With the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 already in production and the T.50S track car in advanced stages of development, Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) is now shifting its focus to the “entry-level” T.33. Serving as a slightly heavier and marginally less potent sibling to the McLaren F1-inspired T.50, the T.33 nonetheless boasts a formidable 607-horsepower, 3.9-liter, 11,100-rpm Cosworth V-12 engine, all packed into a targeted weight of around 2,400 pounds. The automaker has recently rolled out its inaugural “mule” car, a preliminary model that, while far from production-ready, exhibits autonomous mobility and emits the glorious sounds indicative of its power.
In the latest video released by GMA, viewers are treated to glimpses—and sounds—of “James,” the aforementioned mule car. Renowned test driver and three-time Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti takes James for a spin around a proving ground, conducting a thorough shakedown. Displaying due caution, Franchitti gingerly navigates the fresh build, though he’s not shy about occasionally coaxing the vehicle into slight sideways slides, despite the presumably chilly weather conditions.
While the engine bears close resemblance to the 12,100-rpm powerhouse found in the T.50, tweaks were made for the T.33 variant to enhance low-end torque output. An imposing “shaker” style intake protrudes above the cockpit, channeling air to four throttle bodies, ultimately delivering 607 hp at 10,500 rpm and 333 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm. Sporting a sky-high compression ratio of 14:1, the T.33 was initially intended to offer a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox and a sequential transmission. However, overwhelming preference for the manual option among buyers prompted GMA to scrap the alternative transmission offering altogether.
Unsurprisingly, the mule car maintains a stripped-down aesthetic. While some switches and panels are borrowed from the T.50, the cockpit remains largely bare, with even the Dynamat insulation visible on the roof. Frankly, enthusiasts might find the raw simplicity of this T.33 iteration appealing, with fewer distractions to temper the symphony emanating from the V-12 engine.
As the video draws to a close, Franchitti unleashes the V-12 engine, pushing it to a crescendo at 9,000 RPM. Sporting a unique exhaust system, the T.33 produces a distinct auditory signature, distinct from its T.50 counterpart, yet equally enchanting. The anticipation for further updates on this promising project is palpable, as enthusiasts eagerly await more revelations from Gordon Murray Automotive.
