Gordon Murray T.50: Fan Car

Gordon Murray designed the McLaren F1. He thinks it has flaws (too heavy, brakes difficult to modulate). The T.50 is his attempt to build the perfect analog supercar.

The Fan

The most obvious feature is the 400mm Fan on the back.

• Function: It sucks air from under the car to generate ground effect downforce.
• Modes:
  • High Downforce: Fan spins up to stick the car to the road.
  • Streamline: Fan creates a “virtual longtail” by sucking turbulent air from the rear, reducing drag by 12% for cruising.

The Engine: 12,100 RPM

Cosworth built the V12.

• Weight: 178 kg (world’s lightest road V12).
• Redline: 12,100 rpm. It revs from idle to redline in 0.3 seconds. It is the most responsive engine ever made.

Manual Only

There is no automatic option. It uses a 6-speed manual gearbox by Xtrac.

• Weight: The car weighs 986 kg. It is lighter than a Mazda Miata, but has 663 hp.

It is the spiritual successor to the F1, built for drivers, not numbers.