Concept Cars

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

By Khris Bharath – April 03, 2026

Original Vanquish Designer Reimagines the V12 Flagship as a Widebody GT

Last week, Aston Martin celebrated 25 years of the Vanquish. Originally unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Auto Show, the flagship British Super GT came at a pivotal time as it marked a pivotal time for the brand. It subsequently also featured in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, starring Pierce Brosnan. The Vanquish exudes style and class even today. Now in its third generation, it remains one of the British marques' most luxurious and storied models and is available both as a Coupe or in Convertible Volante form, a car that we savored last year. Beyond its continued application of V12 power, by far, the defining factor of why the Vanquish has stayed relevant is its styling. Compared to its contemporaries, the Aston carries a certain charm. Timeless in form and proportion, something that was set in stone since the first generation, designer Ian Callum set the precedent early on. The Scottish designer, who was also involved in styling the DB9 and served as the head of design for Jaguar for 20 years, recently brought back the Gen-1 Vanquish into conversation in 2019. His coach-built revival Callum Vanquish 25, limited to 25 bespoke commissions (built on a donor car), proved how adaptable the original shape remains. Updated lighting signatures, revised aerodynamics, and a reworked interior brought the early 2000s grand tourer into the present without diluting its core identity. Nearly 350 modifications were made. Last year, we also touched upon the Zagato-style, more practical shooting brake variant, which first broke cover in 2023. The project continues to take new shapes and forms, as earlier this week, Callum Design showcased yet another derivative based on the first-gen Vanquish, this time taking on a more aggressive form. Dubbed the Vanquish Widebody, this is Callum marking 25 years of the model. The most obvious difference compared to prior versions is the exaggerated fender flares, which, when combined with a relatively aggressive grille design and front bumper/chin, and an exaggerated sill, all details that continue to work on a form that is over two and a half decades old. While what we see here is just a digital rendering, and the post on Instagram stated that this model was temporarily limited to ‘0’ examples, Callum, in a follow-up post, clarified that this could very well become a reality if the interest is there. Watch this space. View All Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale Images: Aston Martin, callum_designs, iscallum

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2018

Aston Martin Confirms '003' Hypercar for 2021

Like it or not, hybrid technology is here to stay. Aston Martin's collaboration with Mercedes-AMG has allowed them to save their pennies for something truly revolutionary. In a press release this morning they announced their third hypercar. Following on the successes of the Valkyrie and the Valkyrie AMR (001, and 002), Project 003 will be a street-legal threat to its competitors. Only 500 examples will be built, so I hope my lottery numbers are winners. Check Out Lebron's Car Collection A turbocharged engine with hybrid assist will be the backbone of the lightweight machine. It will have room for luggage and will be assembled in left or right-hand-drive. CEO Andy Palmer said: "It was always the intention for the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a-lifetime project, however, it was also vital to us that Valkyrie would create a legacy: a direct descendant that would also set new standards within its own area of the hypercar market, creating a bloodline of highly specialized, limited production machines that can exist in parallel with Aston Martin’s series production models. I’m thrilled to announce that this car is the Project ‘003’, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena.”All we have is a sketch, for the time being, so think about their previous hypercars, add in some revised road manners and you will have a recipe for success. As soon as we have more info, you will see it here first. Until then, click the link below to find great deals from your local Aston Martin dealer. Browse Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2018

Aston Martin Volante Vision In Action

Last week we told you about Aston Martin's idea of travel in the future, and now it has a name. In their latest YouTube video, we see their concept aircraft in flight. This 3D footage looks enticing as it uses autonomous flight to reach your destination. Rolls-Royce PLC builds aircraft engines, and they are not associated with the BMW-owned car company. Car and airplane production were once very similar. Ford's rugged Tri-Motor was built to compete with the Chevrolet brother's Chevrolair airplane company.Aston Martin’s New Autonomous Luxury Aircraft ConceptAs a leader in aircraft propulsion, Aston Martin has decided to use three of their ducted fans on the Volante Vision. The counter-rotating design is efficient, and it looks like the front pair can swivel into a horizontal position for forward flight. Aston Martin's expertise in carbon fiber along with aerodynamics allow us to see a future that might be coming sooner than we think. It was England that gave us the vertical takeoff Harrier Jet, so why not a vertical commuter jet? While we were considering the ramifications of autonomous aircraft, a little bird told us that the 2020 V8 Vantage could get a manual transmission next year. This would be the first time the AMG 4.0L has ever seen a manual gearbox, so stay with us for more updates!Browse Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 09, 2018

Aston Martin Confirms The Lagonda Vision SUV

If you have been torn over which luxury SUV is right for you, Aston Martin is about to shake up the market. Announced in a press release this morning, Lagonda has returned in the form of a high-performance 4x4 SUV. The brand was founded by American-born Wilber Gunn in 1906, and it was merged with Aston Martin in 1947.Sell Your Exotic Car with duPont REGISTRYIt will be a production version of the battery-powered Vision Concept shown at the Geneva auto show. The emission-free nature takes clear aim at Jaguar's I-Pace. Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer had this to say: "In reviving one of the most iconic names in motoring we have created a unique opportunity.One that allows us to cast aside an inherited 20th-century approach and instead design cars around 21st-century demands and desires. The Lagonda SUV is the first of its kind: a spacious, high-performance 4x4 that successfully reconciles a love of technology, luxury and style. It is expected to arrive for model-year 2021, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin news.Browse Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 28, 2017

Project Neptune: An Aston Martin Submarine

An Aston Martin Vanquish isn't going to take you far underwater, but an Aston Martin submarine totally will. The English automaker has teamed up with Triton Submarines LLC to create Project Neptune, what may be the most bizarre and modern looking submarine to date.Triton builds submersibles for superyacht owners and researchers on a regular basis, giving them the experience know-how to create a safe sub. As for Project Neptune, it was designed with Triton's "Low Profile (LP) three-person platform," which the company is known for. For its overall design, the sub utilizes the design and materials that Aston Martin vehicles are known for. When all aspects are combined, the Project Neptune is born."Project Neptune is defined by its sleek, elegant exterior," said Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. "We have used forms and proportions that express the same devotion to design, engineering and beauty that shape our cars, such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar project."“We have always admired Aston Martin," commented Patrick Lahey, President of Triton Submarines LLC. "The marque represents a deeply held passion for technology, engineering and timeless, elegant design. From our first interaction, it was apparent that Triton and Aston Martin were natural partners and our complimentary values will be realized in this truly exciting project.”Will Project Titan remain a concept, or will it head to production? Aston Martin says that it will lead to an "exclusive, strictly-limited edition vehicle." We can assume that this means there is a production version planned of Project Neptune, but it will be incredibly limited.

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