McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray has officially revealed a new limited edition three-seater T.50 supercar said to have the world’s lightest and highest-revving 3.9-liter V12 engine in the world.
The limited edition Gordon Murray Automotive T.50. Credit: GMA
Legendary car designer Gordon Murray is no stranger to extreme car design, with 20 years’ experience in Formula 1 and cars like the iconic McLaren F1 in his portfolio. Now he’s finally had the opportunity to apply all his industry knowledge to his own supercar, namely the T.50, of which only 100 vehicles will made.
Described by Gordon Murray as his “ultimate car design,” the T.50 is the 50th car design penned by himself over his 50-year career and is said to improve on his acclaimed McLaren F1 “in every conceivable way.”
Gordon Murray with his “ultimate car design”. Credit: GMA
Scheduled to be built at Gordon Murray’s Automotive Production Center in Surrey, UK, the new T.50 has been created as “engineering art,” and like the McLaren F1, features dihedral doors and a three-seat design with the driver’s seat positioned centrally.
Dihedral doors and clean lines. Credit: GMACentral positioned drivers seat for the best driving experience. Credit: GMA
“With the design of our T.50 supercar, we are taking the same focused approach that was applied to the design of the McLaren F1”, shared Gordon Murray. “Thanks to modern materials and 30 years of development, we have been able to deliver a far better all-round car in the T50, while setting its weight at just 986kg, a full 150kg lighter than the F1.”
The T.50 is almost 1/3 lighter than the average supercar. Credit: GMA
Created with a carbon-fiber monocoque body, the T.50 weighs just 2,174 pounds / 986kgs (which is around 1/3 less than the average supercar) and is powered by a 100% bespoke 3.9-liter V12 engine that is the worlds lightest and highest-revving V12 engine to date. Producing 663PS @ 11,500rpm and 467Nm of torque @ 9,000rpm, the Cosworth developed engine also features dry-sump oiling to prevent oil starvation in hard cornering, a feature that will be appreciated given the T.50’s power and grip.
Gordon Murray explaining the details of the T.50. Credit: GMA
With a central focus on light-weight design, Gordon Murray’s Formula 1 experience shows in the streamlined design of the T.50 supercar with every gram accounted for and all unneeded vents, wings and flaps removed to create what Gordon Murray describes as the most advanced aerodynamics ever seen on a car.
“Next-level aerodynamics allow us to avoid the current supercar trend for exaggerated wings, vents, and ducts. I was determined to create a clean and pure shape that would remain timeless, ensuring the T50 will still look fresh in 30 years.”
The proportions, size, and styling are also something Gordon Murray is 100% happy with, noting that the vehicle can carry three passengers, luggage, and the V12 engine comfortably while keeping under 1000kgs.
A stand-out feature of the T.50 is undoubtedly the giant 15.7-inch central fan at the rear of the vehicle, designed to achieve unmatched aerodynamic performance combined with the underbody aerodynamics and two dynamic rear spoilers.
Not so secret aerodynamic weapon – the rear central fan. Credit: GMAOnly 100 Gordon Murray T.50’s will be built. Credit: GMA
First used on Murray’s F1 design, the fan-assisted aerodynamic system improves on conventional ground-effect systems by actively managing both underbody and overbody airflow.
This boundary layer control ensures the most effective interaction of airflow on top of, and below the car, balancing drag and downforce at all speeds.
Through the application of two automatic and four driver-selected aero modes, the T.50 is capable of increasing downforce by 50%, reducing drag by 12.5%, and cutting the braking distance by 10m from 150mph.
T50 Drive Modes
Auto Mode: is the car’s default setting. In this mode, the T.50 operates like an ordinary supercar with passive ground-effect downforce.
Braking Mode: automatically deploys the rear spoilers to their maximum (+45 degree) angle when high levels of deceleration are required. The fan also operates simultaneously at high speed while the diffuser valves open. This function can double downforce, enhancing stability and grip, and shortening the 150mph-to-0mph braking distance by a full 10 meters. If sudden deceleration is required, and when aerodynamics could influence stopping distance, Braking Mode overrides all other modes.
High Downforce Mode: is driver selectable and delivers enhanced traction – in this mode, the rear spoilers deploy at +10 degrees, diffuser valves open, and the fan spools up to increase downforce by 50%.
Streamline mode: cuts drag by 12.5% and boosts straight-line speed while also reducing fuel consumption and downforce. In this mode, the rear spoilers deploy to -10 degrees reducing base suction and drag. The diffuser valves close partially, stalling the diffuser and reducing downforce, which saves wheel travel to make the car more comfortable and efficient. It also sets the fan to operate at high speed, drawing air from the top deck to minimize drag while extending the trailing wake of the car, creating a ‘virtual longtail’ and producing 15kg of thrust.
V-Max Boost: is the most extreme T.50 mode. It uses the characteristics of Streamline Mode, then uses the car’s 48-volt integrated starter-generator to drive the fan – freeing up power to the driveshaft. Combined with the ram-air induction, this boosts power to 700PS for short bursts of acceleration.
Test Mode: operates when the car is stationary and is driver-selected. The fan spools up to its maximum 7,000rpm, the twin rear spoilers cycle through their full range of movement and the diffuser ducts / valves progressively open and close before returning to their rest position.
As a limited edition model, each customer will be given first viewing of the vehicle design and will be invited for a seat, steering wheel, and pedals fitting session to set their car up to fit them perfectly. Throughout the build, clients will be kept informed and will have the option of visiting their vehicle. Once completed, owners will be offered tailored experiences and have access to a service network and “flying technician.”
Only 100 Gordon Murray T.50’s will be built at a starting price of £2.36m (before taxes) with production scheduled for January 2022.
