Gordon Murray S1: V12, Manual Gearbox, McLaren Spirit

Imagine a rare supercar that prefers a long coastal drive to a lap time, yet keeps the savage heart of a race machine. That is the S1, Gordon Murray Automotive's newest creation unveiled at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. It looks familiarly McLaren, behaves like a true thoroughbred, and insists on a manual gearbox.

The V12 that still sings

Under a sculpted carbon shell sits a bespoke 4.2 liter Cosworth V12, naturally aspirated and tuned to deliver an old-school soundtrack with modern engineering. Peak output is 681 horsepower, and the engine pulls hard from low revs right through a screaming redline at about 12,100 rpm. Lightweight titanium and silicon carbide components keep the revs honest, while a dry sump and Inconel exhaust ensure the S1 sounds as purposeful as it looks.

Big numbers, small mass. The car tips the scales at roughly 998 kilograms, which helps the V12 feel immediate rather than ponderous. Sixty percent of the sensation comes from that motor. The rest comes from metal, hydraulics, and the six-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels. Yes, manual. A touring sixth gear is standard to make those long runs effortless.

Luxury without dumbing down the driver

This is not a stripped-out track special dressed for the road. Gordon Murray set out to make a touring-friendly supercar that keeps analog driving at its center. Out went the giant fixed wing, the showy splitter, and the shallow skirts of the LM track car. In came a cleaner silhouette, active aero hidden in the bodywork, and suspension tuned for composure on long stretches.

Inside, the race buckets give way to a more civilized three-seat layout with a centrally focused driving position that reduces distractions. Leather, upgraded soundproofing, a bespoke lightweight audio system, and revised infotainment screens bring comfort without killing the lightness philosophy. Dihedral doors feature drop-down glass for easier entry, replacing the hard Lexan ticket windows of the track car.

Visibility is helped by A-pillar-mounted mirrors that house rear-view cameras, acknowledging that the car is gorgeous but not a visibility champion. Wheels are lightweight, inspired by a 1992 Monaco show car designed by Murray, and the lighting design borrows cues from that same era while remaining thoroughly modern.

The aero package is clever rather than conspicuous. At low speeds the rear spoiler hides flush with the carbon rear deck. When dynamics demand it, the spoiler alters its angle automatically to balance low drag for cruising against downforce for cornering, and it flips up aggressively to act as an airbrake under hard braking.

Mechanically, the S1 keeps the LM's track-tuned architecture and width but gains wider tires and a 10 millimeter increase in ride height to improve daily usability. The ethos is familiar to anyone who follows Murray's work: extreme weight control, pursued even as the cabin gains creature comforts. The car wears a 24 carat gold plated heat shield above the engine, a flourish that doubles as thermal management and theatrical detail.

Only 64 examples will be built, each tailored to its owner.

Pricing has not been released, but given the T.50's entry point of roughly €2.8 million, expect the S1 to sit firmly in collector territory. This is a car for someone who wants a usable, luxurious supercar that still demands engagement. It wants hands, ears, and focus. It will take you from Los Angeles to Monterey with comfort, and it will ask for much more when the road bends.