Gordon Murray S1 Gives You Sixty-Four Reasons to Care About a New V12 Manual

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles unveiled the S1 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, and many people believe it’s the most accurate representation of a road-focused supercar since the McLaren F1. They have a point, because the same person, Gordon Murray, created both cars, and the S1 is deeply based in the same idea that made the F1 so popular.

Except for the roof, the S1’s exterior panels are all brand new. The gigantic front splitter, massive fixed rear wing, and swooping side skirts that made the S1 LM so eye-catching have all been removed, replaced by something more subtle that prioritizes air flow and cornering characteristics. An dynamic rear aero system has been discreetly integrated into the bodywork, allowing you to enjoy the excitement of high speed without the drama of fixed wings and with a pleasant, smooth ride. The ride height has been increased by 10mm, and the suspension has been tuned to handle the rough things of actual roads while still providing the fast steering reaction and input that Murray fans expect.

A custom-built 4.2 liter Cosworth V12 engine is under the hood, and it’s a true show-stopper. The engine has it all: silicon carbide-coated pistons, titanium valves and rods, and an ingenious dry-sump lubrication system to keep everything operating smoothly. All of this means an impressive 681 horsepower at 12,100 rpm and 369 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. The best part is that 80% of that torque is available at just 2,500 rpm, and for those who prefer to push it to the limit, the rev limiter kicks in at 12,100 rpm, which is just slightly higher than the rest.


All of the power is channeled thru a six-speed manual transmission, which includes a taller sixth gear that allows you to cruise in complete comfort. The gear linkage cables are routed with precision, complete with the rifle-bolt shift that has become iconic with the name. The engine bay boasts a polished Inconel exhaust system and a gold-plated heat shield, since why not make it a little flashy?



When it comes to weight, the S1 remains laser-focused, and it manages to undercut the already slim T.50. We’re talking ultra-light carbon monocoque, body panels, suspension components, and meticulous attention to every gram that goes into this car, keeping it at the bottom of the hefty pantheon with Gordon Murray’s other masterpieces.




Sliding into the three-seat layout, the driver is back in the center, much like in the F1, and those chairs are now comfortable and soft, ideal for long travels. There is additional acoustic insulation, so it’s much quieter inside. Oh, and the power-steering system is now switchable, so you can crank it down for the highway or up for the twisties, and the dihedral doors have proper glass that drops down, making getting in and out much easier than with the old fixed panels. Not to mention the mirrors on the A-pillars, which conceal a cunning rearview camera system, and the instruments are a good mix of old and new, with an analog gauge in the center and some digital pieces to keep you informed.



Only 64 of these cars will be produced, and each is a one-of-a-kind design that allows the user to completely customize their ride. We can only guess at the price, but we are confident it will be in the millions, in line with the rest of Gordon Murray’s Special Vehicles, which is precisely what they are aiming for. Existing owners were so excited that they decided to ramp up manufacturing.
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