Vanquish

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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 29, 2026

A New V12 Pinnacle: Aston Martin Vanquish For Sale

Aston Martin’s lineup is full of stunning cars, combining timeless British luxury and design with raucous performance and robust dynamics. However, one name that stands out within Aston Martin’s lineup is Vanquish, known for representing the pinnacle of Aston Martin performance with flagship grand tourers. Having retired the Vanquish name in the late 2010s, Aston Martin has, at long last, finally revived the Vanquish nameplate, introducing the new 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish recently. Being the latest Aston Martin flagship grand tourer with pinnacle V12 performance and Aston Martin’s cutting-edge technology and luxury, it’s not an easy car to get your hands on. However, if you want to be early to owning the latest top-of-the-line Aston Martin, now is your chance. Any fan of Aston Martin who wants the latest and greatest of the brand’s V12 performance will find the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish a perfect addition to any luxury or exotic car collection. View All Aston Martin Vantage For Sale 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante View Listing 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante View Listing 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante View Listing 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish View Listing 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante View Listing What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish special? As the new flagship grand touring model from Aston Martin, what sets the Vanquish apart, more than its dramatic styling, from its Aston Martin peers, is the V12 engine under the hood. Having ceremoniously retired its previous V12-powered models, the V12 Vantage, and the DBS Superleggera, Aston Martin returned the V12 to its grand touring lineup with the Vanquish to serve as its new flagship tourer.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 07, 2026

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Examples For Sale

Aston Martin and Zagato have come together to create some of the most incredibly-designed collector-grade cars in Aston Martin’s over 110-year history, and the most recent is the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato. While many might know about the coupe or Volante version of the Vanquish Zagato, it actually came in four body styles: the coupe, the Volante, the shooting brake, and the speedster. All of these cars are incredibly rare, with 325 total cars and 99 of each model except the Speedster, which only had 28 examples made. While that rarity makes it an incredibly hard vehicle to find for sale, duPont REGISTRY has been the source for supercars since 1985, and specializes in helping collectors find some of the rarest and most desirable luxury and exotic cars ever. View All Aston Martin Vanquish Zagatos For Sale As such, two out of the four Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato body styles are available for sale on duPont REGISTRY, with examples of the coupe, shooting brake, and Volante present. Check them out below and if you’re interested in owning one of these collector-grade masterpieces, click below to view the listings. 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake View Listing 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante View Listing 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante View Listing 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe View Listing What is Zagato? Zagato is an Italian design house founded by the eponymous Ugo Zagato in 1919 in the city of Milan. It’s known for its avant-garde creations, and especially for its long-standing partnership with Aston Martin, which has resulted in incredible cars. What are the body styles of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato? The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato was built as a coupe, a Volante (convertible), a shooting brake, and a Speedster. How many of each body style was produced? 99 examples of the coupe, Volante, and shooting brake were made, while only 28 Speedsters were made, for a total of 325 examples. What makes the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato special? Besides its rarity, the Vanquish Zagato boasts beautiful avant-garde Zagato design, as well as Aston Martin’s signature blend of luxury and performance, with sumptuous appointments and a 592-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine that sends power to the rear wheels. Image Source: Aston Martin

A sleek Aston Martin Vanquish, the fastest front-engined convertible, sits elegantly beside a pool, with the sun casting enticing shadows over its luxurious curves.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 25, 2025

The New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Is The World's Fast...

Aston Martin sets new standards in open-top performance. With the discontinuation of the DBS with the commemorative DBS 770 Ultimate and the limited run of the V12 Vantage, Aston Martin waved a somber goodbye to its V12-powered models. Still, recently, the V12 returned to Aston Martin’s lineup in a big way with the introduction of the new Vanquish. Boasting a new and improved 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the new Aston Martin Vanquish brandishes a massive 823 horsepower with state-of-the-art styling and luxury features. However, Aston Martin is expanding its V12 lineup even further by introducing the new Vanquish Volante, the open-top variant of Aston Martin’s new flagship grand touring model. With the same 823 horsepower under the hood, the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is the world’s fastest and most powerful front-engined convertible. Its top speed, which is 214 mph, is thanks to meticulous engineering of the retractable top. With its innovative K-fold roof and intense structural reinforcement, the Vanquish Volante features minimal weight gain compared to the coupe and similar performance, and the roof can fold in 14 seconds and close in 16 at speeds of up to 31 mph. Inside, performance combines with luxury and style with a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, with Aston Martin’s Q department providing the potential for a wide range of luxurious finishes and materials, both inside and out, made for customers to create unique configurations with personal expression in the new Vanquish Volante, with options ranging from custom embroidery to complete one-off creations. With production set to begin soon in limited quantities, the first examples of the new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante are set to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The new open-top flagship is available to order now, and those who want to own the new fastest and most powerful front-engined convertible in the world, with a twin-turbo V12 and a heavy dose of British luxury and style to boot, will have to act fast. View All Aston Martins For Sale Image Source: Aston Martin

