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 Khris Bharath – August 09, 2025

Callum Designs Builds on the Vanquish 25: Envisions a Stu...

Back in May this year, we got a preview of the stunning Callum E-Type concept, a perfect blend of classic Jaguar ‘60s charm and a sleek modern design aesthetic. Now, the English designer is back with another showstopper: meet the Vanquish 25 Shooting Brake, a new twist on one of Aston Martin’s most iconic grand tourers, shared via a recent post on Instagram. For those unaware, Callum is one of the most influential automotive designers of all time, with a career spanning decades, including nearly 20 noteworthy years at Jaguar, reshaping the marque’s lineup through the 2000s and 2010s. He also penned the original Aston Martin Vanquish and came up with a timeless shape that balances aggressive sportiness with refined British elegance. The V12-powered Vanquish, of course, was Aston’s halo car of the era, and launched in 2001. It subsequently featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day the following year in ‘02. Fun fact: the green Jaguar XKR, seen in the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> is also a Callum design. Fast forward to more recent times, and Callum’s independent design firm decided to revisit the model with a modern-day take on the original. Dubbed Callum Vanquish 25, the limited commission restomod (25 examples) built by U.K.-based R-Reforged, first broke cover in 2019. Callum subsequently teased the Vanquish 25 Shooting Brake in 2023, and it builds upon that already-stunning coupe. Without a doubt, you can best appreciate this new form and profile from the side and rear ¾ views. Beyond the visual upgrades, the Coupe’s 6.0-liter V12 was uprated to produce 580 horsepower, up from 520, thanks to a carbon fiber intake, upgraded camshafts, and revised engine mapping, with the option to choose between a manual or automatic transmission. On the handling front, the car received Bilstein dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, lowered ride height, and a wider track. Wider 20-inch wheels and more modern Michelin Pilot Sport tires with carbon ceramic brakes wrap up the upgrades. But coming back to shooting brakes, the idea isn’t new if you look back at Aston’s own history. Back in the 1960s, the DB5 and DB6 shooting brakes were crafted by various coachbuilders like Harold Radford or FLM Panelcraft, for clients wanting something unique. The Virage adopted the Shooting Brake form in the 1990s and in 2014. More recently, the Zagato Vanquish shooting brake, which debuted in 2017, limited to 99 units, was a hit, owing to its otherworldly take on the traditional two-door wagon form and Zagato’s signature double bubble roof. It certainly caught the attention of a select few out there, who still seek some practicality and space from a high-performance sports car, all while being wrapped in an exquisite coach-built package. Ian Callum’s Vanquish 25 Shooting Brake fits right into that same tradition. Our recent review of the latest Vanquish was all praises about modern tech and all the high-end upgrades, but if you’re a fan of the original Vanquish shape and are looking for something more pragmatic and tailored to today’s standards, this shooting brake will bring things up to speed and should certainly be on your radar. No word on pricing or specifications just yet, but for some context, the coupe cost £550,000 (~$740k) when it debuted. As for this shooting brake, Callum Designs says that it is purely conceptual for now, and interested parties should get in touch with them to find out more. Expect the same level of performance, sophistication, craftsmanship, and crucially, exclusivity in this more evocative bodystyle. Watch this space. View All Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale Images Source: Callum Designs, Aston Martin

By Khris Bharath – July 12, 2025

#73-of-100: 2022 Aston Martin AMB 001 Listed on Sotheby's...

