GMA Launches 25 Exclusive Titles for T.50s Niki Lauda: Elevating Performance and Heritage
Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), the renowned British luxury vehicle manufacturer, reveals the 25 commemorative titles accompanying the 25 T.50s Niki Lauda chassis. Each of these exclusive track-only T.50s supercars pays homage to Gordon Murray's illustrious racing legacy, with names honouring the dates of his initial 24 Grand Prix victories across various circuits and an extraordinary endurance race triumph.
Already assigned to their proud owners, every T.50s chassis follows a chronological theme, commencing with Murray's inaugural race conquest in 1974 South Africa at Kyalami. Subsequently, each victory at distinct venues, including 1974 USA at Watkins Glen and 1975 Brazil at Interlagos, is commemorated. The announcement precedes the global dynamic debut of the T.50s Niki Lauda prototype on April 13 at the renowned Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.
The 81st Goodwood Members Meet unveiling anticipates over 15,000 spectators witnessing the race-spec car, resonating with its 12,100 rpm redline. Additionally, the T.33 mule 'James' will make its inaugural dynamic appearance, showcasing the advancements achieved by the GMA R&D team and allowing the public to experience the distinctive roar of the GMA.2 V12 engine.
The event pays tribute to the legendary racer Niki Lauda, whose name graces every T.50s. Further elevating the occasion, GMA will elucidate the unique link between the T.50s and the iconic Brabham BT46B 'Fan Car,' which propelled Lauda to victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
Originating from Gordon Murray's tenure as Chief Designer at the Brabham Formula One team, the BT46B attained instant acclaim for Murray's innovative incorporation of a ground-effect fan system after a commanding victory at Anderstorp, Sweden; Brabham withdrew the model to maintain fairness in the championship.
Gordon Murray, CBE – Executive Chairman, Gordon Murray Group, expresses pride in the milestones achieved in developing both supercars. The event also celebrates the legacy of a remarkable racer and friend, Niki Lauda, with the showcase of the T.50s Niki Lauda at Goodwood. Additionally, unveiling the 25 historically significant motor racing names for the T.50s is a fitting tribute to Murray and the entire GMA team.
Dario Franchitti from GMA will provide attendees with insights into the significance of the BT46B in shaping the design and engineering of the T.50 supercar and its track-spec T.50s variant. The GMA team will be joined by His Grace, the Duke of Richmond, for a Murray display tour featuring heritage race cars and modern-day GMA supercars.
The comprehensive lineup at Goodwood Members' Meet includes a selection of heritage models that have influenced all GMA products' design, engineering, and ethos. From pioneering innovations in racing to groundbreaking material utilisation, each heritage vehicle inspires GMA's contemporary supercars.
The T.50s Niki Lauda epitomises an uncompromising track-only supercar, elevating driver engagement beyond its road-going counterpart. Weighing less than 900 kg and boasting a formidable 772 PS, the T.50s utilises every power from the GMA V12 engine's 12,100 rpm, delivering an unparalleled on-track driving experience.
While retaining the central driving position of the T.50, the T.50s is a ground-up redesign featuring bespoke monocoque and carbon fibre body panels. Priced at £3.1m (before taxes), the T.50s incorporates a 1,758 mm-wide delta wing, working in tandem with the rear-mounted fan and aerodynamic enhancements to generate up to 1,200 kg of downforce.
Similarly lightweight, the T.33 weighs just 1,090 kg, ensuring agility and responsiveness. Powered by the 617 PS 3.9-liter Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine, revving to 11,100 rpm, the T.33 aims to deliver the brand's hallmark 'driving perfection' with a distinct V12 soundtrack.
The T.33 mule showcased at Goodwood Circuit is named James, continuing the tradition initiated by Gordon Murray during his time at McLaren Cars. With mules 'James' and 'Charles' already in development and 'Henry' on the horizon, the tradition endures in the evolution of GMA vehicles.
