See what I mean by watching the video below.(Source: YouTube) More Aston Martin News

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