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Gordon Murray T.50 will be modern McLaren F1, 12,100rpm redline

There’s an all-new hypercar on the horizon, and its the work of Gordon Murray. Yep, the guy behind the epic McLaren F1 of the 1990s. This new model goes by the name of T.50. A teaser image has been handed out to give us some clues.

According to Gordon Murray Automotive, the T.50 is being created as a spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. The company even boasts that it will be the “purest, lightest, most driver-focused supercar” ever made. Well that’s a pretty big statement isn’t it? What’s the idea for the power?

Behind the passenger compartment are plans for a naturally aspirated V12 that’s capable of revving to a mind-blowing 12,100rpm. And it’ll generate 650hp (485kW) and 450Nm. That doesn’t sound like much power for a modern hypercar, but Gordon Murray Automotive says the T.50 will be very light.

Thanks to a carbon fibre tub the T.50 is set to weigh just 980kg. At this weight it really will come in as the lightest weight car in its class. Obviously the power-to-weight ratio will be extraordinary, which should result in incredible acceleration and speed.

Interestingly, Gordon Murray Automotive is talking about a H-pattern gearbox and a rear-wheel drive system. It’ll also feature a three-seat cabin layout with a central driving position just like the McLaren F1. Speaking of the car and the plans, Gordon Murray is quoted in a statement as saying:

“An unflinching dedication to lightweighting, highly-advanced active aerodynamics and world-leading standards of advanced engineering will ensure the T.50 rewrites the supercar rulebook. Our experienced team is applying the same uncompromising approach to design and engineering that shaped every facet of the F1, and they are able to deliver substantial improvements over that car in every meaningful way.”

All of the engineering work behind the T.50 is being carried out by Gordon Murray Design and then it will be produced by Gordon Murray Automotive. All major components will be UK-sourced as well to ensure it is as British as possible. Just 100 examples are set for production, with deliveries scheduled for 2022. Prices will be in excess of £2 million. Check out the preliminary specs below.

Technical specifications

General
Body type Two doors, three seats, Grand Tourer Supercar
Engine Cosworth-GMA 3.9l 65° V12 N/A twin-cam
Weight 980kg
Length 4,380mm
Width 1,850mm
Motor and transmission
Type Naturally aspirated V12
Displacement 3,980cc
Layout Rear mid-engine
Maximum power 650hp
Maximum torque 450Nm
Valves Four valves per cylinder
Fuel system Petrol pfi aluminium fuel tank
Maximum engine revs 12,100rpm
Engine details / overview Dry sump lubrication
Variable valve timing
Highest-revving road car engine (no flywheel / lightweight clutch)
Structural chassis member
Ram-air induction system
Cutting-edge materials and coatings
All light alloy (including magnesium and titanium)
Transmission Bespoke lightweight six-speed transmission
Light alloy casing
Limited-slip differential
Lightweight clutch
Gun-drilled drive shafts
Chassis and body
Drive type Rear-wheel drive
Chassis Primary structure handmade sandwich-panel carbon monocoque, including semi-structural powertrain utilising high-modulus adhesive
Body Carbon composite panels
Occupant architecture Central driving position – three seats
Suspension and brakes
Front suspension Rod / operated rising rate; double wishbone; anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Rod / operated rising rate; double wishbone – inclined shear axis; powertrain mass damper
Brakes Carbon-ceramic discs
Aluminium floating disc bells
Monobloc light alloy calipers
Low boost assist / ABS
Steering LSPA rack and pinion
Wheels Forged light alloy
Aerodynamics Active ground-effect with full-width diffuser and fan-assisted underbody airflow – brake balance foil

 

Maverick

I like to think that I'm a car fanatic, but more of a driving fanatic. There's nothing better than getting out onto the open road, almost regardless of the car, and enjoying dancing with the controls and gathering up the moving scenery. If I'm not driving I'm either at the gym or sinking a few beers with friends.
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