Gordon Murray Automotive continues to test the T.50 and recently brought its XP2 and XP3 prototypes to Top Gear’s test track at the Dunsfold Aerodrome, near the automaker’s production facility. During these latest tests, Gordon Murray himself and senior test and development driver Steve Hays tested out the handling characteristics of the vehicle and were able to rev the engine out to 5,000 rpm. Even at these low revs, the engine sounds very nice.
The engine in question is a powertrain developed by Cosworth and is a 3.9-liter V12 unit that will rev to an extraordinary 12,100 rpm in the eventual production car. The T.50 was originally announced to have 650 hp and 450 Nm of torque but tests have already shown that it is actually good for 672 hp and that’s before taking into account the ram induction system. This engine also incorporates a 48-volt integrated starter generator and is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission that powers the rear wheels.
Of course, it is not just the engine that makes the T.50 special. Underpinning the car is a carbon fiber monocoque that allows the T.50 to tip the scales at just 980 kg. The supercar also includes a three-seat layout, just like the McLaren F1 that inspired it, and features a 400 mm electric fan mounted at the back that sucks up air from under the car and increases downforce.
Gordon Murray will build just 100 examples of the T.50, plus 25 T.50S Niki Lauda track variants. Customer deliveries will start in 2022.
