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 Jordan Aquistapace – August 18, 2021

Watch The New Aston Martin x Luca Guadagnino DBX Short Film

The Aston Martin DBX displays its true capabilities on and off-road through the Sicilian landscape. The Aston Martin DBX embodies the versatility of a Sport Utility Vehicle, while still incorporating track-inspired performance. Aston Martin is proud to announce its newest collaboration project with renowned Italian film director Luca Guadagnino. The short film released on the Aston Martin YouTube channel highlights the DBX’s journey through Sicily, Italy. MUST-READ: Sebastian Vettel Embraces a New Beginning With the Aston Martin DBX Behind the wheel of the 542-horsepower, Aston Martin DBX is Golden Globe winner and Emmy Award nominee British actor Josh O’Connor, best known for his role as Prince Charles in Netflix’s global hit ‘The Crown’. The Aston Martin x Luca Guadagnino film highlights the capabilities of the DBX, proving how well the vehicle performs in all settings. Watch the Aston Martin x Luca Guadagnino short film by clicking the link above. View all Aston Martin DBX’s for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Aston Martin DBX For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2021

Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider Unveiled: As Close to Drivin...

The most extreme open-air experience Aston Martin offers. After being teased, the new Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider has been unveiled and it promises to provide an experience that's as close to Formula 1 as it gets on the road. Like the original coupe Valkyrie, the Valkyrie Spider is powered by a hybrid V12 powertrain that provides 1139 horsepower. While the powertrain remains the same, the carbon fiber structure, aerodynamics, and active chassis systems have all been revised for the Valkyrie Spider. All of these changes were designed to reduce weight and ensure that the Valkyrie Spider provides optimal aerodynamics. Aston Martin most definitely fulfilled their goals because this hypercar can generate 3,086 lbs of downforce at 149 mph. As for top speed, it can reach over 205 mph with the roof removed and over 217 when the roof is on. The roof itself is a removable carbon fiber panel that latches onto the tub at the rear and to the windshield surround at the front. It also features two polycarbonate roof windows that are hinged on the sides. One other change that you'll notice in the gallery below is that the doors are not front-hinged dihedral ones. If you'd like to see the new Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider for yourself, it will be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance by invitation only. See All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Gabriel Vega – August 05, 2021

Aston Martin Has 2 Big Surprises for Pebble Beach Concour...

Get ready for a global reveal and U.S. debut. Over the last 70 years, Aston Martin has given the American market some of the best-looking sports cars we've ever seen. Before James Bond was seen driving around his now-iconic DB5 in 'Goldfinger', Aston Martin had already won the 24 Hours of Le Mans a few years prior. As a result, the British carmaker is no stranger to style or motorsport. To celebrate its 70th anniversary in the American market, Aston Martin has decided to bring two significant surprises to this year's 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The first will be a global reveal, a brand-new model we have never seen before. The second will be the 2023 Aston Martin Valhalla. While this supercar recently made its official debut in Europe, it hasn't been shown in North America. As a quick reminder, the Valhalla utilizes a 4.0-liter V8 engine built by AMG and will be limited to a total production run of 999 units. If you want to see this global debut before the masses, you'll need a VIP ticket to the Aston Martin Club 1913 clubhouse. That's because the British carmaker plans to unveil its new car on August 12th. Aside from its latest models, Aston Martin also plans to display one of its ultra-rare V12 Speedster models as well as a DB5 Goldfinger Continuation model, one of just 25 ever built. If you want to drive around like Bond during this year's Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance, make sure to check out duPont REGISTRY's wide selection of available ultra-rare Astons, ranging from a 1964 DB5 for $795,000 to a 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato for $599,999. See All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – July 29, 2021

Santan Dave and Stormzy Takeover Aston Martin Headquarters

All for the recent "Clash" music video. If you happened upon the recent "Clash" music video from Santan Dave and Stormzy, you may have noticed the filming location. Why? Because it was filmed at Aston Martin facilities in Gaydon and Silverstone. At the headquarters in Gaydon, the two rappers walk through the customer inspection line. Then, they travel to their Silverstone facility where they take the wheel of both a DBS and V12 Speedster. Santan Dave said: “I’m extremely grateful to Aston Martin who couldn’t have been more of a pleasure to collaborate with on this video. It’s only right to showcase such an iconic British brand and such beautiful design alongside this moment.” You can see the music video for yourself up above by clicking play. See All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 22, 2021

The Top Discovered on dR This Week

This week's most unique finds for sale discovered on duPont REGISTRY. Recently, We created Discovered on dR as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the rare and unique finds listed on duPont REGISTRY. Today, we have compiled a list of the best Discovered on dR vehicles available for sale on duPont REGISTRY this week. Click any of the links below for more information on the current listings. 2015 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CReXfEarH3d/ View Listing 2021 Aston Martin DBX⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRXOu7WNVWO/ View Listing 2020 McLaren Speedtail⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRkGsOvBt0n/ View Listing 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRhJyfVBg9k/ View Listing 2020 Audi R8 ⁠5.2 V10 Performance https://www.instagram.com/p/CRW24uAtf4E/ View Listing 2006 Dodge Charger⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRjMenItozR/ View Listing 1969 Dodge Daytona https://www.instagram.com/p/CRhh483LmPj/ View Listing 2021 McLaren 765LT https://www.instagram.com/p/CRjuz8sFey2/ View Listing 1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT⁠ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRg2FGUtWC5/ View Listing 1993 Jaguar XJ220 https://www.instagram.com/p/CRY5TMONUN2/ View Listing For more News, Check out The GearBox: Electrified McLaren Artura Apparel & Accessories

