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 – October 24, 2022

Aston Martin x Felicity Jones Launch A New Campaign For T...

Aston Martin’s high-performance SUV has a new celebrity face. As luxury performance SUVs from all over the world begin to assume their magnified role as the heroes of many luxury automotive brands, they enter a highly innovative and highly competitive segment of the automotive industry, with each entrant into the category vying to be more powerful, more luxurious, and more stylish. Aston Martin’s DBX707 boasts an incredible 697 horsepower, and to help get the word out about its high-speed exploits, Aston Martin has enlisted the help of British actress Felicity Jones in its latest campaign. MUST READ: An Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Stunt Car Auctioned For $3.2 Million The new short film features the Jones delivering a monologue as the Aston Martin DBX 707 appears on screen showing off its world-class performance capabilities and classic British style. The car is finished in British Racing Green with sleek black accents and paired with the British celebrity appearance as well as the British setting for the production, the new campaign celebrates the heritage of the Aston Martin brand in its home country. The campaign has been launched on Aston Martin’s social media platforms and marks the start of the “Power.Driven.” slogan since the launch of Aston Martin’s new “Intensity.Driven.” brand identity earlier this year. View All Aston Martin DBXs For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 29, 2022

An Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Stunt Car Auctioned For $3...

The only history more iconic than Aston Martin’s or James Bond’s is the history of both together. Ever since the films first started to hit the big screen over 60 years ago, the glamorous, thrilling, and action-packed James Bond franchise has been one of the film industry’s most loved entities. The luxury and good taste of its titular main character are one of the most significant sources of appeal for the films, especially when it comes to cars. Because of the shared British heritage, one of the most frequently and iconically featured automotive brands in James Bond movies is Aston Martin. In fact, since the two brands came together, they have each been important to each other’s history. As James Bond celebrates its 60th anniversary, an Aston Martin DB5 stunt car featured in No Time To Die was sold at a special charity auction with Christie’s, catching a price of over $3.2 million. MUST READ: Danica Patrick Drives The Aston Martin Vulcan At Willow Springs On A New Episode Of Jay Leno’s Garage It’s one of eight that were built exclusively for the movie by Aston Martin, and it was sold alongside a 1981 Aston Martin V8 also featured in the movie, which was an iconic car in the UK and also a star in The Living Daylights. Following that, the auction also featured one of 25 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 007 Editions, designed to celebrate the important anniversary of the film franchise. For James Bond fans, there’s good news: while the live auction might be done, an online sale lasts until James Bond Day on October 5 when all kinds of movie paraphernalia will be available for sale. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 14, 2022

Danica Patrick Drives The Aston Martin Vulcan At Willow S...

Jay Leno and Aston Martin get Danica Patrick back on track. Danica Patrick, who is now retired from racing, had an incredible career as one of the most successful women in the sport. In her first appearance at the Indy 500, she was the first woman to lead the race, and her success as an Indycar and Nascar driver continued from there. However, her racing days are long gone, and her current pursuit is a winery that she is passionate about. But that doesn’t mean her skills are all gone, and if there’s one celebrity car enthusiast and one brand that are important enough to get Danica Patrick to suit up and drive again, it’s got to be Jay Leno and Aston Martin. MUST READ: Elon Musk's Car Collection Has Much More Than Just Teslas The car was the Aston Martin Vulcan, and the track was Willow Springs International Raceway in Southern California. Behind the wheel, Danica Patrick talked about the fact that she hasn’t been behind the wheel of a race car since 2018 but was nonetheless impressed by the Vulcan despite her retiring from racing to focus on the winery that she has owned since 2009. Leno comments on the fact that she’s still very skilled with the car and that the power and dynamism of the Vulcan can only be truly handled and appreciated by a professional. After this experience, Danica Patrick even said she would consider driving on the track more often again, and without a doubt, a seasoned driver like her would be welcome. View All Race Cars For Sale Source: YouTube/Jay Leno's Garage

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 22, 2022

The New Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster Is Revealed Wit...

This is the final hurrah for a very special type of car. Think about it: 12 cylinders of British performance power under the hood in front of you, and a roof that comes down to give you a truly exhilarating driving experience: what more could you want? That sounds like a dream car, and dream cars are Aston Martin’s specialty, which is why as the V12 engine slowly and painfully fades out of the car world, Aston Martin has given us the V12 Vantage Roadster, which is going to be one of the final and most incredible examples of the beloved engine, especially in convertible cars. MUST READ: The New Aston Martin DBR22 Celebrates 10 Years Of Aston Martin's Q Division Aston Martin has gone to lengths to make this one of its most special models ever, by limiting it to 249 examples, all of which were sold before release due to incredible demand, and also making it the first Vantage Roadster to feature its 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12, which produces a whopping 690 horsepower and 555 lb/ft of torque, and that makes it the most powerful Vantage Roadster ever. With a wide-body design, a 3.5-second 0-60 time, top speed of 200 mph, carbon ceramic brakes, and more unique attributes inside and out, this car is sure to be remembered for its beauty, performance, and its V12 power. Since all of the examples of the car have been sold already, Aston Martin says that deliveries are set to start at the end of this year, with production starting in Q3 2022. Its 249 lucky owners are about to experience a true automotive legend very soon. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 15, 2022

The New Aston Martin DBR22 Celebrates 10 Years Of Aston M...