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 20, 2024

Aston Martin Teases New Vanquish By Wiping Its Instagram

Aston Martin hints at something big coming. Aston Martin bid a bittersweet farewell to a chapter of V12-powered performance cars by creating the limited-edition V12 Vantage and sending off the DBS with the special DBS 770 Ultimate production run. However, a new V12 era has dawned for the historic British luxury performance manufacturer, with a new twin-turbocharged V12 engine announced with a cryptic “all will be Vanquished” message. A hint at what could be a revival of the Aston Martin Vanquish, a new move from the brand teases a development of that possibility, as the previous Instagram grid from Aston Martin has now vanished in favor of a mysterious blue mountainscape, which also includes the historic manufacturer’s profile picture. The same mysterious message is in the grid: “All will be vanquished.” No other details have been revealed from Aston Martin, but there’s no doubt that anticipation is building for what may be a new iteration of the Aston Martin Vanquish. In previous Aston Martin eras, Vanquish was the name given to the ultimate flagship grand tourer from the brand, showcasing pinnacle performance, stunning design, and enviable luxury. With this bold new announcement on Instagram, we’re staying tuned for what Aston Martin has in store for automotive enthusiasts next. View All Aston Martin Vanquishes For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Martin (@astonmartin)

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 01, 2024

Aston Martin Reveals A New V12 And Teases A New Vanquish

The V12 returns to Aston Martin more glorious than ever. For decades, V12 engines have been the centerpieces of Aston Martin’s most capable and powerful vehicles, being used as the beating heart of its flagships that showcase luxury and performance in equally excellent measure. However, commemorative limited editions like the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate and Aston Martin V12 Vantage have signaled that the end is nigh for Aston Martin’s V12 era, but the century-old British luxury performance car manufacturer is proving that hypothesis wrong. A new V12 engine is returning to Aston Martin’s portfolio, and it’s completely redesigned with 824 horsepower and 738 lb/ft of torque. These figures come thanks to redesigned cylinder heads with reprofiled camshafts, new intake and exhaust ports, repositioned spark plugs, improved turbochargers, a strengthened cylinder block and more. The announcement of this new engine from Aston Martin marks the dawn of a new V12 era in the brand’s 111-year history. The new engine is set to power Aston Martin’s most exclusive and limited models, with the engine being handcrafted in strictly limited numbers for the rare vehicles that will feature it. The first to sport the new V12 engine will be a new Aston Martin flagship set to debut later this year, and with Aston Martin’s announcement regarding the new engine declaring that “all will be vanquished,” the first Aston Martin with the new V12 may be a return of the legendary Vanquish nameplate. View All Aston Martin Vanquishes For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 30, 2024

1-of-28 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster Liste...

Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato have shared a decades-long partnership, creating some of Aston Martin’s rarest, most exclusive, most intriguing, and most beautiful models. The most recent result of their collaboration was the Vanquish Zagato, which saw Aston Martin’s flagship V12 model, the Vanquish, with its design reimagined in a bold, Italian Zagato take. The Vanquish Zagato was released in four body styles, a coupe, a Volante convertible, a Shooting brake, and a two-seat open-top Speedster. View Price And Listing 99 examples of the Coupe, Volante, and Shooting brake were made. However, only 28 examples of the 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster were built, with only 5 made for North America, making it by far the rarest and most exclusive body style out of the four. Its über-dramatic, performance-oriented look with an open top and sloping rear section evokes classic performance and race cars, with timeless-yet-futuristic style courtesy of Zagato. Finding a 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster isn’t easy, so if you want one, you should turn to duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. On duPont REGISTRY, a Vanquish Zagato Speedster is available for sale right now at Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, Connecticut. It features a head-turning Cayucos Orange exterior, which is paired with exposed carbon fiber accents, and an exquisitely-crafted leather interior in Pure Black and Cream Truffle that features orange contrast stitching in a Zagato “Z” logo pattern, along with Zagato logos embroidered on each headrest. As one of the most exclusive Aston Martin models yet, and the most exclusive of the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato models, this 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Speedster available for sale at Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, Connecticut is a true collector-grade masterpiece. View the price and listing by clicking the button.

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