The T.50 is the McLaren F1’s spiritual successor.
The car’s 3.9-litre V12 is naturally aspirated and is built by Cosworth.
It is expected to deliver more than 650 horsepower.
Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) is in the process of developing and testing their T.50’s engine. This is not a typical V12 engine as it was custom-built by non-other than Cosworth and here, we see and hear being tested.
The all-new Cosworth GMA V12 fires up for the first time today and revs to 1,500rpm – looking forward to the full 12,100rpm in the coming weeks. #GMA #T50 #Cosworth #Gordonmurray #supercar via Instagram https://t.co/t4RJqtpCxl pic.twitter.com/pAUP1lY9YI
— Gordon Murray Automotive (@PlanetGMA) July 17, 2020
GMA is obsessed with all things automotive, so long as they’re lightweight. This Cosworth-built 3.9-litre V12 is as lightweight as can be imagined, and it’s also quite the powerhouse. To put it in perspective, this V12, at under 397 lbs, is more 130 lbs lighter than the McLaren F1’s BMW-sourced 6.1-litre V12. What’s more, the F1’s mill produced “only” 618 horsepower while the 3.9-litre unit should produce in excess of 650. Let’s not forget that the T.50 will benefit from 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 | Photo: GMAThe V12 is composed of extremely expensive and lightweight internals including titanium. The engine is designed to sustain a 12,100 rpm redline. The shared video sees the V12 rev up to 1,500 rpm but it’s still in the testing phase.
GMA’s goal is to create the best power-to-weight ratio of any hypercar and with a target weight of 2,160 lbs, it will happen. For comparison sakes, the Bugatti Chiron weighs over 4,400 lbs and is power by 1,500 horsepower. The GMA T.50 will be unique in many other ways. One of which is that it will feature a new 6-speed manual gearbox, designed and built by motorsport specialist Xtrac. The transmission is 22 lbs lighter than the 6-speed box found in the F1.