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 21, 2021

Discover Aston Martin's All-New Virtual Vehicle Configurator

Design your dream Aston Martin to the smallest detail with the brand's new virtual configurator. With supercars becoming much more customizable from the factory to fit a customer's wants and needs, manufacturers are taking a swing at modernizing virtual configurators. Aston Martin is proud to announce its new virtual product configurator featuring its line of performance luxury vehicles. The new Aston Martin configurator is simply laid out and organized for an easy-to-use user experience. For customers who wish to create a unique Aston Martin, the configurator also offers a full suite of personalization, including unique options and an extensive selection of paints, leathers, and alcantaras. Offering immersive 3D Ultra High Definition environments, the Aston Martin configurator provides customers with the ability to zoom in on the fine details of the car, which can then be viewed in a cinematic video that clearly shows the full exterior and interior specification chosen. A choice of beautiful backdrops, from a studio environment to real locations helps customers visualize their perfect car. MUST-READ: Aston Martin Valhalla: Production Version and Specs Revealed This new, streamlined customer journey can even pick up the exact specification of a car that a customer has seen in an advertisement, recreating the exact look of the selected car. The configurator is designed to engage, excite and enable the brand’s customers, wherever they are in the purchase journey. At any point in the online process, they will be able to switch to personal interaction and schedule an online session with their local dealer who can assist with their configuration. Customers and fans can download a personalized brochure of their configuration, share their favorite configurations to social media and also choose to book a test drive at any point in the process. Discover the all-new Aston Martin Configurator by clicking the link below. Aston Martin Configurator https://www.instagram.com/p/CRlH6bcrlEf/

By Edward Jones – July 15, 2021

Aston Martin Valhalla: Production Version and Specs Revealed

Aston Martin's new supercar is finally here. The production version of the mindblowing Aston Martin Valhalla has finally been unveiled and it's proved to be worth the wait. Categorized as a supercar by Aston Martin, the automaker is placing this one just below the Valkyrie which they describe as a hypercar. That being said, the Valhalla's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine and twin E-motor powertrain produce a wild 937 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. With that power and a targeted dry weight of 3,417 lbs, the Valhalla will be able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 mph. Aston Martin is also aiming for a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of just 6:30. Mated to the engine is an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission with a new paddle-shift gearbox that's been designed specifically for hybrids. The powertrain is also equipped with an e-reverse and an electronic limited-slip differential. Ralph Illenberger, Head of Powertrain Engineering said: “Valhalla is our first opportunity to really show what we are capable of in a true production sense. We have created our own bespoke air-to-air charge-cooled, flat-plane crank V8 engine and have combined it with a powerful hybrid system. And, of course, we also have our own bespoke Dual Clutch Transmission - a first for Aston Martin and an essential component both for Valhalla and future Aston Martin models. The result is a truly world-class powertrain for an efficient, ultra-performing supercar.” Aston Martin will be offering the Valhalla supercar in both left-hand and right-hand drive, the first series production mid-engined supercar from the automaker to be available with this feature. As for when delivered will begin or an official price, that has yet to be officially revealed by the automaker. Be sure to stay with us for more information regarding the Aston Martin Valhalla as it's released. See All Supercars For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2021

Two Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12s For Sale at O'Gara Coach B...

Two examples of the flagship DB11 are looking for new owners. Aston Martin unveiled the new DB11 AMR model back in 2018 as the new flagship model for the exciting DB11 range. With an additional 30 horsepower, for a total of 630 hp, this model is a powerhouse. What's more, it features a slew of other upgrades like a refined chassis, recalibrated shift for the transmission, enhanced exhaust note, and plenty of visual treatments. For sale right now at O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills are two examples of the 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR, each powered by a V12 engine. One is finished in Zaffire Blue over Obsidian Black and the other is Onyx Black over Obsidian Black. With more electric cars and smaller turbocharged engines coming out, V12-powered automobiles like these two are going to be harder and harder to come by. If you are a fan of big and loud V12 engines, then you ought to check these two out. You can see them both right down below. 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12 Coupe in Zaffire Blue View Price and Listing 2020 Aston Martin DB11 AMR V12 Coupe in Onyx Black View Price and Listing

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2021

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Unveiled As 1,000 HP Race Car

This new hypercar follows no rules. Meet the new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, a new hyper race car designed to take on Le Mans 24 Hours. As the name suggests, it's an evolution of the Valkyrie road car but it does not abide by the rules of the road. The body features a slew of aerodynamic components that allow this new hypercar to create twice as much downforce when compared to the road car. Joining the aerodynamics in this new Aston Martin's pursuit for the fastest lap time is a revised powertrain. A modified version of the Cosworth 6.5-liter V12 will be powering the Valkyrie AMR Pro. Aston Martin decided to drop the hybrid system in order to drop the car's overall weight, so this will be a purely naturally-aspirated race car. In total, it will have around 1,000 bhp on tap. When all is said and done, Aston Martin says the new Valkyrie AMR Pro will lap the 24H Le Mans Circuit in just 3 minutes 20 seconds. Testing of the new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro will begin shortly. Deliveries are set to commence in Q4 2021. Source: Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2021

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

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

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