The T.50 by Gordon Murray Automotive and the soon-to-be-released T.33, just recently sampled by Dario Franchitti, transcend mere vehicles; they embody harmonies.
Unbeknownst to enthusiasts, each one of us holds a passion for musicality within us. Even those with no musical talent can appreciate the symphony of a small block Chevy pushing limits. Every fan has a cherished tune: the fierce roar of a supercharger in action, the precise drop in octaves when downshifting at the perfect moment. Even those favoring two wheels can’t resist the growl of a modified Harley or the resonating howl of a Kawasaki.
Perhaps the most exquisite auditory treat in the realm of internal combustion music is the impeccably tuned V12.
Allow us to introduce George and James. These individuals serve as mule specimens, acting as real-world testbeds for future models, often sharing essential components while being based on another vehicle’s platform. George played the role of the testing mule for Gordon Murray Automotive’s revolutionary T.50 hypercar. Assembled during the COVID lockdown, George featured the same potent 3.9L V12 engine as the T.50, alongside identical fuel delivery systems, thermal management solutions, and other internal components, all integrated into the structure of an Ultima kit car.
Then along came James. Just as George paralleled the T.50, James mirrors the forthcoming T.33.
As emphasized by Dario Franchitti in the video footage, most automakers refrain from showcasing their prototype vehicles on platforms like YouTube or entrusting expert drivers/commentators to evaluate them. Gordon Murray Automotive breaks away from convention. Since the unveiling of the T.50 as the evolutionary descendant of the McLaren F1 in 2020, the company has maintained transparency by releasing a YouTube series documenting the entire production journey of the T.50. James serves as our initial glimpse into the world of the T.33.
In terms of specifications, the T.33 carries a slightly heavier weight than the T.50 and outputs 615 hp, a tad lower than the T.50’s 675. However, it does offer increased torque at lower RPMs, resulting in a beautifully responsive performance, as evidenced in the video.
And, naturally, it knows how to serenade its audience.