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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 Edward Jones – May 18, 2021

Iconic 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe For Sale

Presented by Private Seller - This 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe, vehicle identification number DB5 2269L, is the Amelia Award Winner from the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This is an extremely low mileage example of this iconic make with only a true 32,830 miles on the odometer from new. According to Aston Martin Lagonda in Warwickshire, England, this car was only one of six produced in 1966 with a BorgWarner automatic transmission and is the last of its breed retaining such transmission. It also has the unique feature of factory-installed air conditioning, as well as electric windows. This British luxury sporting car and grand tourer were designed and the body constructed by the famed Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera of Milan, which shipped the completed bodies from Italy to Aston Martin in the U.K. Superleggera, Italian for superlight, is a custom tube and alloy panel coachwork construction method, developed for strength and weight saving. The car was purchased by the father of the current owner on February 13, 1970, and has been continuously owned by this family since its date of purchase. The father of the current owner used the car as a regular driver, chauffeuring his son to school each day. Over two years across 2009 and 2010, the car underwent a body-off restoration with a complete rebuild of all drivetrain components, all suspension components, brakes, interior, instrumentation, and exterior. Every nut and bolt which could be saved was cleaned and replated, then reused in its original location. Hundreds of photos of the restoration as well as receipts pertinent thereto will be provided on a flash drive with the car. Bodywork and major assembly were performed by Tim Thatcher of That’s Autobody in Richmond, Illinois; engine rebuilding was performed by Barry Sale of PHP Racengines in Wauconda, Illinois; other mechanical work was performed by Dave Schaid of Imports Unlimited in Highland Park, Illinois; chrome work was done by The Finishing Touch in Chicago, Illinois; and interior restoration was done by Johann Merkhofer of Coachtrim in Danbury, Connecticut. Barry Sale’s engines have competed at Goodwood, The Finishing Touch has done chrome work on multiple Amelia Island and Pebble Beach winners, and Coachtrim was recommended by Wayne Carini of F40 Motorsports and Chasing Classic Cars. The Aston’s exterior was originally red in color, but during the restoration was changed to silver birch, the iconic color popularized by the James Bond film Goldfinger from the eponymous Ian Fleming novel. The black leather interior remains as original. The engine, completely rebuilt and dynamometer tested with a brake horsepower reading of 270 hp at 5600 rpm, is the original inline six-cylinder motor displacing 3,996 cc with three SU HD8 carburetors, which have also been rebuilt. The dynamometer sheet also will be provided with the car. The BorgWarner automatic transmission has been entirely rebuilt, as have the differential and all other drivetrain components, with all functioning as new. The brakes and suspension components have been restored to like-new condition as well. The Aston is shod in Borrani wire wheels, which were a period upgrade option offered by Aston and priced above the standard Dunlop wire wheels, on which are mounted 15" - 185 VR15 Pirelli Cinturato tires. All instruments, gauges, and other dashboard components have been rebuilt and function properly, including not only the speedometer and tachometer but also the radio and the clock. The air conditioning system, which remains on R12, has been checked and pressure tested within the past several weeks and blows quite cold air. With the car will come the driver’s manual, parts manual, tool roll and workshop manual. The car was invited by Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, to be an entrant in the 2015 Concours. The Aston was honored there by winning the Amelia Award and the 2015 Trophy is, of course, included with the car. During the days of the Concours, the Aston flawlessly completed the Eight Flags Road Tour and has been driven only sparingly since that event. The DB5 remains in the identical condition in which it was presented on the fairways at the Ritz-Carlton golf course during the 2015 Amelia Island Concours. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2020

2018 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf For Sale

At the center of Springfield, Ohio is the ancient Shawnee village of Lagonda. Wilbur Gunn decided to name his car company after his hometown, having no idea it would last over a century. All Lagondas are known for luxury, especially those crafted for nobles and celebrities. David Brown bought the company along with Aston Martin in 1947, allowing the British auto industry to get back on its feet. To celebrate their centenary and appeal to wealthy Arabic customers, the "Taraf" literally translates to "the most luxurious". Powered by their venerable 6-liter V12, each example was built completely by hand. This includes every stitch of leather that lines the interior. Each car took months to build, so only 120 examples were built. Each one offers 565 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It can't be compared to any other sedan, before or since. As a hallmark for a true Aston Martin aficionado, the Aston Martin Taraf deserves to be part of your collection. This matte black example has only been driven 88 miles, so it demands respect in any situation. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Aston Martin Beverly Hills. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – October 04, 2017

2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S for Sale

No, I did not type that incorrectly. Many people often ask why Aston Martin chooses to put the engine size before the model. It is because the difference between the V12 Vantage S and the V8 Vantage is like night and day. When you build cars by hand, you have many more opportunities to tailor the body and chassis to the demands of the engine. As the entry level offering, the current Vantage has been in production since 2005. Originally a V8 was the only engine offered, and the V8 Vantage is a light and nimble acrobat. Aston Martin One-77 For SaleThe motoring public has always associated Aston Martin with twelve cylinder power, which is why the V12 Vantage concepts were warmly received in 2007. Limited production began in 2009, with the ultimate example being the V12 Vantage S. It arrived in late 2013 with inspiration and hardware borrowed from the One-77 supercar. Industry insiders and spy photographers have seen the next generation Vantage prototypes being tested, and they agree that it is not a V12. Aston Martin is partnering with Mercedes-AMG to supply the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 from the AMG GT series. So what we have here is the end of an era. The last V12 powered Vantage signals a shift from big V12 power to smaller & more eco-friendly V8 engines.2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 20, 2016

Yellow Tang Metallic 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GTS Roadst...

This 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GTS Roadster at St. Louis Motorcars is finished in a brilliant Yellow Tang Metallic complimented by an obsidian black interior, making it one of the wildest cars to leave England in decades. The Vantage GTS is new for 2016 and was developed exclusively for the US. It combines the 4.7 liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission with a revised suspension. Previous models have been derided as too forgiving in the corners, trading grip for civility.Their refusal to discontinue the manual transmission is a statement to the world that Aston Martin will continue to build the perfect GT car. You don't have many choices for naturally aspirated V8 power if you want to shift your own gears. But the additional content is what sets the Aston Martin apart from the competition. Aside from the special order paint, this GTS is a "Lux Edition," which includes gloss black exterior trim and the Bang & Olufsen 1000 watt audio system. The seats have yellow contrast stitching, and everything between them has been redesigned. Controls for infotainment and climate have been grouped into symmetrical pods in front of the polished shifter plate.Not only is the 430 horsepower V8 mounted behind the front wheels, the transmission is rear mounted and connected by a carbon fiber driveshaft. This is how the Vantage GTS offers perfect weight distribution and more cockpit space than you are accustomed to. A 3.91 rear differential will make for blistering starts and respectable fuel economy on the highway. Don't follow the masses to another boring dual clutch automatic. Fall in love with driving again with this 1 of 1 GTS Roadster. For more information, please click on the link below.View Price & listing

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