Gordon Murray Automotive has officially unveiled the T.33, a new supercar designed to be a more accessible and slightly less radical sibling to the company’s spectacular T.50. Priced at approximately $1.85 million, the T.33 aims to blend timeless design with cutting-edge engineering, offering a compelling alternative for discerning automotive enthusiasts. This new model retains the core philosophies of Gordon Murray’s automotive creations, emphasizing lightweight construction, driver engagement, and a naturally aspirated V-12 engine, all wrapped in an elegant and functional exterior.
A Masterclass in Minimalist Design and Engineering
The T.33’s design philosophy, as articulated by Gordon Murray himself, is one of “elegant minimalism.” This is evident in the absence of overt wings and aggressive aerodynamic appendages that often characterize modern supercars. Instead, Murray’s team has focused on achieving aerodynamic efficiency through subtle yet highly effective means, integrated seamlessly into the car’s flowing lines. Every element on the T.33 serves a distinct purpose, from the hidden dihedral door handle disguised as the GMA logo to the meticulously sculpted bodywork that manages airflow with remarkable sophistication.
Lightweight Construction: The GMA Hallmark
True to Gordon Murray’s legacy, the T.33 prioritizes lightweight construction above all else. Mounted to a novel central structure utilizing honeycomb carbon-fiber panels bonded to an aluminum framework, the carbon bodywork contributes to an astonishingly low target weight of just 2400 pounds. This figure, achieved through rigorous “mass track” meetings where every component’s weight is scrutinized, makes the T.33 significantly lighter than most of its rivals and only slightly heavier than the already featherweight T.50. This dedication to mass reduction is fundamental to the car’s performance and handling characteristics.
Bespoke Suspension for Pure Driving Dynamics
The T.33 features a sophisticated suspension system comprising unequal-length control arms at each corner, with the rear arms directly integrating with the gearbox. In a move that prioritizes purity of experience over compromise, the T.33 eschews adaptive dampers and even a rear anti-roll bar. This setup is designed to provide exceptional feedback and control, allowing the driver to fully connect with the road and the car’s mechanical nuances.
The Heart of the Beast: A Naturally Aspirated V-12
Powering the T.33 is a meticulously engineered 4.0-liter, 65-degree V-12 engine, developed in conjunction with Cosworth. This naturally aspirated powerhouse produces a formidable 607 horsepower at a screaming 10,500 rpm, with the rev limiter set at 11,100 rpm. While peak torque of 332 pound-feet arrives at a lofty 9000 rpm, the engine is designed to deliver substantial torque (around 250 pound-feet) from as low as 2500 rpm, ensuring excellent drivability. The engine itself is a masterpiece of engineering, weighing just 392 pounds. A unique feature is the ram induction system, with a periscope intake mounted to the engine, allowing it to move independently as the engine revs, creating a “shaker hood” effect that enhances the sensory experience.
Transmission Choices: Manual or Seamless Automatics
Buyers have the choice between two distinct transmission options, both supplied by British specialist Xtrac. The six-speed manual gearbox is a closely related development to the one found in the T.50, offering an engaging and visceral driving experience. Alternatively, an automated paddle-shift transmission is available, employing Xtrac’s Instantaneous Gearchange System for utterly seamless shifts. Notably, the automated gearbox is even lighter than the manual, tipping the scales at 172 pounds. Both transmissions can be specified with an optional overdrive sixth gear for enhanced refinement during high-speed cruising. Early demand suggests a strong preference for the manual transmission, with the vast majority of pre-orders opting for the stick shift.
Aerodynamics and Interior: Functional Elegance
While the T.33 may not feature the T.50’s active fan-assisted aerodynamics, it still incorporates clever aerodynamic solutions, including a refined application of ground-effect principles. The underbody diffuser works in conjunction with a pivoting rear flap to optimize aerodynamic efficiency and enhance downforce. The interior, though not fully revealed in the styling model, echoes the ergonomic excellence of the T.50. The two-seat layout is complemented by intuitive rotary controls and a prominent analog tachometer. Practicality is also a key consideration, with ample storage cubbies and a total of 9 cubic feet of luggage space spread across the front trunk and rear lockers.
Designed for the Grand Tourer Experience
Gordon Murray envisions the T.33 as a “GT supercar,” intended for use on longer journeys. Its impressive estimated fuel range of 450 miles on a single tank, combined with its ample luggage capacity, supports this aspiration. The car’s compact dimensions—173.2 inches in length and 72.9 inches in width—ensure it is manageable even on tighter roads, comparable in size to a Porsche 718 Cayman. Ease of maintenance is also a priority, with a 6000-mile service interval, easily accessible underbody panels for fluid changes, and the use of standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, avoiding the need for bespoke, expensive replacements.
Performance: Defined by Feel, Not Figures
Gordon Murray famously eschews specific performance targets for his vehicles, preferring to focus on the overall driving experience. He notes that the T.33 boasts a power-to-weight ratio close to that of a Ferrari LaFerrari, ensuring it is far from slow. However, the exact 0-to-60 mph time is secondary to the exhilarating sensation of driving a car that is both incredibly capable and deeply engaging. The combination of the high-revving V-12, the optional manual gearbox, and the featherlight chassis promises an unparalleled driving experience.
The Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 represents a compelling fusion of classic supercar ethos and modern engineering innovation. It offers a more accessible entry into the exclusive world of Gordon Murray-designed vehicles, without compromising on the exhilarating performance, exquisite design, and driver-focused dynamics that have become synonymous with the brand.
References:
- Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 Revealed. Car and Driver. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a38912153/gordon-murray-t33-supercar-revealed/
- Gordon Murray T.50 Revealed. Car and Driver. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30175006/gordon-murray-t50-details/
- Gordon Murray T.50S Niki Lauda Revealed. Car and Driver. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35578755/gordon-murray-t50s-niki-lauda-revealed/
- Gordon Murray T.33 Supercar. Gordon Murray Automotive. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gordonmurrayautomotive.com/t33/