Gordon Murray Automotive has officially unveiled the S1, a 250mph, manual V12 supercar inspired by the legendary McLaren F1, planned for a limited production run of 64 units by its Special Vehicles division.
The Bottom Line
- Production Scale: Gordon Murray Automotive will build exactly 64 units of the S1, expanding beyond the ultra-exclusive five-off run of the track-focused S1 LM.
- Powertrain Architecture: The vehicle utilizes the same 681-horsepower, 4.2-litre Cosworth V12 engine and manual transmission found in the GMA T50, reconfigured with a broader torque band for touring.
- Design Philosophy: The carbon-fibre-bodied vehicle shifts focus from high-speed downforce to mechanical grip, sitting 10mm higher than its LM predecessor with active aerodynamics at the rear.
Engineering a Modern Successor to the McLaren F1
When legendary designer Gordon Murray set out to craft the S1, the mandate was clear: deliver a true spiritual successor to the iconic McLaren F1 road car. Following last year’s introduction of the track-inspired S1 LM, which drew cues from the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, this latest release strips away the aggressive racing aerodynamics for a more road-focused grand touring experience, according to Autocar.
The vehicle discards the massive rear wing, deep side skirts, and race-style front splitter of its predecessor. Instead, it relies on an active aero system at the rear and a chassis optimized for mechanical grip. The aesthetic package is rounded out by new headlights featuring integrated running lights and lightweight wheels modeled after an early design sketch Murray originally showed in 1992.
Performance, Weight, and Cabin Refinement
Underneath the carbon-fibre skin, the mechanical blueprint shares its core with the GMA T50. The car features a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre Cosworth V12 producing 681 horsepower, mated to a traditional manual gearbox. GMA engineers have specifically recalibrated the motor to offer a broader torque range, prioritizing effortless power delivery over peak track aggression.
Despite adding comfort features—such as a higher-spec cockpit featuring three leather seats, a beefier sound system, and increased sound deadening—the car maintains an impressively low weight footprint. It rides 10mm higher than the S1 LM on a compliant suspension setup engineered to protect steering precision and feedback.
Exclusive Production and Market Positioning
| Metric | GMA S1 LM (Prior) | GMA S1 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Volume | 5 Units | 64 Units |
| Primary Inspiration | F1 GTR Le Mans Winner | 250mph F1 Road Car |
| Aerodynamic Focus | High Downforce | Mechanical Grip |
| Powertrain | Cosworth 4.2L V12 | Cosworth 4.2L V12 |
While the S1 LM was restricted to a minuscule five-unit production run, the standard S1 broadens accessibility slightly within the ultra-luxury tier with its planned 64-unit run.
Economic Resilience in the Hypercar Sector
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