Videos

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 – January 29, 2020

Epic Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Senna Hot Laps

The McLaren Senna and Aston Martin DBS Superleggera are two different beasts, that's for sure. One is an aggressive hypercar that was purpose-built for the track. The other is a stylish and luxurious English supercar powered by a brutal V12 engine. Still, comparing the two is still incredibly fun and that's why MotorTrend did that exact thing. At Laguna Seca, the two cars were pitted up against each other through hot laps. Behind the wheel of both cars was Randy Pobst, a race car driver and MotorTrend journalist. When both laps were completed, the results were clear and they pointed towards one winner. Can you guess which car it was? Bet you can. Click play below to find out. SEE ALL SENNAS FOR SALE SEE ALL DBS SUPERLEGGERAS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2019

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake Shows Off in ...

Unlikely collaborations often produce remarkable results. That is why Aston Martin have worked with the Italian stylists at Zagato for over 50 years. Their latest work is a series of cars based on the latest Vanquish. Only 99 examples are planned, which makes it rare to see one on the street. That's why we jumped when TheTFJJ uploaded an Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake in London. The shooting brake body style continues the roof line of the coupe, ending abruptly in a hatchback. It is an acquired taste for many, and it will be outsold by the Zagato coupe and convertible versions. Tell us your favorite Zagato Vanquish in the comments below, then click the link to find one near you. Shop Aston Martin Zagato For Sale Related Aston Martin Begins Production of Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake New Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake Colors

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2019

How to Customize the Aston Martin Valkyrie

Customers who order the Aston Martin Valkyrie are in for a treat when they go in to customize their car. The English automaker has put together an incredibly in-depth Valkyrie customization process that will allow every example of the hypercar to be different. In fact, Aston Martin believes none of the 150 Valkyries that are slated to be created will be identical. To show us just how customizable the Valkyrie is, Top Gear went through the entire process and put together a YouTube video of their experience. During the process, customers will have an associate walk them through the steps and guide them towards their dream car. For the Top Gear video, Libby Meigh, Interior Design Manager at Aston Martin, helps Jack Rix of Top Gear through the process. During the process, one step that really caught my eye was how customizable the paint options were. They even had a weight-saving paint option! Check it all out in the video above and be sure to shop for your own Aston Martin by clicking the button below. shop aston martins for sale Also Check Out: Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Track Performance Pack and Option List Aston Martin Valkyrie is Surprisingly Customizable Aston Martin DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition Revealed

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2018

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs Mercedes-AMG GT R Drag Race

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera was recently announced by the English automaker as the pinnacle of their model range. It packs a whopping 715 bhp and 663 lb-ft of torque, and a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.4 seconds. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this car is both powerful and undeniably stylish. Top Gear put together a drag race to see how this new Aston Martin would stack up against the Mercedes-AMG GT R. It's an interesting pairing when you learn that the AMG GT R has less power (577 bhp and 516 lb-ft of torque) and slower acceleration (0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds). However, the AMG GT R comes in around 138 lbs lighter. Which one of these sports car takes the checkered flag? Click play below.2018 Dodge Demon For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 13, 2018

2019 Aston Martin Vantage: Extreme Winter Drive

Testing is an essential part of building any new model. For the return of the Vantage, Aston Martin has assaulted the Arctic at their Finnish proving grounds. Carfection was invited to drive a VP car along with Chief Engineer Matt Becker. The Validation Prototype is the 3rd and final series of test cars that were built to make the new Vantage simply unbeatable.Next-Gen 2018 Aston Martin Vantage is Finally HereStarting with powertrain mules, these are older cars fitted with new engines and running gear to make sure they are well calibrated. The M1 cars were used to set up the chassis under an older body. Finally, these VP cars have the final body and chassis, with the only unfinished parameters being the power steering feedback. As Mr. Becker explains, it will take warmer weather to calibrate the steering, as the snow offers little resistance to changes in direction. After 20,000 kilometers of cold weather validation, the team will head to Arizona for punishing sweat tests. The new Vantage will shake up the market when it arrives, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.Aston Martin Vantages For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2017

