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 – June 21, 2021

2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato For Sale - #87 of 99

Presented by Motor Cars LA - It was all the way back in 2016 that Aston Martin unveiled the Vanquish Zagato Concept car. When revealed, it was met with praise from all who saw it. Shortly thereafter, the production of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato was announced. What you see for sale here is one of those examples. To be a bit more exact, it’s #87 out of the 99 examples that were created. Finished in Scorching Black with a Spicy Red leather interior, this Vanquish Zagato is the epitome of an elegant luxury sports car. The red is a wonderful contrast to the black exterior, thanks to the brake calipers and the truly unique taillights. Inside features a predominately red interior with black trim, which is a perfect mirror of the exterior. The red and black color combo on this specific model is breathtaking. You can learn more about this ultra rare Aston Martin by clicking the button below. View Price and Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2021

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster vs. DBX

Max & Martijn are at it again! The best Aston Martin action vids come from one team. AutoTopNL is based in the Netherlands, and they somehow have access to the world's most exclusive exotic cars for sale. Their hottest models for 2022 are powered by a Mercedes-AMG 4-liter V8 that is also found in the AMG GT R. The DBX has the advantage of AWD, but that incurs a weight penalty compared to the svelte Vantage roadster. The transmission's shift strategy is timed well, and the Vantage can be ordered with a 7-speed stick shift. Tell us which Aston Martin appeals to you in the comments below and stay with us for all your Autobahn videos. Shop Aston Martin DBX Shop Aston Martin Vantage

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2021

Aston Martin V12 Speedster Will Arrive in DBR1 Spec

We're at a loss for words. We don't know how automakers can keep such powerful projects undercover. A new Aston Martin V12 Speedster is coming soon, and it pays homage to their 1959 season. It was the gorgeous DBR1 driven by Carroll Shelby that inspired future generations of Aston Martin fans. Nothing was left to chance on this new speedster. A new shade of British Racing Green requires no less than 50 hours in the spray booth. The dark 21" wheels receive 690 horsepower and 555 torque from their newly revised twin-turbo V12. No windshield is offered, just two helmets. You will need them, as 60 mph arrives 3.4 seconds. A top speed of 198 mph is enough for us, and you can experience it for $950,000. Browse Aston Martin For Sale Images (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

Three Aston Martin Vantage Teams Are Competing For The GT...

The latest Vantage dominates the track! If you need a potent race car that also makes sense on the street, a 2022 Aston Martin Vantage for sale is a fine decision. Powered by the finest Mercedes-AMG V8, it has 536 horsepower and 516 torque on tap. It is built with certain top-secret Aston Martin internals that make it capable of being backed by a manual transmission on the street, and that's the only way you can experience AMG with three pedals. If you remember back, it was the inspiration for the Vantage F1 edition. The six races of this year's GTE series will begin on May 1st in Portugal, and we will have full coverage of it here. Click the button to see what makes the Vantage unlike anything else, and why it needs to be your daily driver. Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Image (C) Aston Martin

By Edward Jones – April 15, 2021

Aston Martin Newport Beach's Pastel Collection Revealed

The perfect springtime collection. Just in time for Spring, Aston Martin Newport Beach's new Pastel Collection has been revealed. This collection was created in cooperation with Q by Aston Martin and it took over a year of collaborating from start to finish. What we love about the collection is that it consists of five unique paint colors that are on five different models, so each vehicle in the colleciton is... very unique. Here's what's in the collection: Vantage Coupe - Ultra VioletVantage Roadster - Cardamom VioletDB11 Coupe - Butterfly TealDB11 Volante - Clear WaterDBX - Vibrant Coral You can see the entire collection for yourself in the gallery down below. Which one if your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. If you happen to be looking for an Aston Martin to add to your collection, be sure to click the button below to see what's currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Instagram/@astonmartinamericas

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

Aston Martin Racing Aims For European Domination

Vantage GT4 & GTE look unstoppable It's going to be an epic weekend for Aston Martin Racing. Garage 59 has returned to defend their Pro-Am title by fielding two examples of the Vantage GT3. Behind the wheel will be Alexander West, Chris Goodwin, and AMR driver Jonny Adam. Power is supplied by Mercedes-AMG, who massaged their 4-liter V8. This lightweight beast replaces the V12 Vantage GT3, but it can't replace that car's thunderous soundtrack. The closest to a pure race car is the new Vantage F1 Edition. Racing for the GT4 championship, six cars are looking to be in contention. Because the GT4 rules are more of a departure from the street-legal Vantage GTE, it is nice to see them unchained. The purest form of Aston Martin Racing pushes aerodynamics and cooling systems to their max, so tell us which Vantage you would drive in the comments below and click the button to find one for yourself. Browse Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Images (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2021

Sebastian Vettel Embraces a New Beginning With the Aston ...

Formula 1 fans have another reason to celebrate Six decades ago Aston Martin decided to abandon their F1 program. Now with a resurgence in their sales and popularity, Sebastian Vettel is embracing a new beginning with the Aston Martin DBX. The most practical model they have ever offered is arguably the most fun. We see the 4x World Champion traversing the frozen north, allowing the 4-liter V8 to make use of the cool air. Many enthusiasts don't realize why the DBX sounds so familiar until they pop the hood. The twin-turbo masterpiece is built by hand at Mercedes-AMG. It is a cousin to what's offered in every new G63 for sale, and it has been tuned to offer 542 horsepower and 516 torque. Because that torque is offered from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm, the DBX is brute strength wearing velvet gloves. Aston Martin has entered a new market and knocked the ball out of the park. Even if you aren't looking for a new family hauler you are doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing one. So click the button for the ride of a lifetime. Browse Aston Martin DBX For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2021

Hackett London Continues Aston Martin Partnership, Launch...

Aston Martin has announced that Hackett London has renewed their long-term partnership up until 2024. Aston Martin and Hackett London are continuing their partnership which started all the way back in 2004. What's more, this partnership now includes the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team. That means Hackett London will be the official travel wear and officewear supplier for the team and will even outfit Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll. To start off this new chapter between the two brands, Hackett London is launching the Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection for Spring Summer 2021. This collection will include a range of men's clothing that revolves around a passion for the automotive world and motorsports. Items within the collection include polos, gilets, windbreakers, sweat pants and more. The Spring Summer 2021 Aston Martin Racing by Hackett collection is available now at Hackett.com. Also be sure to check out the new Porsche 911 GT3 apparel collection.

By Andrew Nabors – March 22, 2021

Aston Martin Unveils Vantage F1 Edition

More power and new suspension tuning will improve your lap times! Six decades ago, Aston Martin decided to leave Formula 1 racing. Now that they've returned, a new Vantage has been long overdue. Aston Martin has unveiled the Vantage F1 Edition with 25 additional horsepower. Now with 535 hp under the bonnet, the suspension and aerodynamics were also dialed up. Torque from the AMG 4-liter is unchanged at 505 lb-ft, but it is available across a wider rpm range. To create the ultimate street-legal Aston Martin, the springs, shocks and sway bars are all-new. Rolling on 21" forged wheels, Pirelli developed a propretary tread for this beast. Suspension mounting points have been reinforced and braces were added to the steering gear. The only potential gripe is that this car is only offered with the 8-speed automatic. The ZF box sends power to a 2.93 differential in order to keep rpm low at cruising speeds. The body is essentially the same as the F1 Safety Car we first saw in Bahrain, and the upgrades have added 440 lbs of downforce. Pricing starts at the equivalent of $193,494 with deliveries slated for the Summer. If this is where Aston Martin is heading, sign us up! Shop Aston Martin Vantage Images (C) Aston Martin

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

Aston Martin Teases Something New For March 22

Almost five years ago we were thrilled to see the Vantage evolve into a track missile, so could it happen again? Social Media is buzzing because Aston Martin has teased something new for March 22nd. The AMR lineup consists of their performance-minded cars at an easier price-point. Some of the sensibilities are withheld to keep weight down and a manual transmission is standard equipment. If I had to guess, we are looking at the silhouette of the 2022 Vantage AMR Pro. This year's Vantage offers 503 horsepower through a seven-speed dog-leg. You also have 505 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm thanks the 4-liter V8. The twin-turbo engine is built by AMG and this is the only way you can have it with three pedals. Could this new car have more power from the Black Series? Anything is possible, so check out these great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. View All Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Image (C) Aston Martin

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