This footage shows the first development test drive of Gordon Murray Automotive’s T.50 supercar, with Murray himself taking the wheel for this major milestone in the development programme, ahead of the first customer deliveries in 2022.
Murray was restrained behind the wheel of the prototype – named XP2 – driving with only limited revs around the Top Gear test track in Dunsfold, Surrey, UK, just metres from where the T.50 will begin full production in 2022. That restraint must have been difficult, as the T.50 is powered by the world’s highest-revving (an incredible 12,100rpm), lightest, naturally aspirated road car V12 engine, developing 663ps. The vehicle dynamics are greatly helped by the car’s low weight of just 986kg.
Professor Gordon Murray CBE said during the drive, “The XP2 prototype is currently running at considerably less revs than its 12,100rpm limit, yet the T.50 felt fantastic on my first drive. The car was responsive, agile and rewarding to drive. It was a fantastic experience to be sitting in the centre of the car once again, with great all-round visibility, and I can see how much the owners will enjoy this experience. Obviously, there’s still a lot of development miles to be completed and many more prototypes to build. But the trajectory of the T.50 development is where we want it to be.”
Murray’s first drive of the T.50 took place at the Top Gear test track in Dunsfold, Surrey, UK
Gordon Murray enjoying the central driving position of the T.50. He was of course famous for being the driving force behind the McLaren F1, which also has a central driving seat, flanked by two passenger seats
The T.50’s dynamics benefit from the 986kg kerbweight – a third lighter than some supercars
Professor Gordon Murray with his latest creation. Will the T.50 become as iconic as the McLaren F1?
Just 100 T.50s will be made, with the first customer deliveries due in 2022
