Gordon Murray S1: the 690-horsepower supercar that resists electrification
- Published on 15/08/2026 16:50
At 80 years old, Gordon Murray continues his quest for the ultimate supercar with an ultralight S1, featuring a naturally aspirated V12 engine and a manual transmission.
Gordon Murray continues to design the supercar according to his own rules. The South African engineer, father of the legendary McLaren F1 as well as the Formula 1 “vacuum cleaner” Brabham BT46B, still refuses to partake in the numbers race that drives much of the industry. With his T.50, he had already revived his favorite recipe: lightweight, naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission, and a driver positioned in the center.
The new Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1, unveiled at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, pushes this philosophy in a slightly different direction: that of grand touring. Derived from the spectacular S1 LM, it notably abandons its imposing rear wing, long splitter, and side skirts. Nevertheless, all body parts have been redesigned.
Purely scandalous
Under the hood, there is no question of hybridization. Cosworth provides a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V12 developing 690 hp, capable of screaming up to 12,100 rpm. Lightweight pistons with silicon carbide coating, titanium valves and connecting rods, or dry sump lubrication testify to the level of mechanical sophistication.
Moreover, Murray remains true to the six-speed manual transmission. The engine has been reworked to provide more flexibility: 80% of the torque is available from 2,500 rpm, while around 500 Nm are claimed at 7,000 rpm.
The S1 also prioritizes mechanical grip over extreme levels of aerodynamic downforce. Its ground clearance increases by 10 mm and the suspension has been softened. Active rear aerodynamics, however, ensures stability and efficiency during braking.
The interior retains the spectacular three-seat architecture with a central driving position, a signature of Murray since the McLaren F1, but receives more leather, better sound insulation, and a specific audio system.
The final weight is not announced, but Gordon Murray promises an S1 even lighter than the T.50, which is already reported to weigh only 997 kg.
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Only 64 units will be produced, each individually configured. The price? A secret. At this level of exclusivity, the question becomes almost secondary.
This page is translated from the original post "Gordon Murray S1 : la supercar de 690 ch qui résiste à l’électrification" in French.
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