Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has revealed the new S1 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, introducing a more refined road focused interpretation of the S1 LM. The new supercar combines lightweight engineering, a central driving position, a naturally aspirated V12 and a manual gearbox in a package designed for fast long distance driving.
While its philosophy clearly reflects the ideas behind the legendary McLaren F1, the S1 has been developed as its own model. Every exterior body panel is new, while the suspension, aerodynamics and cabin have been reworked to make the car more comfortable and usable on the road.
The S1 uses a bespoke 4.2 liter naturally aspirated V12 developed with Cosworth. It produces up to 690 PS and reaches peak power at an extraordinary 12,100 rpm. Around 80 percent of its torque is available from just 2,500 rpm, while approximately 500 Nm arrives at 7,000 rpm.
The engine uses lightweight pistons with silicon carbide coatings, titanium valves, titanium connecting rods and a dry sump lubrication system. These components help reduce inertia and allow the engine to respond quickly throughout its rev range.
A six speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. Gordon Murray has given the transmission a longer sixth gear for relaxed touring, while straighter cable routing is designed to improve shift precision.
The S1 LM was created as a more extreme celebration of Gordon Murray's 1995 Le Mans victory, with a stronger focus on high downforce and race inspired performance. The S1 takes the same basic platform and transforms it into a more elegant and comfortable road car.
Gordon Murray removed the large fixed rear wing, long front splitter and deep side skirts used by the S1 LM. In their place, the S1 receives an integrated active rear aerodynamic system that adjusts according to speed and braking demands.
The ride height has also been increased by 10 millimeters compared with the S1 LM. Revised damping gives the S1 greater compliance on normal roads while maintaining precise steering and strong mechanical grip.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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