When you have this kind of performance, who needs a roof? Aston Martin is looking forward to fair weather this Monterey Car Week, especially since its newly-announced car that will premiere at the event has no roof. That’s right, the new Aston Martin DBR22 is a car that pays homage to classic Aston Martin racers by sporting a completely open top. In doing so, it joins a growing list of vehicles that combine ultimate exclusivity and collectibility with high performance and open-air thrills. MUST READ: LEGO x James Bond 007 Debut A Life Size 357,954-Piece Aston Martin DB5 In London Like its peers including the Ferrari Monza and the McLaren Elva, the new Aston Martin DBR22 is an exclusive car available for a select group of Aston Martin customers. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of Aston Martin’s Q program, Aston Martin mentioned previously that its biggest-ever Monterey Car Week presence would include a celebratory new creation, and the new DBR22 is that. The car is the newest addition to a portfolio of special projects by the Q division, and it references classic open Aston Martin racers like the DBR1, which won Le Mans and the World Sports Car Championship in 1959, and the DB3S with its coachbuilt body with a minimal amount of panels for a smooth silhouette The entire design for the Aston Martin DBR22 blends classic driving and racing touches with contemporary performance. The interior features both timeless leather and modern exposed carbon fiber, and the carbon fiber grille features a design that is inspired by classic Aston Martins, and it sits in front of a 5.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine. What that engine provides is over 705 horsepower and 555 lb/ft of torque. With no windshield between the driver and the open air, 0-60 comes about in just 3.4 seconds and the top speed of the car is 198 mph. Blending Aston Martin’s cutting-edge performance technology and luxury with the brand’s rich and storied 109-year history resulted in the new DBR22, and it is truly something special. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 15, 2022

LEGO x James Bond 007 Debut A Life Size 357,954-Piece Ast...

Take a look at the super-sized James Bond minifigure and Blofeld’s cat, or get behind the wheel of a life-sized 007 Aston Martin DB5. In the world of Hollywood films, the James Bond 007 series stands out as one of the most thrilling and action-packed motion pictures in history. The super secret lifestyle of James Bond quickly captured the attention of millions, portraying a luxurious life of high-tech gadgets and performance cars. While the Aston Martin brand carries a significant amount of weight as a household name, the U.K. automotive manufacturer gained even more traction with the world’s best secret agent behind the wheel. The creative team at LEGO is proud to celebrate 60 years of James Bond 007 at the newly refurbished LEGO flagship store in London. With its first appearance as James Bond’s car of choice, the Aston Martin DB5 takes on an incognito appearance with tons of hidden features. MUST-READ: Aston Martin Is Revealing Two New Models At The 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Making LEGO and James Bond’s respective 90th and 60th anniversaries, the new exhibit displays life-size build replicas of 007 icons like the Aston Martin DB5. The incredibly meticulous build features a 357,954-piece construction and 2,286-pound total weight, which took more than 1,366 hours (or 57 days) to piece together. The build includes actual movie characteristics like an authentic rotating license plate, functional headlights, and other illuminating instruments. As part of James Bond’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, LEGO has released a new 007 Aston Martin DB5 Speed Champions model. View all current Aston Martin DB5 examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle and supercar news. VIEW ALL ASTON MARTIN DB5 FOR SALE Source: James Bond 007

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 01, 2022

Aston Martin Is Revealing Two New Models At The 2022 Pebb...

