Gordon Murray Automotive T.50
 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (August 2020) |
| Gordon Murray Automotive Type 50 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Gordon Murray Automotive |
| Also called | GMA T.50 |
| Production | 2022 (expected) |
| Assembly | England: Dunsfold, Surrey |
| Designer | Gordon Murray |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Doors | Butterfly |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.0 L (3,994 cc) Cosworth GMA V12 |
| Power output | 663 PS (488 kW; 654 hp) 467 N⋅m (344 lbf⋅ft) of torque |
| Transmission | 6-speed Xtrac H-pattern manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4,352 mm (171.3 in) |
| Width | 1,850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height | 1,164 mm (45.8 in) |
| Kerb weight | 986 kg (2,174 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | McLaren F1 (spiritual) |
The GMA T.50 or Gordon Murray Automotive Type 50 is a sports car manufactured by Gordon Murray Automotive. Designed by Gordon Murray and inspired by the McLaren F1, the T.50 is powered by an all-new bespoke 3,992 cc (4.0 L) naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by Cosworth. The engine is rated at of 663 PS (488 kW; 654 hp) at 11,500 rpm with a max torque of 467 N⋅m (344 lbf⋅ft) at 9,000 rpm.[1]
The T.50 achieves a kerb weight of 986 kg (2,174 lb), superseding the vast majority of vehicles in its class, with the naturally aspirated V12 weighing 178 kg (392 lb) alone and the chassis being at least 30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the McLaren F1.[2] As a result, the T.50 features one of the highest power to weight ratios amongst its class at 663 hp per tonne (700 hp per tonne in Vmax mode).
Aerodynamics
A distinctive feature of the GMA T.50 is the 8.5 kW 40 cm aerodynamic fan integrated into the rear of the car, powered by a 48 volt electrical motor. Inspired by the Brabham BT46 Formula One car, it is purpose-built to significantly improve the ground effect of the T.50. As the T.50 makes use of very aggressive and steep angle rear diffusers, this in turn creates substantial turbulent or semi-stalled air passing over the diffuser when the T.50 has its fan inactive. By utilising the integrated aerodynamic Fan, the T.50 can suck the air under the car at a 90 degree angle and provide a significant increase in overall downforce as it provides a laminar flow of air passing over the rear diffuser, thus, creating a greater level of suction in tandem with the Venturi effect, created underneath the car, ahead of the steep rear diffusers.[3] This allows the T.50 to control the boundary layer and turbulent vortices underneath the car, significantly improving downforce. As a result of the T.50’s fan-assisted aerodynamic design, the need for any aerodynamic package on the front or rear of the T.50, such as a splitter, a wing or an aggressive aerodynamic design are considered ineffective in providing further downforce and are thus considered negligible, allowing a free form and flowing exterior design. The T.50 does make use of active aero spoilers however, that operate in conjunction with the aerodynamic fan. The active aero and fan functionality of the car is dependent on the driver selected mode which is provided in six presets made available in the cockpit of the car. The fan assisted aero design allows for a 30% increase in downforce when a ‘high downforce’ mode is selected, channeling air through aero ducts perpendicular to the airflow underneath the car, providing a high suction ground effect. Furthermore, under braking the T.50 provides 100% additional downforce by extending the active spoilers to a 45 degree angle of attack and utilising diffuser ducts. The T.50 can also achieve reductions in drag by selecting the specialised mode presets of ‘streamline’ and ‘Vmax’ modes, allowing for a 12.5% reduction in overall drag.[4]
Comparisons to the McLaren F1
The car has also been noted for its numerous design cues to the McLaren F1, also designed by Murray and produced between 1992 to 1998. Furthermore, the T.50 has been recorded by Gordon Murray Automotive as being the “spiritual successor to the Murray-devised McLaren F1.” The T.50 utilises familiar facets found on the F1: including a centralised driving position with two passenger seats flanking the driver, a six-speed manual gearbox, V12 powertrain, ticketed passenger windows, dihedral wing doors as well as the integration of aero fans to attain ground effect.[5]
In addition, the T.50 extends its relationship with the McLaren F1 further by rectifying design and engineering issues subdued by the period, often in terms of design practices of the period and time restraints enforced by McLaren. As recorded by Murray “The spine is 50 mm too wide, the headlamps are like glow worms in a jar, the air-con was hopeless, the brakes squeak, the clutch needs adjusting every 5,000 miles, the fuel tank bag replacing every five years, loading luggage in the lockers was a pain. This all stuck in my head.”[6]
Production
GMA plans to build 100 customer cars at its Surrey production site.[7] 2/3rds of the planned 100 units have been pre-sold. The car was revealed on 4 August 2020.[8] As of August 2020 there is to be 13 GMA T.50 prototypes to pass crash, durability and emission regulations.
References
- ^ Katsianis, Jordan (4 August 2020). "Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 revealed – the real McLaren F1 successor". Evo. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Marriage, Ollie (4 August 2020). "This is it: Gordon Murray's astonishing £2.36m T.50". Top Gear. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Duff, Mike (4 August 2020). "McLaren F1—Inspired Gordon Murray T.50 Revs to 12,100 RPM, Weighs Only 2174 Pounds". Car and Driver. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ Szymkowski, Sean (4 August 2020). "McLaren F1-inspired 'Gordon Murray Automotive T50' revs to 12,100 rpm and has a fan that sucks the road". CNET. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Gordon Murray Automotive reveals details for its new 'T.50': the purest, lightest, most driver-focused supercar ever". Gordon Murray Design. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ Marraige, Ollie (6 August 2020). "Geek out on the Murray T.50's amazing details". Top Gear. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ "Gordon Murray unveils T.50 supercar". The Engineer. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ Cropley, Steve (5 August 2020). "Gordon Murray T50 is V12-powered McLaren F1 successor". Autocar.