On 4 August, Gordon Murray Automotive will unveil its new T.50 supercar. The brand’s new halo model, which is pegged as a successor to the fabled McLaren F1, is claimed to be the most driver-focused supercar to date – and, to the delight of many an enthusiast, it will be powered by a naturally aspirated V12.
Ahead of the full reveal of the T.50, however, GMA has published some additional information about the T.50’s bespoke engine. For starters, the 4.0-litre V12 will produce 654bhp and 344lb ft; the latter might not sound impressive, by today’s force-fed standards, but remember that the engine will only have 980kg of T.50 to push around.
The latest press release also explores many of the technical features of the upcoming engine, which was designed by Cosworth in collaboration with Professor Gordon Murray. To get you up to speed quickly, here are five key facts about the new V12 in the GMA T.50.
1. It’ll take a while until you stop short-shifting the T.50
Seven thousand, eight thousand, nine thousand rpm? No, the 3994cc dry-sumped V12 in the T.50 will redline at a phenomenal 12,100rpm. It’ll take some time to acclimatise to letting the engine run that high, that’s for sure – but you’re going to need to spin it, as maximum power is produced at 11,500rpm. Peak torque is produced at a heady 9000rpm, too, but 245lb ft is available from 2500rpm.
2. The V12's output might be monstrous, but it’s no heavyweight
Every facet of the V12 has been fettled to reduce its weight, which will aid the dynamic and straight-line performance of the T.50. For example, the connecting rods, valves and clutch housing are made from strong and light titanium – often found in other high-performance engines – and contribute to a total engine weight of 178kg. The 618bhp 6.1-litre BMW Motorsport S70/2 V12 in the original McLaren F1, for comparison, weighed 266kg.
3. Think an S2000 has an impressive horsepower per figure? Think again
The T50’s V12 produces a remarkable 654bhp from just four naturally aspirated litres, which means it makes an almighty 163.5bhp per litre. A Bugatti Chiron makes a higher 185bhp per litre, to put things in perspective, but does so with the assistance of four turbochargers. It won’t take long for the engine in the T50 to wake up, either; GMA claims it revs from idle to 12,100rpm, with no load, in 0.3 seconds.
4. GMA hasn’t overlooked one of the most important aspects: noise
The aural performance of an engine is arguably as important in the real world as its numerical performance. Fortunately, the quad-cam, 48-valve engine has been designed to deliver that raucous and exotic V12 noise that everyone lusts after. The intake system for the engine's quad throttle bodies, as a case in point, is positioned just behind the driver’s head – so you’ll hear every breath the V12 takes. The engine’s designed to look good, too, which is an uncommon trait in this day and age.
5. It’ll form a key part of the T.50's driving experience – in more ways than one
Much of the inspiration for the engine's design comes from motorsports applications, so it's no surprise to find that it forms an integral part of the T50’s structure – increasing its rigidity without increasing weight. The size, weight and positioning of the engine should also bolster the T50’s capabilities. Coupled with the engine’s performance, which is thanks in part to a heady compression ratio of 14:1, the net result should be a truly phenomenal driving experience.
Keyword: Five astounding facts about the new V12 in the GMA T.50 supercar