Gordon Murray reinvents his McLaren F1
In the year of the thirtieth anniversary of its victory at Le Mans, the famous English supercar has inspired its designer to create a new berlinetta, of which only five will be produced next year.
What would a McLaren F1, considered the benchmark supercar, look like if it were produced today? Gordon Murray, the designer of the British berlinetta, has just delivered his answer in the form of a new vehicle unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Dubbed the S1 LM (Special Vehicle 1, Le Mans), this model could almost be considered a restomod of the GTR version of the McLaren F1. It is the result of a commission from a wealthy enthusiast to the brand launched a few years ago by the talented South African engineer. Although retired from Formula 1 since the late 1980s, Gordon Murray has always remained very active, creating utility and city vehicles as well as ultra-sporty models.
Based on a Gordon Murray T.50, the S1 LM is the first effort from the engineer's brand's Special Vehicles division. While the silhouette is clearly inspired by the British GT, which this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of its victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a few styling details bring it into the present day. The large headlights installed under a window are replaced by a thin blade and retractable optics. The bumper is now fully indented, and the sides are more refined, incorporating two large air intakes, in the door and at the bottom of the rear wing. True to the principles that have always guided Gordon Murray, the S1 LM stands out for its ultra-lightweight design based on a carbon fiber structure and body. Referring back to the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, the S1 LM receives an aerodynamic pack and a rear wing with two elements and side fins.
Like the McLaren F1, the GMSV retains the central driving architecture and two side seats.
From the Gordon Murray T.50, the S1 LM retains the naturally aspirated V12, but a visit to the engine manufacturer Cosworth increases the displacement from 4 liters to 4.3 liters. While it is still capable of revving to over 12,000 rpm, which will undoubtedly require riding with a helmet, it now produces over 700 hp. The manufacturer also states that the suspension is lighter and stiffer than that of the T.50 and that it has designed the car to be perfectly usable on the road.
One last detail: the five examples, which differ in a few finishing details, will be delivered to one and the same person, who is clearly fascinated by the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR.
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