When you think of motorcycles, Aston Martin is unlikely to be one of the brands that pops up in your mind, and yet here it is: a $120,000 motorcycle (when new) without a headlight, wearing the famous wings, built not as an afterthought, but as a statement. The AMB 001 is Aston Martin’s first motorcycle. Built in collaboration with Brough Superior, the legendary British marque once dubbed the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles,” production of this track-only bike is limited to just 100 examples worldwide. While Aston Martin cut its teeth in the pre-war Grand Prix scene in the early part of the 20th century, George Brough’s motorcycles were shattering 100mph at the high-speed Brooklands course. Now revived in France, Brough Superior built each AMB 001 by hand and this particular example, chassis No. 073, is currently up for auction through Sotheby’s Motorsport (SOMO), with bidding open until July 16 at 5:15 PM EDT. Being offered by Strada Motorsports in Schaumburg, Illinois, this bike is made from lightweight carbon fiber and billet aluminum. The 001 tips the scales at just 396 pounds dry (180 kg). For some context, typical liter-class motorcycles weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. As for performance, at the AMB 001’s core is a turbocharged 997cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horsepower, with E98 race fuel feeding the motor. If you're into ratios, that’s one horsepower per kilogram, which sounds vaguely terrifying. A 1:1 power-to-weight is extremely rare, even in the performance world, and can be found on cars like the Koenigsegg One:1 and the Czinger 21C. Now, there's neither a speedometer nor a rev counter. Just three lights: oil, fuel, neutral, and a smartphone mount where the dash should be. You can pair your phone via Bluetooth to look at your speed and revs. Everything else is stripped away in the name of purity. The saddle is a minimal leather strap. The front end features Fior-type forks, which are more aircraft than motorcycle. The braking system and chassis are hand-finished by Brough Superior. Michelin Power Slick 2 tires provide grip. Now, to be fair, the AMB 001 isn’t the first time car and motorcycle cultures have collided. Dodge once bolted a Viper V10 into the Tomahawk, a $550,000 concept bike with four wheels. Allen Millyard built a fully functional motorcycle powered by a Dodge Viper V10 in his shed, and in terms of some truly radical engineering, Bimota’s Tesi 3D reimagined steering geometry with hub-centered front suspension. More recently, even Lamborghini partnered with Italian sportsbike maker Ducati, under the same corporate VW Group umbrella, to produce $68,000 limited-run motorcycle like the Streetfighter V4. But unlike those, the Aston Martin AMB 001 is a bespoke collector-grade machine with real racing pedigree behind it. For those who already own the car, the yacht, the helicopter, this could very well be the next indulgence. A collector-grade machine built in collaboration with one of Britain’s most revered motorcycle marques, this exquisite example finished in exposed gloss carbon with gold accents in showroom condition, and extensive service records, presents the opportunity to acquire and invest in something truly special. View Listing & Bid Now

By Khris Bharath – July 08, 2025

The ‘S’ Returns: 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Is Track-Tun...

