Gordon Murray has revealed a track-only version of his T.50 hypercar that will be limited to just 25 units.
Named after legendary three-time F1 champion and Murray’s former Brabham teammate, Niki Lauda, it weighs just 852 kg and will be powered by a redesigned version of the T.50’s Cosworth-engineered 3.9-litre V12, producing 725 bhp, revving to 12,100 rpm, and going through a newly-designed Xtrac six-speed paddle-shift gearbox.
Revised aerodynamics, aided by a 400 mm rear-mounted fan, will also produce up to 1500 kg of downforce. Key changes include a new front splitter with a central aerofoil section; a central fin for increased yaw stability that stretches from the top of the roof to the 1,758 mm-wide, rear-mounted delta wing; and simpler ducting, with a permanently open duct running down to the redesigned rear diffuser.
“For the T.50 our target was clear, to make the best driver’s car for the road. With the T.50s Niki Lauda it was equally clear, to make it the best driver’s car for the track,” says Murray.
“We had no interest in achieving the ultimate lap time or creating an over-tyred and over-downforced spaceship at the expense of driver involvement.
“Instead, I laid out some parameters to create the ultimate driver’s car and experience on track: a central driving position, a V12 just behind your ear revving to over 12,000 rpm, producing over 700 horsepower and with an even faster response time than the T.50, downforce limited to 1500 kg and a weight of under 900 kg. Plus the ability to turn up at any track, make a few basic checks and have fun, without the need for an entire support crew.”
Costing an incredible £3.1 million, each of the 25 cars’ chassis will be individually named after one of Murray’s grand prix wins on different circuits. The first car will be designated Kyalami 1974 and further cars will be named after the 24 subsequent wins in chronological order.
Production of the T.50s Niki Lauda is expected to start in January 2023 at the company’s manufacturing centre in Surrey, after the run of 100 T.50 supercars is completed.
