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Return of the Legend: Gordon Murray's Stunning New McLaren GTR S1 LM Unveiled

Published 2 weeks ago3 minute read
Return of the Legend: Gordon Murray's Stunning New McLaren GTR S1 LM Unveiled

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) has burst onto the scene with the simultaneous reveal of two breathtaking new projects: the GMSV Le Mans GTR and the S1 LM. These ultra-exclusive vehicles emerge from Gordon Murray's vision to bring his team's imagination and loyal customers' desires to life, building rare and special supercars under three distinct pillars: Heritage, Bespoke, and SV Design.

The GMSV Le Mans GTR is the first creation under the 'SV Design' pillar, focusing on ultra-low volume runs derived from existing GMA production cars. This road-legal homage to longtail racecars takes its inspiration from Gordon Murray's own F1 GTR longtail, which achieved a class win and second overall at Le Mans in 1997, alongside other legendary longtail racers like the Porsche 917 and Alfa Tipo 33/3. Built on a blend of T.50 and T.50S fundamentals, it features a three-seater layout, a six-speed manual gearbox, and the T.50's formidable 654bhp, 4.0-litre, 12,100rpm V12 engine. Beyond these core elements, the Le Mans GTR boasts all-new bodywork with an organic flow, sharpened by aerodynamic appendages. The elongated tail design negates the need for a rear fan, providing exceptional aero efficiency and stability. Positioned between the T.50 and T.50S in terms of road versus track focus, its design includes vertical stacked lights, a prominent roof scoop, and a deep, full-width carbon rear wing. Only 24 units of this multi-million dollar masterpiece will be built, and all are already sold out, offering lucky owners the chance to customize their spec to match a favorite longtail racer or opt for wild colors and trims.

Meanwhile, the S1 LM, operating under GMSV's 'Bespoke' pillar for 1-of-1 customer commissions, serves as a poignant, road-legal tribute to the F1 GTR's historic 1995 Le Mans victory. Thirty years after the F1 GTR romped home 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th on its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this special vehicle is being built for a single customer with a profound obsession for the original race car. Only five S1 LM units will be produced, all destined for this dedicated collector. The S1 LM combines the best of the T.50 and T.50S, utilizing slightly lighter panels from the T.50S while retaining the T.50's three-seater configuration and six-speed manual. Its heart is an entirely new story: the naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre V12 from the T.50 has been re-engineered by Cosworth into a 4.3-litre unit with a larger bore and lighter internals, now producing over 700bhp while still revving beyond 12,000rpm. The suspension is lighter and stiffer than the T.50, and the engine is solid-mounted for sharper handling, yet it is designed to remain a usable road car. The exterior is a rich tapestry of direct F1 GTR references fused with modern twists, including slim headlights that echo the original, a bridge wing in the front clam, lozenge-shaped vents, five-spoke wheels, a roof scoop, and the show-stopping rear with a fixed dual-plane wing, four round taillights with neon sunset slats, and Inconel quad exhausts. The interior focuses on Gordon's founding principles of lightweight engineering and art, with renderings showing ear defenders, tartan seats, and a wooden shifter. The first S1 LM is anticipated for delivery next year, further cementing GMSV's commitment to creating extraordinary, bespoke supercars.

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