Aston Martin has just taken the wraps off the latest evolution of its iconic front-engined sports car: this is the 2026 Vantage S. Following up on the DBX ‘S’ SUV announced in late April, the Vantage S will make its debut at this week’s 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and builds upon the muscular DNA of the standard Vantage. Now, for those unaware, the "S" designation in Aston Martin's lineup has historically signified a sportier, sharper, and more performance-focused variant. Its roots can be traced back to the 1953 DB3S race car and have subsequently appeared on everything from the Rapide to the Vanquish. When it comes to the Vantage specifically, since its rebirth in the mid-2000s, it has served as Aston’s most driver-focused offering. But it was the V8 Vantage S, launched in 2011, that really turned up the heat. Then came the V12 Vantage S in 2013 with the massive 5.9-liter mill. The 2017 V12 Vantage S would be the last to carry the torch with a raw, dog-leg manual-only setup that enthusiasts still lament. While the V12 Vantage has since made a comeback, the S badge is now back, and here’s how it stacks up against the standard Vantage. 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Performance Source: Aston Martin Let’s kick things off with performance. Under the hood, the new Vantage S features an uprated version of the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now delivering 671 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A modest gain over the standard Vantage’s already formidable 656 horsepower, yes, but the powerband has been broadened for a flatter torque curve, which should offer sharper in-gear acceleration. A bespoke drive-by-wire throttle map has been calibrated for each of the Drive Modes, offering a throttle pedal resistance and responsiveness that aligns with the ‘S’ characteristics. Zero to 60 mph now comes up in 3.3 seconds ( which is 0.1 quicker than the standard model), while the top speed remains unchanged at a supercar-grade 202 mph. But the S is so much more than just straight-line metrics. Aston’s Engineers have worked extensively on improving the dynamics. The re-tuned Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers have been calibrated for improved response, while the transmission mount stiffness has been lowered by 10%. The Rear subframe mounts have been switched from rubber to solid, which Aston says should deliver an improved steering feel. Meanwhile, suspension geometry has been recalibrated with camber, toe, and caster tweaked to increase grip during high lateral loads. Carbon ceramic brakes are standard. The result is a car more confident on the limit, has improved front-end grip, a softer ride, and a package that doesn’t compromise on daily usability. Specification Aston Martin Vantage S Aston Martin Vantage Engine 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) 4.0L twin-turbo V8 (AMG-sourced) Power 671 hp 656 hp Torque 590 lb-ft 590 lb-ft Transmission 8-speed ZF automatic 8-speed ZF automatic 0–60 mph 3.3 seconds 3.4 seconds Top Speed 202 mph 202 mph Dry Weight 3,538 lbs 3,538 lbs Exterior Design Now, visually, the changes may not be very obvious, but some ‘S’ specific touches set it apart from the standard Vantage. Upfront, the gloss black or carbon fiber hood blades not only add more drama, but also act as functional heat extractors for the hot-V configured V8 powerplant. Red highlights on the front lip, sills, the rear diffuser, and ‘S’ specific 21-inch Y-spoke satin black wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires separate the S from its sibling. A full-width sculpted rear spoiler generates 97 pounds of downforce at top speed, contributing to the overall 245-pound package, which works with redesigned underbody aero and new front venturi vanes. Additional highlights also include things like the “S” badges, which are forged in brass, filled with red enamel, and plated in chrome. Where the standard model Vantage is mostly about elegance, the S, with its combination of blacked-out elements, exudes aggression. You can further make it your own by choosing from a plethora of optional exterior shades, colors for the brake calipers, wheel graphics, liveries, and exterior packages. Interior Design The “S” theme continues on board, right from the embroidered Aston Wing, which features 2,500 individual stitches, to a red or silver anodized knurled rotary drive selector that matches the seatbelts and stitching. Where the standard Vantage S cabin features a unique Alcantara and leather blend with carbon fiber inlays, you can also opt for the Inspire Sport package that adds semi-aniline leather, duotone finishes, and perforated chevron quilting. But despite all this flair, one thing is notably absent: a manual transmission. Aston has committed to the tried-and-tested 8-speed ZF automatic, which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, much like the base Vantage. 12-way heated sports seats are standard, but you can also opt for sportier carbon fiber performance seats, choose from a mono-tone or dual-tone trim split, and choose to add more carbon and a premium audio system from Bowers & Wilkins. 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Price & Availability Often considered the 'baby' of the Aston range, the current generation of the Vantage no longer plays second fiddle, and this is especially true after its comprehensive 2024 makeover that brought the much bigger grille and side blade and also a mainstay in motorsports in the GT3 category. The return of the “S” badge marks a pivotal moment for Aston Martin’s long-established front-engined sports car, and while it won’t bring back the stick, it does enhance the Vantage in several ways. The 2025 Vantage S will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and even the Ferrari Amalfi, unveiled last week. While pricing hasn’t been announced, expect a premium of roughly over the standard Vantage’s near 200k starting MSRP, and this is without options. For some context, the 2017 V12 Vantage S Coupe cost $16,000 more than its base counterpart. Available in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, deliveries begin in Q4 of 2025. View All Aston Martin Vantages For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 26, 2025

Aston Martin Reveals Its First Ultra-Luxury Private Resid...

Aston Martin's first home blends supercars and architecture. Whether the topic of discussion centers around hand-crafted supercars or breathtaking modern homes, the art of design bridges the gap between these two ultra-luxury worlds. Bridging the gap even further, leading luxury automakers like Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, and Porsche have developed their own branded properties in the most popular cities around the globe. Three years ago, Aston Martin and Japanese real estate leader VIBORA revealed renderings of a private contemporary home in Omotesandō. Today, Aston Martin and VIBORA are pleased to announce the launch of № 001 Minami Aoyama as the first luxury home in Japan designed by the U.K. supercar manufacturer. The four-story townhouse is tucked into the stylish Omotesandō neighborhood, an area known for high-end everything. Working closely with VIBROA, Aston Martin helped shape a space that leans into its signature style without overdoing the car references. It’s meant to feel like a retreat from the city, but one with deep design intent worked into every floor. The 7,793-square-foot layout is split across three floors plus a large basement, which houses a gym, spa, wine cellar, and even a golf simulator. The rooftop terrace offers sunset views, a green roof, and a full outdoor kitchen. Inside, you’ll notice the interiors get lighter as you go up floors. One of the more dramatic design elements is a folded steel staircase that mimics origami and ties the floors together, with an in-house garden and chandelier to make the space feel even more contemporary. Materials like wood, stone, and metal were chosen to come together in a clean and modern way without being cold. But what really makes this house feel like an Aston Martin is the car gallery on the ground floor. Instead of hiding your cars in a garage, the space is designed to show them off with display lighting and a ceiling that has a wave-like texture. The cars can be seen from the lounge through a special glass panel, which basically turns them into functional home decor. It’s subtle, but it says a lot about how this home is meant to be lived in. № 001 Minami Aoyama is a signal that Aston Martin is settling deeper into Japan and Asia, especially after opening a showroom in Ginza last year. If this project is anything to go by, we’ll probably see more of the brand combining architecture and lifestyle. View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2025

Aston Martin Unveils New 1-of-1 DB12 Volante Palm Beach E...

