Gordon Murray gives us a tour of the GMA T.50S prototype

Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) showcased the first prototype of the GMA T.50S Niki Lauda at Pebble Beach this year. IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti caught up with the company’s chairman Gordon Murray to discuss the T.50S in detail.

The T.50S is a more track-focused version of the T.50 supercar. However, as Gordon points out, it’s not merely a re-bodied T.50. It was developed from the ground up for a specific application and apart from the visual changes, several modifications have been made to the V12 engine.

The 3.9-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine from Cosworth puts out 711 hp @11500 rpm and 358 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm. The engine drives the rear wheels via a 6-speed paddle shift gearbox. The T.50s Niki Lauda weighs just 852 kg and has a power-to-weight ratio of 835 hp/tonne.

Like the standard T.50, this car also has a centrally mounted driver’s seat. However, it has a more race-oriented cockpit with fewer creature comforts compared to the T.50.

Only 25 units of the GMA T.50S will be produced, each costing around £3.5 million (before taxes).