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 – April 10, 2020

Aston Martin Going All-Out on PPE for Frontline Workers

Aston Martin is joining the worldwide effort to provide frontline healthcare workers with the necessary PPE they so desperately need. First, they're working with the Manufacturing Technology Center (MTC) to create a new respiratory protection device. This will act as a shield that goes over a patient's upper-body during procedures. Well, they were working on this until they finalized the product which is now being trialed at the Royal London Hospital. Aston Martin is also producing around 150 protective visors each week, through their 3D printing technology. In addition to all of this, the British automaker received a direct request to create protective gowns from hospitals near their headquarters in Warwickshire. They have since submitted a sample gown to the NHS and are aiming to start production next week. Oh, you thought they were done? Not even close. Volunteer technicians and back-office staff at Aston Martin Works are also offering emergency vehicle repairs for free to the NHC staff at the local hospital. Bravo, Aston Martin!

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2020

New Aston Martin Factory is Ready for Production

While production is on hold throughout the civilized world, the Aston Martin DBX is poised to be the world's most luxurious SUV. To raise the bar in terms of quality and quantity, the ancient plant at Gaydon was not suitable. So after years of converting an RAF base into an outstanding assembly plant, the new Aston Martin factory is ready for production. Located in St. Athan, Wales, it will be up and running as soon as the virus threat is over. This plant is dedicated to the DBX and has added 750 jobs to the local economy. Their goal is to deliver a hand-built SUV powered by a 542 horsepower 4.0L AMG V8. It sends 616 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Mercedes-AMG also supplies the infotainment systems and the 9-speed transmission, signaling a new age of cooperation between the brands. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

Aston Martin Valkyrie Finally Ventures on the Highway

I love my Chevrolets, but they don't have a Royal Warrant. This proclamation allows a choachbuilder to test and engineer vehicles to the quality of Her Majesty. As such, Aston Martin invoked their accolades to hammer the Valkyrie on English highways. Behind the driver is a Cosworth. Not just any, they were given a blank check to beat their rivals. Red Bull racing inspired them to build a carbon fiber masterpiece. As Cosworth and Rimac joimed forces, we are looking at the most potent V12 hybrid on the market. Given a weight of 2,271 lbs, this is uncharted territory. Tell us what you think of the Valkyie in the comments and stay with us for all our Aston Martin news. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 04, 2020

Aston Martin V12 Speedster Revealed: Two Seats and 700 HP

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12Horsepower: 700 hpTorque: 555 lb-ft0 to 62 mph: 3.5 secondsTop Speed: 186 mphPrice: $980,000 A new open-top, V12 experience is here thanks to the newly unveiled Aston Martin V12 Speedster. Only 88 examples of this new model are planned to be created, each of them coming with a powerful heart and plenty of luxury to go around the two seats. For the V12 Speedster, Aston Martin took inspiration from multiple cars, including the 1959 DBR1, CC100 Speedster Concept and 1953 DB3S. In the cockpit, there are two seats, no roof and no screen-- this as exciting as drives get. That being said, we're talking about Aston Martin and that means the driver and passenger will be welcomed by a luxury environment. Satin carbon fiber, Saddle leather and aluminum work together as stylish materials to create a stunning interior. However, Aston Martin did make the interior as lean as possible, removing the traditional glovebox and replacing it with a removable leather bag. See All Aston Martin DB11 for Sale As the name suggests, there's a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine residing underneath the hood. This engine produces 700 hp and 555 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine is a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Aston Martin says the V12 Speedster is capable of running 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited). Aston Martin has unveiled the V12 Speedster with a very unique F/A-18 livery, inspired by the fighter jet. Nods to the car's inspiration can be found on the doors, door sill and even the center element that runs between the driver and passenger. The Aston Martin V12 Speedster price is set at around $980,000. Expect deliveries to start around the first quarter of 2021. USED LUXURY CARS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2020

3 Aston Martin Valkyries Tested by Formula One Drivers

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is now another step closer to production after three examples have undergone further testing at Silverstone. Driving the test cars was none other than Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, both of whom are racing drivers for Red Bull Racing. As for the Valkyries, these were actually verification prototypes numbers one, two and three. There are a total of eight planned for production and each of them will undergo rigorous testing. The purpose of these cars is to validate specific attributes so Aston Martin can accomplish their goal of creating the "world's fastest ever road-going hypercar." " width="680"> Luxury Sports Cars for Sale Max Verstappen had this to say about the experience: “I was here at Silverstone to watch the first runs of the Aston Martin Valkyrie at the British Grand Prix last year but of course it’s always better to be behind the wheel yourself, and to be one of the first guys to drive an insane car like this was really exciting. It was amazing to get a first taste of it”. Alex Albon was also very excited to get behind the wheel as well: “It was incredibly exciting to have this opportunity to drive the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the first thing that struck me was the visual aspect – it looks awesome! It also really feels like a racing car. Max had a go before me, so the anticipation was building, and to get a chance to drive it was really special." SEE ALL ASTON MARTINS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – January 31, 2020

Billionaire Lawrence Stroll Invests $239 Million in Aston...

