The full model debut will be in May 2020. However, Gordon Murray Automotive is already accepting orders for the 100-vehicle production run.
Gordon Murray Automotive presents a new view of the T.50. It is Murray’s spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. A fan system located at the rear of the car offers significant improvements in aerodynamics, according to the firm. The automaker has partnered with Racing Point Formula One Team in order to get aero right. They will use the team’s rolling-road wind Tunnel and receive assistance from engineers.
The fan measures 15.75 inches (400 millimeters) and accelerates the airflow through the rear diffuser. To prevent road debris from entering the fan, it uses a vertically-oriented intake duct. The air is directed downward by vents to cool the engine oil. Two active wings are located at the back of the vehicle that can be bent upward or flattened to reduce drag.
When the fan starts to fire up and we need more downforce at lower speeds, we open the slots, spool it up to maximum speed, and remove any dirt and boundary layers. This means that the air must follow the surface. Murray explained Road & Track that the air is forced to follow the surface in order to fill the vacuum.
The sophisticated active aero system could operate in several modes. Vmax Mode is the most difficult setting. It puts the fan and ducts in a low-drag configuration and uses the integrated starter-generator at 48 volts to increase the engine’s output to 700 horsepower (522kilowatts). If the driver is looking to stay on the road, there’s also a high downforce configuration.
The T.50 is powered by a Cosworth-built, naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter V12 with 650 horsepower (485 kW) & 332 pound-feet (345 Newton-meters). The engine can reach 12,100 rpm. It is controlled by a six-speed manual transmission that takes the power to the rear wheels. The weight is kept down by a carbon-fiber monocoque, and body panels, which weigh in at 2,161 pounds (980 kg).
Gordon Murray Automotive will build only 100 T.50s, making it the first T.50 to debut fully in May 2020. Each one will cost PS2 million (or $2,635,700 at current exchange rate). The firm also reports that Japan and the United States are the most popular markets.