Gordon Murray’s T.50 supercar rewrites the rule book
The new T.50 is a nod to the past and future of Gordon Murray's storied design processes
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

One of the upsides of the car industry’s increasingly polarised split between everyday mobility and hyper-luxury is the unfettered freedom that money offered to designers and engineers. Although making mass produced cars is proving harder than ever before, at the upper end of the market there are sufficient resources to push the envelope of design and performance into new, ever more challenging areas.
Designer Gordon Murray has divided his career between these two extremes, working on ways to streamline mass production at one end, and devoting his considerable aerodynamic skills to supercar design at the other. This is the new T.50, the first car to be built by newly founded Gordon Murray Automotive and the 50th car created by the engineer over the course of a long career. Built around a bespoke 3.9-litre V12 engine – the ‘lightest, highest-revving and most power dense road car engine ever made.’
The three-seater is pure, minimal and ultra-light, is described as suitable for everyday use, although certain components are definitely exotic – like the rear-mounted fan that generates downforce to glue the car to the road. It’s a development of the Brabham BT46 F1 car that Murray created in 1978 and which was almost immediately banned by F1 rules.
No such legislation precludes its inclusion in a road car, and when paired with active aerodynamics, colossal power to weight ratio and the central race car inspired driving position, the T.50 promises to be an instant legend. Another antecedent is of course the McLaren F1, the legendary 90s-era Murray-designed sports car that set new benchmarks for speed and engineering accomplishment.
Will the T.50 ascend to the same mythical levels? Murray’s hand is evident in every aspect of this new machine, from the smooth, clean surfaces to the pared down switchgear and unfussy detailing. As for performance, no figures have yet been released, indicating that Murray and his team are quietly confident they’ll be setting benchmarks all over again.
INFORMATION
gordonmurraydesign.com (opens in new tab)
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Seven new laptops offer power and portability to lust after
A clutch of cutting-edge new laptops was highlighted at CES 2023, bringing new form factors and technologies
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
This conceptual pairing of eVTOL and electric superyacht is a new expression of stealth wealth
Silent Yachts has teamed up with British eVTOL manufacturer VRCO to integrate the Xcraft XP4 into the flagship Silent 120 electric catamaran
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
This tiny house is the perfect lookout towards the Seto Inland Sea
A tiny house by Schemata Architects looks out towards the Seto Inland Sea
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
By George Chapman • Last updated
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
By Rory FH Smith • Last updated
-
Is McLaren’s GT a sports car, a tourer, or the best of both?
The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Rolls-Royce puts the Phantom back on its lofty pedestal
A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Prodrive’s new racing simulator is shaped by Callum to be front of the grid
The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The Cupra Formentor is a dark star for bright minds
For all its moody styling, the Cupra Formentor – from the SEAT spin-off brand – is a compact, swift and fun-to-drive crossover
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated