Designed with the driver in mind, this supercar prioritizes the driving experience above all else.
Both the interior and exterior designs emphasize purity and meticulous attention to detail.
The car boasts a remarkable 3.9-liter V12 engine, the world’s lightest, highest-revving, and most power-dense naturally aspirated engine designed for road cars.
Gordon Murray Automotive has taken the wraps off its £2.36 million T.50 supercar. This global debut gave the world a first look at the completed exterior and interior design. Technical specifications were also confirmed.
Professor Gordon Murray CBE, aiming to improve upon his iconic McLaren F1 “in every conceivable way,” is at the helm of the team that will begin hand-building customer versions of this 986 kg supercar in January 2022. The T.50 holds a special significance in Murray’s career, representing the 50th car design in his 50-year journey. That legacy is woven into the car’s name.
The T.50 is engineered for purity, lightness, and an unparalleled driver-centric experience. It weighs in at 986 kg, significantly lighter than the average supercar, enhancing agility, responsiveness, and driver engagement.
Engineered for an exhilarating experience even at average speeds, the T.50 comes alive with its custom-built 3.9-liter, 663PS V12 engine. It revs up to an impressive 12,100 rpm. Complementing the engine’s power is groundbreaking aerodynamics, never before seen in a road car, featuring a rear-mounted 400 mm fan.
Source: Gordon Murray Automotive. The T.50 premieres globally.
The T.50’s exterior design is characterized by sleek and elegant lines that give it a timeless look. It avoids the use of excessive wings, skirts, and vents commonly seen in modern supercars. This focus on clean lines is made possible by its cutting-edge and highly effective aerodynamic design.
Adding a touch of drama to the car’s otherwise pure silhouette are the dihedral doors that rise up and forwards, coming to rest high above the passenger cabin. Inside, the driver-centric design is apparent, with a central, jet fighter-inspired driving position and aerospace-grade controls arranged within easy reach.
Professor Murray envisioned a car where each element would be considered a piece of engineering art. His goal was to create a vehicle surpassing all others, instilling a profound sense of pride and connection in its owners. Each major component of the interior and the underpinnings of the car is sourced from British suppliers. This was a personal insistence from Murray, who was determined to make the T.50 a true British sports car.
Every part of the T.50 reflects a commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. From the record-breaking V12 engine and lightweight transmission to the world-first aerodynamic package and titanium throttle pedal, each element is uniquely crafted to the highest standard by leading British companies.
The T.50 offers an unprecedented level of personalization. Customers have the opportunity to meet directly with Professor Murray to discuss their preferences for the car, customizing both interior and exterior elements. This includes a personalized fitting session for the seat, steering wheel, and pedals, guaranteeing that each T.50 is ergonomically perfect and tailored to the owner.
Professor Murray shared, “Just 100 customers will share my vision, a car created to improve on the F1 formula in every conceivable way. With 30 years of technological and systems advancement, now, the time is right to design the greatest analog driver’s car. I believe no other company could deliver what we will bring to market in 2022, producing this British supercar will be my proudest moment.”
He continued, “From the first touch of the titanium throttle pedal to the V12 screaming at 12,100 rpm, the driver experience will surpass any supercar ever built. No other road car can deliver the package of power, instant responsiveness and driver feedback in such a direct and focused way while remaining comfortable, refined and usable every day.”
The exhilarating driving experience starts with the central driving position. Designed like a “jet-fighter” cockpit, this unique seating arrangement offers an unobstructed view and delivers the type of raw driving experience typically associated with single-seater race cars.
Professor Murray firmly believes the engine plays a crucial role in a car’s overall driving experience—at least 50%, in his view. This understanding inspired his mission to develop the world’s most remarkable V12 engine. Murray, who has an aversion to carbon or plastic engine covers, made sure that the bespoke Cosworth GMA V12 engine is proudly displayed upon raising the twin gullwing openings that grace the rear half of the car. The engine’s cam covers, primary exhaust manifolds, and inlet trumpets become a visual centerpiece.
The Cosworth GMA engine is a remarkable feat of engineering. It stands as the world’s highest-revving, fastest-responding, most power-dense, and lightest road-going V12. For those who appreciate the symphony of a powerful engine, the T.50’s 12,100 rpm redline guarantees an unforgettable auditory experience. Additionally, the car incorporates Direct Path Induction Sound—a system first used in the McLaren F1 and further refined for the T.50—which channels the sound of the engine’s induction growl directly into the cabin.
Positioned strategically above the driver’s head is a cold-air ram induction intake, working in concert with carefully designed carbon fiber panels in the roof to amplify the engine’s distinct sound within the cabin. This system, activated by throttle angle rather than engine revs, ensures the T.50 remains refined at lower speeds, unleashing its full acoustic potential as the throttle opens up.
Within the cabin, every analog control is ergonomically positioned and exquisitely designed. From the highly responsive steering, providing precise feedback, to the weighted six-speed manual transmission and the titanium throttle pedal, the T.50 embodies engineering excellence. The manual H-pattern gear-change motion and weighting were meticulously fine-tuned during testing, with Professor Murray personally approving the final design. The result is a tactile, short-throw gear change mechanism, designed with a narrow cross gate, that makes for exceptionally smooth and satisfying gear transitions.
The T.50 prioritizes a pure, unfiltered driving experience with minimal intrusion from driver aids. Both the electronic stability program (ESP) and traction control can be completely deactivated. However, some technologies, such as the six aero modes—made possible through active and interactive fan-assisted aerodynamics—are included to enhance the overall driving experience.
The 400 mm rear-mounted fan plays a crucial role in boosting the car’s performance, significantly exceeding the capabilities of a traditional ground-effect supercar. This innovative fan, working together with the active rear spoilers and interactive diffusers, contributes to a 50% increase in downforce. During braking, this effect is even more pronounced, with a 100% increase in downforce. Additional benefits include a 12.5% reduction in drag, a 50 PS boost in power through ram-air induction, and a 16 km reduction in braking distance from 241.4 km/h.
Professor Murray expressed immense satisfaction with the completed T.50 stating, “For the past 18 months, the T.50 team has lived and breathed the ethos of the car, accomplishing everything we set out to achieve and more. I couldn’t be happier with the car and the team – they’re by far the best I’ve ever worked with.”