A new bespoke Aston Martin evokes Palm Beach elegance. Aston Martin’s approach to automotive excellence has defined British elegance, luxury, and performance over the years, and its latest open-top grand tourer, the new DB12 Volante, utilizes a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, timelessly stunning design, sumptuous materials, and cutting edge technology to poen a new chapter for the 112-year-old manufacturer. However, Q, Aston Martin’s division specializing in creating bespoke luxury, uses the DB12 Volante as a vessel for expression in with a new one-off. That is the new Aston Martin DB12 Volante Palm Beach Edition, which is available exclusively through Aston Martin Palm Beach as a one-off ode to the gorgeous and iconic coastal South Florida destination. Known for its unique sense of luxury, Palm Beach is reminiscent throughout the vehicle’s configuration, with a Frosted Glass Blue exterior paint color that evokes the ocean, and an interior with Aurora Blue and Ivory leather, paired with Spicy Red contrast stitching for a nautically-inspired look. Embroidery throughout the interior features a design reminiscent of palm trees, with open-pore wood veneers made to emulate palm wood. With a stunning configuration inspired by one of Florida’s most celebrated and prestigious luxury destinations and its unique community of luxury, the new Aston Martin DB12 Volante Palm Beach Edition is a stunning one off emerging just in time for the peak of open-air driving season. View All Aston Martin DB12 Volantes For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 23, 2025

Aston Martin Debuts The Valhalla On The Monaco Grand Prix...

The Aston Martin Valhalla takes on one of the world’s most iconic tracks. This year’s Monaco Grand Prix is on the horizon, and that means that the already celebrated destination for luxury and automotive excellence is abuzz with teams, cars, fans, yachts, and opulence from everywhere. On the legendary street circuit itself, Aston Martin has brought its new hypercar, the Valhalla, to the course in its official global public dynamic debut. Behind the wheel for the anticipated debut was two-time Formula One champion and the Valhalla’s principal development driver, Fernando Alonso. The car’s livery, sporting Podium Green and Lime Green together, is inspired by the Formula 1 cars in the Aston Martin Aramco F1 team. The spectacular debut saw Alonso pushing the new Valhalla to its limits around the famously challenging track, with the iconic views of Casino Square and the Tunnel serving as backdrops for the Valhalla’s incredible performance. The Valhalla boasts over 1,064 horsepower and 811 lb/ft of torque, thanks to its powertrain that combines a bespoke twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, used for the first time within the manufacturer in the Valhalla as the highest-performing V8 fitted to an Aston Martin yet, with a plug-in hybrid system that greatly enhances the vehicle’s performance and efficiency alike. The system sends power to all four wheels to contribute to the Valhalla’s 0-60 time of under 2.5 seconds and top speed of 217 mph. After the spectacular Monaco Grand Prix weekend dynamic debut, the Aston Martin Valhalla will see deliveries begin in the second half of 2025, with only 999 examples in the production run. View All Aston Martins For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Khris Bharath – May 21, 2025

Aston Martin Marks 10 Years In Mexico With Six Bespoke Q-...