Lamborghini is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Countach with a special edition LPI 800-4 model debuting at this year’s Monterey Car Week.
The new Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4. Credit: Lamborghini
In celebration of the Countach’s 50th anniversary, Lamborghini has unveiled a special limited edition Countach LPI 800-4 as a futuristic tribute to the poster car of the 1980s.
While sharing the same name and drawing on the visual legacy of its predecessor, the new Countach LPI 800-4 is powered by Lamborghini’s aspirated V12 engine combined with new hybrid supercapacitor technology initially developed for the Sian.
Powered by Lamborghini’s V12 engine with hybrid supercapacitor. Credit: Lamborghini
Delivering 802hp maximum combined power (rounded to 800 for the sake of its model name), the LPI 800-4 can reach 0-62mph acceleration in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 220mph.
The Lamborghini Countach has a top speed of 220mph. Credit: Lamborghini
“The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams.
“The Countach LPI 800-4 pays homage to this Lamborghini legacy, but it is not retrospective: it imagines how the iconic Countach of the 70s and 80s might have evolved into an elite super sports model of this decade. It upholds the Lamborghini tradition of looking forward, of exploring new design and technology avenues while celebrating the DNA of our brand. It is a Lamborghini that innately expresses the marque’s enduring and emotive power: always inspirational and thrilling to see, hear and most of all drive.”
Inspired by the Quattrovalvole edition with low rectangular headlights. Credit: Lamborghini
Inspired by the Countach’s distinctive silhouette, sharp angles, and wedge shape, the Countach LPI 800-4’s exterior inspiration was taken specifically from the Quattrovalvole edition in the bold lines of the front bonnet with long, low rectangular grille and headlights, as well as in the wheel arches with their hexagonal theme.
Futuristic hexagonal rear lights like those of the Sián. Credit: Lamborghini
Unfortunately for fans of the Wolf of Wall Street Countach, there’s no fixed rear wing on the latest model. However, there are still air scoops integrated fluidly into the car’s shoulders and the distinctive Countach slatted “gills” and famous scissor doors.
The rear of the Countach LPI 800-4 still features a distinctive inverted wedge shape, with the rear bumper featuring a lower, sleeker line and the hexagonal rear light design similar to that of the Sián.
The famous scissor doors still remain. Credit: Lamborghini
Lamborghini has revealed only 112 models of the new Countach LPI 800-4 will be produced (a number chosen in honor of the internal project name “LP 112” used for the original Countach development) with allocations already fulfilled prior to the public launch.
Only 112 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4’s will be produced. Credit: Lamborghini
Porsche Motorsport celebrates 25 years partnership with Manthey-Racing and reveals the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25.
The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25. Credit: Porsche
Porsche Motorsport is celebrating 25 years of collaboration with Manthey-Racing GmbH and has unveiled the limited edition 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 to commemorate.
Founded by racing driver Olaf Manthey in 1996, Manthey-Racing GmbH is responsible for running the Porsche 911 RSR of the factory squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and has made a name for itself in both the motor racing world and as a GT road car specialist.
Celebrating 25 years partnership with Manthey Racing. Credit: Porsche
The basic concept and technical ideas for the new special edition was provided by Manthey and based on the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport with Porsche providing the final design.
Developed specifically for track days and circuit racing, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is powered by a 3.8-liter flat-six twin-turbo engine and produces 515 HP directed to the rear wheels through Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (PDK).
Green and yellow design accents inspired by “Grello”. Credit: Porsche
Taking inspiration from Manthey’s 911 GT3 R, known as the “Grello” because of its distinctive green and yellow livery, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 sports a similar green and yellow color scheme to highlight functional areas of the vehicle and adopts many vehicle components and elements from future Porsche racing cars.
Limited to 30 vehicles worldwide. Credit: Porsche
“The design of the 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 expresses the long-standing collaboration between Porsche Motorsport and Manthey,” emphasizes Grant Larson from Style Porsche. “It amalgamates the respective strengths of each partner into one racing car, and at the same time bridges the gap between the 991 and 992 model generations of the 911.”
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25 is limited to 30 vehicles in total (only six are allocated for North America) with deliveries expected to begin in early 2022.
To order, customers will need to email 911GT2RSClubsport25@porsche.de directly and have a spare $620,00 on hand.
The new Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is set to make its debut at this year’s Monterey Car Week and celebrates ten years of the Huayra supercar.
The new Pagani BC Huayra Pacchetto Tempesta. Credit: Pagani Automobili
This year at Monterey Car Week, Pagani celebrates ten years of the Huayra with the world premiere of the new Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta.
Based on the Huayra BC, the new Pacchetto Tempesta package means the Huayra BC’s high-performance platform can be equipped with a range of “state-of-the-art technical and artisan solutions” to maximize the car’s racing abilities and achieve an 8% power increase to deliver 827 hp and 1,100 Nm torque.
Pagani has only teased several introductory images of the green carbon fiber bodied beauty ahead of the premiere, and although full details are yet to be shared, Pagani has noted that the Pacchetto Tempesta features a new front splitter, dedicated air intake, rear wing with an integrated central fin, and six-pipe exhaust system to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.
New rear wing design with an integrated central fin. Credit: Pagani Automobili
A tweaked suspension system and the addition of an all-new “Soft Driving mode” also ensure drivers are afforded maximum comfort in the aggressive Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta.
The Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will make its debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering event on Friday 13th August at Monterey Car Week 2021 and will be seen alongside the Huayra R project and an up-close-and-personal look at the all-new Pagani V12-R engine, six-speed sequential gearbox.
While no prices have been revealed yet, the Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will no double start above the $2.25 million price tag of the Huayra BC.
New six-exhaust design (four central and two below). Credit: Pagani Automobili