A while ago, media learned that Gordon Murray Automotive was building a spiritual successor of the legendary McLaren F1 supercar. Today, the carmaker came out of the shadow with some technical details about the upcoming car.
The new McLaren T.50 comes based on a manually assembled carbon fiber monocoque and weighs in at just 980 kilograms (2,160 pounds). Its bodywork is also largely made of the same composite material. The car is slightly smaller than the current Porsche 911 in terms of outer dimensions.
Powering it is a 3.9-liter Cosworth-GMA V12 rated at 650 hp (485 kW) and 450 Nm (332 pound-feet) of torque. The engine can rev up to 12,100 RPM and comes connected to a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.
The original McLaren F1 packed a 6.0-liter V12 rated at 627 hp (468 kW) and 612 Nm (451 lb×ft) of torque. It accelerated 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and topped out at an unthinkable 386 km/h (240 mph).
The company describes the exterior design of the new T.50 as being ‘cleaner and tidier’ than that of other cars, due to the lacking air vents, fender flares, and other styling parts like this. Instead, the car sports an active aerodynamic kit including, among other things, a special fan that can thin the air at the car bottom and thus improve downforce. While not exactly new, this tech has previously been reserved for professional motorsports applications, the manufacturer says.
The cabin can accommodate three people, with the driver’s seat located in the middle. There is also a usable trunk compartment, which should make the two-door vehicle about as practical as the McLaren Grand Tourer.
Gordon Murray Automotive says it will keep the production quantity to 100 units priced at £2,000,000 each. Shipments will begin in 2022.
Photos: automotivpress.fr