Gordon Murray Automotive has unveiled the track-only version of the T.50 hypercar, paying tribute to the late Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda. Named the Niki Lauda, this hypercar promises to be one of the most extreme vehicles ever created, boasting exceptional specifications and limited production.
The Niki Lauda is expected to weigh a mere 1878 pounds, making it over 200 pounds lighter than its road-legal counterpart, the T.50. Powering the car is a highly tuned version of the T.50’s naturally aspirated 3.9-liter V12 engine, producing an impressive 725 horsepower and revving up to an astonishing 12,100 rpm. Gordon Murray himself highlights that this power-to-weight ratio is on par with the car that secured second place at Le Mans in the previous year.
The choice to name the hypercar after Niki Lauda holds historical significance. Lauda’s victory at Anderstorp in 1978 was achieved with the Brabham BT46B “fan car,” a vehicle designed by Murray. The T.50’s advanced active fan system is directly inspired by the fan car, making it a fitting tribute. Each of the 25 Niki Lauda models produced will bear a plaque commemorating a race won by one of Murray’s Formula 1 cars, with the first being Kyalami in 1974.
The Niki Lauda will offer different levels of exhaust muffling to cater to various racetrack restrictions. With no catalysts and smaller exhaust silencers, the hypercar will emit an incredibly loud and distinctive sound, reminiscent of the high-revving engines from Formula 1’s past. The arrangement of the exhaust pipes close together will create a mixing effect, giving the impression of double the revs.
Like its road-legal counterpart, the Niki Lauda will feature fan-assisted aerodynamics, utilizing a 48-volt-powered fan to optimize the effectiveness of its underfloor diffuser. Unlike the T.50, which varies the fan speed for different aerodynamic modes, the Niki Lauda will operate with the fan running at full speed at all times. The car will generate an impressive peak downforce of 3300 pounds, exceeding its own weight, theoretically enabling it to travel upside down at speeds of 175 mph. It is anticipated that the T.50S will deliver 2.5 g’s of lateral acceleration in a 150-mph corner and 3.5 g’s under braking.
Limited to only 25 units, the Gordon Murray T.50S Niki Lauda hypercar is poised to offer unparalleled performance and a truly exhilarating driving experience. With its extraordinary power-to-weight ratio, advanced aerodynamics, and historical significance, this track-only hypercar will undoubtedly become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