Aston Martin Vulcan AMR Pro In Action for First Time

Wasting time is something Aston-Martin never does. That's why the press release for the new Vulcan AMR Pro was only hours before it was revealed at Goodwood. We summarized the details in the revealing article, but nothing is better than a video. Thanks to TheTFJJ, we have a front-row seat to the action. One of the main contributors to Aston-Martin's LeMans victory was aerodynamic domination. When they realized the Vantage GTE car made 2,289 lbs of downforce, the victory was already won. Only 24 Vulcans were sold, but a test mule must have been kept to validate new advancements for the track.The result of countless hours of research and hot laps have resulted in the Vulcan AMR Pro. At speed, it has 2,950 lbs keeping it glued to the track. Essentially, it's an upgrade package for the existing cars because they don't have any plans to resume production. The notion of sending your centerpiece back to the factory could best be described as plastic surgery because the finished product far outshines the base model. We don't know how much the upgrades will cost, or how many owners have opted for it. Several Vulcans are currently in the workshops of Q by Aston-Martin, so stay with us as they emerge. We'll have more Goodwood coverage this weekend, so stay with us for all your Aston-Martin news.

By Edward Jones – April 26, 2017

Over $83 Million in Aston Martin Unleashed at a Factory

When you buy a new house or building, you always need to properly break it in. Typically, most people have housewarming parties, but Aston Martin does something completely different.To celebrate the luxury automaker's second manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom, more specifically their new St Athan Plant, Aston Martin decided to get £65 million in cars (roughly $83 million USD) together for a film. In the film, seen below, Aston Martin Racing’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers, Darren Turner and Nicki Thiim, and their Chief Engineer Matt Becker got behind the wheel of some of these cars and drove shed some their tires' rubber onto the factory floor.Cars in the video include some of their most iconic vehicles, like the One-77, Vulcan, multiple generations of Vantages, and the upcoming DBX SUV and Valkyrie supercar. Click play on the video below to see these cars driven like never before.Aston Martins For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 18, 2017

Upcoming Aston Martin DB11 S Caught Testing

Rumors have it that Aston Martin will be creating a 2018 DB11 S model to add to their lineup. While there hasn't been official word on this new model, Automotive Mike did happen to spot what he thinks is the DB11.During his routine visit to Nurburgring, Automotive Mike spied an all-black DB11 with a makeshift spoiler and more aggressive front end. He notes that this car will have around 659 horsepower when released, but this is just hearsay.The car itself sounds great, but not too different than the exhaust note of the base DB11. However, the all-black exterior of the car is seriously awesome. Be sure to stay with us for more information on the Aston Martin DB11 S as it is released from the manufacturer.

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2017

Aston Martin AM-RB 001 Walkaround and First-Look

In the near future, I can't think of any car that looks more futuristic than the Aston Martin AM-RB 001. This is surprising because Aston Martin has been known for keeping it relatively calm when it comes to design, Vulcan aside.The AM-RB 001's entire design is so incredibly outlandish that I thought there was no way Aston Martin would produce this car. Contrary to my belief, the English automaker has said that the concept they've presented is essentially what the production car will look like. By far the most interesting and crazy design scheme about this car has to be the massive air channels behind the front wheels, which almost disconnect the front steering apparatus from the rest of the car if it weren't for the front hood.Related - Aston Martin One-77 For Sale Aston Martin brought the AM-RB 001 to the Toronto Auto Show for all to see. While I'm currently stuck in sunny Florida and couldn't make it to Canada, a few YouTube channels showed up to record some footage of the car. You can check the car out for yourself by clicking play below.Aston Martin For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2017

Rory Reid Drives Aston Martin Through Heavenly Road

Personally, I've been a fan of Rory Reid ever since he did his rap-review of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. In that one video, he showed off his passion for the automobile, creativity and great personality. When he was chosen to join the Top Gear crew, I was pretty excited.(Aston Martin One-77 For Sale)In his latest video on Top Gear's YouTube channel, he takes us all on a road trip through one of the most beautiful roads ever: Furka Pass. If this stretch of road looks familiar to you, that's because this is where James Bond (Sean Connery) took his Aston Martin. So, it's fitting that Rory drove an Aston Martin Rapide S through these roads.While the views of this video were enough to make it worth a watch, it's Rory's presence that really takes center stage. I certainly hope we see more from him in the future.Aston Martin For Sale

Videos

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe