Gordon Murray Automotive has unveiled its T.50 supercar in full for the first time.
The new T.50 will be powered a bespoke 3.9-litre, 663bhp V12 engine that revs to a record-breaking 12,100rpm. It will also feature the most advanced and effective aerodynamics ever seen on a road car – aided by a 400mm rear-mounted fan.
The exterior design of the T.50 is dominated by a pursuit of purity and balance, and is subsequently free from the wings, skirts and vents that adorn most modern-day supercars. The clean surfaces result in a deliberately simple design with beautiful lines and a timeless appearance.
Dihedral doors open to reveal a central, jet fighter-like driving position, with aerospace-grade primary and secondary controls arranged in an “ergonomic bubble” around the driver.
COMPLETELY BESPOKE ENGINE
The T.50 utilises the highest-revving and most responsive naturally aspirated engine ever fitted to a production road car. The V12 engine revs freely to a road-car record of 12,100rpm.
Fed by a roof-mounted cold-air ram induction inlet, the T.50 powerplant delivers 71% of its peak torque from 2500rpm, with its maximum 467Nm achieved at 9000rpm.
ACTIVE AERODYNAMICS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Road-car aerodynamics are taken to entirely new levels in the T.50 thanks to a rear-mounted 400mm fan. The fan rapidly accelerates air passing under the car, forcing it through active boundary-layer control ducts and maximising its ground-effect capabilities.
The fan is driven by a lightweight 48-volt motor, spinning at up to 7000rpm. The unit’s design and underbody ducting does away with the need for a “skirt”. The inlet ducts are fitted with filters ensure no road debris can pass through the fan.
Two automatic and four driver-selected aero modes will allow for different levels of downforce and drag as necessary.
T.50 LIGHTWEIGHT DYNAMICS
A double wishbone rising rate suspension made from forged aluminium alloy hold the car at front and rear, without additional interference from heavy electric or hydraulic suspension components.
The steering system is also “pure”, with a simple rack-and-pinion setup that is unassisted at speed. Low Speed Power Assistance is reserved for parking manoeuvres.
The suspension and steering work in partnership with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres (235/35 R19 in front and 295/30 R20 in the rear).
Chosen by Murray to avoid costly replacement of bespoke rubber and specified for superior all-round performance, the tyres are another weight-saving move. They can be far smaller and narrower than a typical supercar tyre, thanks to the T.50’s light weight.
The T.50 utilises a body and chassis constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre, which ensures incredible stiffness, doing away with the need for additional bracing in the car.
Braking power is provided by the latest-generation Brembo six-piston air-cooled aluminium alloy Monobloc callipers up front and four-piston air-cooled aluminium alloy Monobloc callipers at the rear.
Optimum stopping power and further weight saving is ensured by pairing them with Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs (front 370mm x 34mm / rear 340mm x 34mm).
T.50 IS A JET FIGHTER FOR THREE
The T.50 adopts a single-seat configuration at the front, while two passenger seats flank either side.
Each customer will have a personalised seat fitting during the specification process, at the same time adjusting the steering wheel height and reach, and fine tuning the set-up of the pedal box.
Front and centre in the driver’s view is a large (120mm) analogue, flood lit rev counter with a needle milled from aluminium.
At either side of the steering wheel rests three aerospace-grade aluminium rotary switches which control the heating/ventilation and air conditioning, while to the left the two lower controls are for wipers and lights.
The top-left dial is the most intriguing and unique – marked with a graphic of the T.50 fan, this configures the four driver-selectable aero modes.
Look down from the driver’s seat and you will find that the clutch and brake pedals are milled from solid aluminium for strength and lightness and laser-etched with the T.50 name.
The accelerator pedal meanwhile is crafted from solid titanium to deliver the lightest, strongest pedal that delivers ultimate control and sensitivity to the driver.
High-end audio specialists Arcam have also created a 700-watt nominal 10-speaker 100% bespoke sound system for the T.50.
Learn more about Professor Gordon Murray and his contributions to the world of motoring here!
Discover more about the T.50 by heading over to Gordon Murray Automotive