To mark a decade of Aston Martin’s presence in Mexico, the British sports car maker’s bespoke arm, ‘Q’ by Aston Martin, has collaborated with Aston Martin Mexico City and Menchaca Studio to create the Mex’Uk Series: six one-off Vantage coupes that feature exquisite details portraying Mexico’s indigenous culture. Each car is a singular build, with the livery and interior tied to a different power animal from the Wixárika culture, representing the people of western Mexico. Rendered in dramatic Q-exclusive finishes and traditional motifs, these aren’t mere artistic details but are symbols that possess deep spiritual meaning. The canvas for this project is the new Aston Martin Vantage, introduced last year. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 656 horsepower, the dash to 60 mph happens in 3.4 seconds and a 202 mph top speed, which is the fastest Vantage to date. The immense power reserves are complemented with active vehicle dynamics, adaptive Bilstein DTX dampers, an electronic rear differential, and 21-inch Michelin Pilot S5 rubber. A fully reimagined cabin with a state-of-the-art infotainment system completes the package. “The Vantage has been a treasured part of our brand’s line-up for 75 years, and it’s now a high-performance ‘canvas’ for our Mexico City dealership to commemorate a milestone decade of sales in Mexico,” said Pedro Mota, President of Aston Martin The Americas. “Their work with Q by Aston Martin and Menchaca Studio exemplifies the truly endless possibilities that result from creative minds uniting to celebrate culture, history, design, and performance.” Aston Martin by 'Q' Mex’Uk Series Every Vantage in the series features a custom Wixárika-inspired motif: an intricate, pearl-bronze graphic pattern on the hood. Other exterior details include a bronze-painted grille and side strakes, and forged 21-inch Y-spoke wheels are finished in Satin Copper Bronze. Being used here for the first time, each of the six cars also bears the colors of the Mexican flag on the Aston Martin Wings, a special badge created back in 2016 to celebrate the World Endurance Championship (WEC) GTE Series win. Handcrafted in copper and featuring green, white, and red enamel, the tri-color badge took several hours to complete, with each hue applied separately to prevent mixing. Each of the six cars also features a ‘Q’ badge that indicates the bespoke commission. Step inside, and the cultural theme continues with a Huichol Quilt design embroidered into the leather seats; an homage to the indigenous beaded textiles. A custom sill plaque features the Mex’Uk logo, along with a central cross representing the union between the U.K. marque and its outpost in Mexico City. Surrounding it are 10 concentric chevrons, which is a nod to both Aston Martin’s 10 years in Mexico and the Wixárika "Ojo de Dios" or “God’s eye” protective amulet. The plaques identify each of the six cars by name and their symbolic animal: Blue Maxa (Blue Deer): A study in serenity, finished in Q Ion Blue with an Aurora Blue interior. It symbolizes purity and grace Gray Rawe (Gray Wolf): Q Satin Aluminite Silver outside, Spicy Red inside. A nod to ancestral wisdom and communal strength Crimson Cauxai (Crimson Fox): Painted Q Supernova Red with Oxford Tan leather. This combination honors intellect and agility Green Xaye (Green Snake): Dressed in Buckinghamshire Green with a Forest Green interior. A metaphor for renewal and harmony White Terika (White Scorpion): Metallic Zenith White with Eifel Green. It channels resilience and the will to endure Red Hukuri (Red Falcon): Finished in Scorpus Red over Navy Blue. It captures perspective, clarity, and the will to ascend Beyond the bodywork, each animal is honored with six Wixárika-style beaded sculptures, representative of spiritual wildlife were handcrafted by Menchaca Studio. Every Mex’Uk unit has already been sold, and deliveries are expected to begin in Q2, 2025. View All Aston Martin Vantage For Sale Source: Aston Martin

By Khris Bharath – May 15, 2025

Aston Martin Becomes First Automaker To Debut Apple CarPl...

Aston Martin has become the first carmaker in the world to launch Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, the latest in the tech giant’s in-car technology. Apple CarPlay was first introduced over a decade ago in 2014, but it was at the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>" title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>" title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> that we first got a glimpse of the next-gen CarPlay. From the outset, it promised deeper integration, richer visuals, and even more personalisation, which is something that we can see here. With Aston Martin as its debut partner, drivers can experience a system that stretches across both the central touch screen and the 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The system gives you the freedom to choose from a whole array of speedometers/tachometers, display maps, or have a multi-screen layout. Further customization is possible from a number of themes, colors, and wallpapers to truly make it your own. CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just mirror your iPhone, but becomes the interface. Beyond the usual Maps, Music, and Messages, you can also now control climate and radio via the touchscreen and Siri. Having said that, physical controls have been retained if that’s what you prefer. Key mechanical functions like drive selection, gear selection continue to be carried out via buttons and switches. While CarPlay’s interface is renowned for its fluidity is second to none in the industry, Aston Martin worked closely with Apple to retain the British marque’s core visual identity. This means drivers get Apple’s polished software with Aston’s design DNA. While digital displays offer convenience, they can dilute a car’s sense of uniqueness over time, especially when it is from prestige marques like Aston Martin. Having said that, modern instrument clusters have come a long way in the past decade, be it the LED display panels or higher refresh rates. They also possess the ability to show a lot more information, and you can, in theory, also pull off things like the anti-clockwise tachometer, a signature Aston Martin feature. For iPhone users and those who are especially deep in the Apple Ecosystem via services like iCloud, Apple Music, and now Vision Pro, this move makes sense. In fact, Apple’s expanding automotive footprint will soon make virtual showrooms a reality via Vision Pro, allowing customers to visualize and customize their vehicles in an immersive 3D environment. Starting today, CarPlay Ultra will be available as standard on the new DBX SUV and Aston’s sports car range, comprising the DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish, across the United States and Canada, with a global rollout planned within the next 12 months. For cars equipped with the brand’s next-gen infotainment system included since 2023, an update will be available via Aston Martin’s dealer network. CarPlay Ultra needs an iPhone 12 or later, running on iOS 18.54 or later. View All Aston Martins For Sale " width="680"> Source: Aston Martin

