Gordon Murray, the revolutionary design genius behind the iconic McLaren F1, has revealed what's perhaps his most exciting project to date. The T.50 is Gordon Murray Automotive's new driver-focused supercar, which in his words is "the purest, lightest, most driver-focused supercar ever." Let's talk details (only one sketch was released).
Designed to be a modern-day analog supercar (read: NO dual-clutch), it features a new mid-engine, rear-drive layout with the famed central driving position and H-pattern six-speed manual gearbox. Power? Try an all-new, Cosworth-developed naturally aspirated 3.9-liter V12 with 650 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque that redlines to 12,100 rpm. Let's put it like this: This new V12 delivers more power from four liters than the McLaren F1 produced with 6.1-liters in 1992. Thank roof-fed ram induction technology for that. The power-to-weight ratio will reportedly be "unmatched." Total weight: 2,160 pounds. That's less than a new Mazda MX-5 Miata!
According to Murray: "I have absolutely no interest in chasing records for top speed or acceleration. Our focus is instead on delivering the purest, most rewarding driving experience of any supercar ever built – but, rest assured, it will be quick." The T.50 will also benefit from advanced aerodynamics featuring intelligent body management of underbody airflow coupled with a 400mm fan at the rear. The latter feature is what Murray has dubbed "Fan Car," where a similar approach was taken on his famous Brabham BTF6B Formula One Fan Car. No other road car currently in production will match it, aerodynamically speaking. It's best to view the T.50 as the F1's spiritual successor in every way, including its exterior design. Engineering purity and quality were essential down to the last nut and bolt.
"Just as with the F1, we have no specific targets for acceleration, top speed or lap times," explains Murray. "The F1 was fast because it was light and relatively small. The T.50 will deliver performance and dynamic characteristics simply out of reach for other supercars not least because of its low weight. Once again, I have focused on the complete driving experience, not horsepower or top speed."
It's also vital to know that the T.50 is not some "stripped-down" supercar but rather an everyday vehicle capable of GT-style cruising with enough interior space and comfort for the driver, two passengers (one on each side, of course), and their luggage.
"I designed the F1 as a sort of super GT car – absolutely road-focused with no plan to go racing, which is why the car set new standards for packaging and luggage space. The T.50 design has the same focus and betters the F1 in every area – ingress and egress; luggage capacity; serviceability; maintenance and suspension set-up. Also, driver-selectable engine maps ensure a driving mode to suit every situation," concludes Murray.
Production will be limited to only 100 examples priced "in excess of £2 million (around $2.54 million USD). " Production will take place at a new, purpose-built facility in Surrey, UK and all major components will bespoke and locally sourced. This true British analog supercar will hit the road in early 2022.