Aston Martin has reportedly sold a 16.7% stake to billionaire Lawrence Stroll, according to AutoCar.co.uk. The amount he invested equates to around $239 million USD and it's part of an investment package that's around $660 million. Autocar detailed some of the key points of the deal. As part of this deal, Stroll will become Aston Martin chairman while Andy Palmer will stay on as CEO. They also report that cutbacks to jobs and costs will follow. Interestingly enough, specific model production timing was announced: the Valkyrie will launch this year and the Valhalla will follow. Aston Martin will suspend the Electric RapidE project and delay the Lagonda launch until 2025. Furthermore, Stroll's "Racing Point" F1 team will now be rebranded as Aston Martin from 2021. Who is Lawrence Stroll? He's a Canadian billionaire who has a net worth of around $2.6 billion according to Forbes. He has also invested in fashion companies like Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. His last name may be familiar to you and that's because his son, Lance Stroll, races in Formula One. Source: AutoCar.co.uk

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2020

Terry Crews Drives Jay Leno in an Aston Martin DB11

There is no doubt that Jay Leno has driven almost every make & model. Thanks to his tenure in late-night TV, he also has great skills interviewing celebrities. Last week he rode shotgun in Robert Herjavec's Countach, and this week his guest is a true Renaissance Man. From acting to art, former NFL linebacker Terry Crews drives Jay Leno in an Aston Martin DB11. Check Out The Cars In Jay Leno's Collection Having driven several examples myself, I can empathize with his excitement. If you want to experience the same emotions, click the link below to find our Aston Martin Dealer Near you. Browse All Aston Martin DB11 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Aston Martin DB11 Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 08, 2020

Aston Martin Announces 2021 V12 Speedster

With Daytona Speedweeks ramping up, it is a time to celebrate cars that have changed the sport of motor racing. The year was 1959 and the race was the 24 hours of LeMans. The Aston Martin DBR1 took home the trophy for Queen & Country. To remind the world of what they are capable of, Aston Martin has announced the 2021 V12 Speedster. Limited to only 88 cars, this open-cockpit rocket also has influences from the CC100 Speedster Concept seen below. Under the bonnet, you will find their 5.2L twin-turbo V12. Browse All Aston Martin for sale The press release predicts an output of 690 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Essentially a de-tuned engine from the DBS Superleggera, power was dialed back to keep this featherweight safe on the street. Your local dealer is ready to order yours, so act fast. Click the button above to find out more and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. " width="680"> Related: Jay Leno Drives the Aston Martin DB11 AMR Aston Martin Valkyrie: Price, Specs & Pics

By Andrew Nabors – January 06, 2020

Jay Leno Drives the Aston Martin DB11 AMR

As you are reading this, Aston Martin is preparing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Fans of the iconic brand are usually aware of their dominance in racing, but it hasn't translated into U.S.-spec models- until now! That's why we're glad to see Jay Leno drive the Aston Martin DB11 AMR. Under the bonnet is a 630 horsepower V12 offering 516 lb-ft of torque. Essentially it is a detuned powertrain from their DBS Superleggera, and we're ok with that. The chassis has received stiffer polyurethane bushings, and engineers worked to move the engine and transmission closer to the center of gravity. View Jay Leno's Car Collection This all translates into a perfect blend of luxury and performance. Click the button below to find your Aston Martin DB11 for sale and stay with us for all your AMR updates. Browse All Aston Martin DB11 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2019

Aston Martin and Airbus Corporate Helicopters Team Up for...

Aston Martin and Airbus Corporate Helicopters have announced a new partnership that will combine the automotive and aeronautical worlds. The first product of this new partnership will be unveiled in early 2020. Both brands have been working closely to develop this first creation. “Applying our own automotive design principles in the aerospace world is a fascinating challenge and one that we are very much enjoying," said Aston Martin Lagonda Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman. "I’m looking forward to the reveal in the New Year so we can show everyone what we have accomplished together.” The unveiling of this new creation will take place in the French Alps on 3 January 2020. SEE ALL ASTON MARTINS FOR SALE

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