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 12, 2025

Check Out This Recently Delivered Exposed Green Carbon As...

As the automotive world enters a new era of speed and performance, it's not unusual to hear of a supercar or hypercar that produces more than 1,000 horsepower. What first began as an anomaly with Bugatti's coveted Veyron now takes shape as the industry standard, with manufacturers now focusing on delivering a driving experience as close to Formula 1 racing as possible. Aston Martin is a brand that stands at the forefront of this approach, with exclusive models like the $3.5 million Valkyrie, bringing Formula 1 technology to the road for those passionate about speed. As deliveries for one of the most anticipated hypercars continue trackside around the globe, the team at Miller Motorcars is proud to showcase the delivery of a truly spectacular Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider spec. @carsthatlookneat Highlighting its 2,800-pound dry weight and using the same lightweight DNA as Aston Martin F1 and its AMR25 race car, this Valkyrie features a fully exposed green carbon fiber exterior. The choice of color not only pays homage to one of Aston Martin's most historic colors but also shines a light on the Valkyrie's aero-focused body design, which channels air for more cooling and downforce on and off the track. Other notable options on the car include luxurious gold badging and gloss black centerlock wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ultra-high performance tires. @carsthatlookneat An up-close look inside the Valkyrie will tell you that this hypercar isn't built for comfort, with both the driver and passenger seats facing the center line of the car. A subtly stealthy black Alcantara and carbon cabin lets the jaw-dropping exterior do all the talking, while its main objective is to deliver a raw, unadulterated experience for anyone lucky enough to buckle up. The most impressive aspect of the Valkyrie lies at the rear, where Aston Martin's hybrid-assisted, Cosworth-designed 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 produces 1,160 horsepower and screams to 11,100 rpm. As Miller Motorcars congratulates its client on their newest purchase, we hope to see more of this incredible Aston Martin Valkyrie Roadster. View All Miller Motorcars Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars) Source: @millermotorcars/@carsthatlookneat Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 06, 2025

The Concours Club Names Aston Martin The Official Car Of ...

Aston Martin joins The Concours Club. The Concours Club just added even more horsepower to its already impressive lineup by announcing Aston Martin as its official car partner. For members of the exclusive Miami-based automotive club, that means getting up close and personal with some of Aston Martin's top performance models like the Vantage, DBX707, and the all-new DB12 Super Tourer. The partnership positions itself as a hands-on experience, working the supercars and super-SUVs into driving programs, track time, special events, and transportation. It's a dream for members who want to enjoy Aston Martin performance without owning one outright, all within the club's resort-style setting near Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Photographer: Rafael DelCeggio If you've never heard of The Concours Club, think of it as the ultimate playground for car enthusiasts. Located at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, the club combines a state-of-the-art driving circuit with high-end hospitality, complete with chef-curated dining from Brad Kilgore and wine experiences led by Master Sommelier Dan Pilkey. With concierge-style services, cultural and social events, and motorsport programming, the club goes way beyond track days. The new partnership with Aston Martin just makes that experience even more exciting, bringing in a brand that's all about luxury, power, and craftsmanship to match the club's high standards. Photographer Rafael DelCeggio At its core, this is about giving members more reasons to show up and drive. Whether you're chasing lap times or just looking to unwind behind the wheel of a DB12, Aston Martin's lineup adds an extra layer of thrill to the experience. For members, it's another perk that blurs the line between car enthusiast and VIP lifestyle. Discover The Concours Club and check out all Aston Martins for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the links below. Discover The Concours Club View All Aston Martins For Sale Source: Shamin Abas (SAPR)/Photographer Credit: Rafael DelCeggio

Aston Martin News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe