{{Short description|Sports car}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Gordon Murray Automotive<br />Type 50 | image = Goodwood Festival of Speed 2022 (52172811781).jpg | manufacturer = [[Gordon Murray Automotive]] | aka = GMA T.50 | assembly = England: [[Windlesham]], [[Surrey]] (Gordon Murray Design Ltd) | designer = [[Gordon Murray]] | class = [[Sports car]] ([[S-segment|S]]) | body_style = 2-door [[coupé]] | layout = [[Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive]] | doors = [[Butterfly doors|Butterfly]] | related = [[Gordon Murray Automotive T.33]] | powerout = {{ubl | {{convert|663|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|467|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque | {{convert|772|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|497|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque (T.50s Niki Lauda) }} | engine = {{convert|3994|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} "3.9 L" ''[[Cosworth GMA]]'' [[V12 engine|V12]] | transmission = 6-speed ''[[Xtrac]]'' H-pattern [[manual transmission|manual]] | wheelbase = {{convert|2700|mm|1|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|4352|mm|1|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1850|mm|1|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1164|mm|1|abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|997|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}(dry) | predecessor = | successor = | sp = uk }}
The '''Gordon Murray Automotive Type 50''' or '''GMA T.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 {{convert|3994|cc|L|1|abbr=on}} [[Naturally aspirated engine|naturally aspirated]] [[V12 engine]] developed by [[Cosworth]]. The engine is rated at {{convert|663|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 11,500 rpm with a maximum torque of {{convert|467|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 9,000 rpm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/news/22743/gordon-murray-automotive-t50-revealed-the-real-mclaren-f1-successor|title=Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 revealed – the real McLaren F1 successor|date=4 August 2020|first=Jordan|last=Katsianis|publisher=[[Evo (magazine)|Evo]]|access-date=10 August 2020}}, and a maximum [[Redline|rpm redline]] of 12,100 rpm.</ref>
The T.50 achieves a dry weight of {{convert|997|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, making it lighter than the vast majority of vehicles in its class, with the naturally aspirated V12 weighing only {{convert|178|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, and the chassis is {{convert|30|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} lighter than the McLaren F1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/it-gordon-murrays-astonishing-ps236m-t50|title=This is it: Gordon Murray's astonishing £2.36m T.50|date=4 August 2020|first=Ollie|last=Marriage|publisher=[[Top Gear (magazine)|Top Gear]]|access-date=10 August 2020}}</ref> As a result, the T.50 features one of the [[Power-to-weight ratio#Sports vehicles|highest power-to-weight ratios]] amongst its class at {{cvt|672|hp|kW|order=flip}} per tonne, while its engine attains a [[specific output]] of {{convert|{{#expr:(663/3.994)round1}}|PS|kW hp PS|1|abbr=on|order=out}} per litre.
==Aerodynamics== [[File:Goodwood Festival of Speed 2022 (52171785902).jpg|thumb|285px| rear view]] 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 BT46B]] [[Formula One]] car, it is purpose-built to significantly improve the [[ground effect (cars)|ground effect]] of the T.50. As the T.50 makes use of very aggressive and steep angled rear [[Diffuser (automotive)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33501563/gordon-murray-t50-revealed/|title=McLaren F1—Inspired Gordon Murray T.50 Revs to 12,100 RPM, Weighs Only 2174 Pounds|date=4 August 2020|first=Mike|last=Duff|publisher=[[Car and Driver]]|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> 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 (automotive)|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, channelling 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/mclaren-f1-gordon-murray-automotive-t50-supercar/|title=McLaren F1-inspired 'Gordon Murray Automotive T50' revs to 12,100 rpm and has a fan that sucks the road|date=4 August 2020|first=Sean|last=Szymkowski|publisher=[[CNET]]|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>
==Comparisons to the McLaren F1== The car has been noted for its numerous similarities to the McLaren F1, produced between 1992 and 1998, which Gordon Murray conceptualised and co-designed. The T.50 has been described by Gordon Murray Automotive as being the "spiritual successor to the Murray-devised McLaren F1". The T.50 shares familiar features with the F1: a central driving position with two passenger seats flanking the driver, a six-speed manual gearbox, V12 powertrain, small opening 'ticket' windows in the otherwise fixed side window and dihedral 'wing' doors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gordonmurraydesign.com/news-articles/gordon-murray-automotive-reveals-details-for-its-new-%E2%80%98t.50%E2%80%99-the-purest,-lightest,-most-driver-focused-supercar-ever.html|title=Gordon Murray Automotive reveals details for its new 'T.50': the purest, lightest, most driver-focused supercar ever|work=Gordon Murray Design|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>
The T.50 addresses many of the design and engineering inadequacies of the 90s supercar, many of those the result of period design practices and time and budget constraints enforced by McLaren. As recorded by Murray "the spine is 50 mm too wide, the headlamps are like glow worms in a jar, the [[Automobile air conditioning|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".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/geek-out-murray-t50s-amazing-details#15|title=Geek out on the Murray T.50's amazing details|date=6 August 2020|first=Ollie|last=Marriage|publisher=[[Top Gear (magazine)|Top Gear]]|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>
==Production== GMA plans to build 100 customer cars at its Surrey production site.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theengineer.co.uk/gordon-murray-unveils-t-50-supercar/|title=Gordon Murray unveils T.50 supercar|date=5 August 2020|website=The Engineer|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref> Autocar reported that the T.50 entered production in March 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gordon Murray Automotive T50: V12 supercar enters production {{!}} Autocar |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/gordon-murray-automotive-t50-v12-supercar-enters-production |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=www.autocar.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Each car cost £2.36 million before local taxes and all of the planned 100 road spec units were sold within 48 hours of its global premiere.<ref>{{cite web |last=McIlroy |first=John |date=4 August 2020 |title=New 2022 Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 rewrites the supercar rule book |url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/107046/new-2022-gordon-murray-automotive-t50-rewrites-supercar-rule-book |access-date= |website=[[Auto Express]]}}</ref><ref name="gordonmurrayautomotive.com"> {{cite web |date=4 September 2020 |title=Murray to unleash more powerful and even lighter racing T.50 |url=https://gordonmurrayautomotive.com/theme/img/cms/client/mazaginePDFs/Murray%20to%20unleash%20more%20powerful%20and%20even%20lighter%20racing%20T.50.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925000950/http://gordonmurrayautomotive.com/theme/img/cms/client/mazaginePDFs/Murray%20to%20unleash%20more%20powerful%20and%20even%20lighter%20racing%20T.50.pdf |archive-date=2020-09-25 |access-date= |website=gordonmurrayautomotive.com}}</ref> As of August 2020 there are to be 13 GMA T.50 prototypes to pass crash, durability and emission regulations.
== Performance == Car and Driver published performance figures for the T.50, including 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 226 mph (364 km/h).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-30 |title=2025 Gordon Murray T.50 Returns to Center |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a62884601/2025-gordon-murray-automotive-t50-first-ride/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Variants ==
=====T.50s Niki Lauda=====
There will be 25 track-only variants of the car, designated as the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50s Niki Lauda, priced at £3.1 million before taxes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=dzinsmaster |date=2021-02-24 |title=Gordon Murray’s T.50s track special honors Niki Lauda, shaves 295 pounds, costs $4.36M |url=https://www.imsa.com/news/2021/02/24/gordon-murrays-t-50s-track-special-honors-niki-lauda-shaves-295-pounds-costs-4-36m/ |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=IMSA |language=en-US}}</ref> Top Gear reported that the car was developed for up to 1,500 kg of downforce and a weight of 852 kg.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-25 |title=Gordon Murray: 25 questions on the 725bhp T50S Niki Lauda |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/interview/gordon-murray-25-questions-725bhp-t50s-niki-lauda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429110524/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/interview/gordon-murray-25-questions-725bhp-t50s-niki-lauda |archive-date=29 April 2025 |access-date=2026-01-18 |work=Top Gear |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
== See also == * [[McMurtry Spéirling]], a 2021 prototype electric car which also uses fans for added downforce
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{official|url=https://www.gordonmurrayautomotive.com/automotive/t50}}
[[Category:Gordon Murray vehicles|T.50]] [[Category:Sports cars]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 2020]] [[Category:Coupés]] [[Category:First car made by manufacturer]] [[Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Cars with a centre driving position|Gordon Murray Automotive Type 50]]