Pebble Beach is about to get a taste of Aston Martin’s redefined brand. After unveiling the brand’s new direction, Aston Martin proudly announced that it will have the strongest presence that it has ever had at the world-famous Pebble Becah Concours d’Elegance. The event is one of the most renowned and revered automotive events in the world, and year after year, the Concours brings together members of the highest echelon of automotive excellence, whether it’s ultra-rare classics, stunning one-offs, or concepts and new models from our favorite luxury and performance brands. MUST READ: Discover Aston Martin x Bowmore’s $75,000 ARC-52 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Limited to Only 100-Bottles Aston Martin Club 1913 was refreshed to match Aston Martin’s new brand identity, and the invitation-only clubhouse gives guests one of the best views of the entire show, overlooking the 18th fairway of the golf course, which in turn overlooks the beautiful Stillwater Cove. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be quite the celebration for Aston Martin, as the brand has announced that it plans to use the event as a backdrop for two new additions to its portfolio and that it will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Aston Martin’s Q bespoke service. To do so, Aston Martin will be showing off a new special, exclusive model that pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage and recent success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The other model that Aston Martin will reveal at the Concours is a performance model that encapsulates the brand identity of spirited, intense driving currently hallmarked by models like the DBX707 and outgoing V12 Vantage, and most markedly the Valkyrie hypercar. The model will be revealed at a private VIP event on the 19th of August, and will then be on view at Aston Martin Club 1913 by invitation. The brand will also be sharing the latest developments on the Valhalla supercar project, with the hybrid supercar set to be on display at Aston Martin Club 1913 for the first time with a new revised interior. Prospective owners will be able to test the seating position and the car’s F1-inspired interior sensibilities. The Valhalla will be limited to 999 examples, and it uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine in conjunction with two electric motors to produce 937 total system horsepower. Aston Martin’s refreshed brand is ready to spread its redesigned wings at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year, and the result is going to be spectacular. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 20, 2022

Aston Martin Redesigns Its Logo To Symbolize A New Era Fo...

One of the most iconic brands in British luxury is turning over a new leaf. Aston Martin is proudly announcing its entrance into a new era as a brand, and it’s most visibly refreshed by the creation of a new version of the brand’s iconic winged logo. As the brand has begun to introduce a new suite of vehicles that emphasizes uncompromising performance and racing capability like the Valkyrie hypercar, the DBX707 SUV, and the final edition of the V12 Vantage, the brand itself is being steered in a different direction, which is centered around the idea of “Intensity. Driven.” The change in the winged logo is subtle but shows a simplification of the design, reflecting the simple mission of Aston Martin cars to capture British luxury and performance. MUST READ: Discover Aston Martin x Bowmore’s $75,000 ARC-52 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Limited to Only 100-Bottles To be emblazoned on the latest generation of Aston Martin cars, the wings will be physically handcrafted in Birmingham’s jewelry quarter, marking the first update to the logo since 2003, and the eighth update to the logo in the brand’s long and storied 109-year history. For the French Grand Prix this weekend, Aston Martin’s Formula 1 team will display the new set of wings on its livery, and it will also feature the button logo of its original Grand Prix cars from 1922 on the nose of its cars. As Aston Martin shifts its brand into high gear, we’re glad to be along for the ride. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 23, 2022

Discover Aston Martin x Bowmore's $75,000 ARC-52 Islay Si...

The luxury beverage that incorporates inspiration from luxury British supercars. Expressing a sense of elegance and performance within its fleet of luxury vehicles, Aston Martin presents the same perfect balance that goes into a fine bottle of a single malt scotch whiskey. The idea is more than just a coincidence, being that Aston Martin currently holds an ongoing partnership with Bowmore Distillery. Since the relationship began in late November 2019, Aston Matin x Bowmore have released two special collaboration scotch and whiskey bottles. The dynamic duo is back with an aged recipe that blends both of the two categories, introducing the new limited-edition ARC-52 by Aston Martin x Bowmore. MUST-READ: Aston Martin Preps For Take Off With The New Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition ARC-52 brings together the deeply intriguing spirit of Bowmore and the ground-breaking visionary style of Aston Martin, resulting in a mature 52 year old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. The spirit pushes the limits of maturation whilst the decanter showcases cutting edge design and technology. The design of the bottle represents a futuristic take on whisky vessel design, merging natural and man-made shapes that balances on two points. The new limited-edition Bowmore x Aston Martin ARC-52 is limited to only 100-bottles and is currently available through an authorized retailer with a suggested retail price of $75,000. View all of the current Aston Martin models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and Aston Martin news. VIEW ALL ASTON MARTIN FOR SALE Source: Bowmore

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 06, 2022

3 Aston Martin Vantage GTEs Will Compete In The 2022 24 H...

Aston Martin vies for victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans race this weekend, 3 Aston Martin Vantage GTEs will be competing in the Am class, with an amazing recent GT record to uphold and grow. Since 2020, Aston Martin has been on the podium of every class it has entered in Le Mans, and it won two amazing victories in 2020. After 5 years of Le Mans participation with the Vantage GTE, the double victory in 2020 is still its most epic achievement, and Aston Martin hopes to top that this year. MUST READ: The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Will Debut At The Nürburgring 24 Hours With its race-developed version of the Vantage’s 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Vantage GTE has been a winning car throughout its career, however, its competition is plenty with 23 cars entering the GTE-Am category, which is a number equal to the record. 24 Hours of Le Mans serves as the third round of the WEC, coming after this year’s 1000 Miles of Sebring in March and 6 Hours of Spa in May. After Le Mans, which takes place at 4:00 PM CET on June 11, the championship goes to Monza, Japan, and finally Bahrain on November 12. View All Aston Martin Vantages For Sale Source: Aston Martin

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