Gordon Murray’s latest supercar debuted at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, combining pure analog performance, no turbochargers, and the long-distance drivability of a genuine grand tourer.

Gordon Murray is a name almost inseparable from the history of high-performance cars. From Formula 1 to the legendary McLaren F1, his influence is evident in how performance cars approach weight, packaging, aerodynamics, and driver engagement.

That philosophy continues at Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV), where Murray and Dario Franchitti have the freedom to create unique, limited-production supercars. Their latest creation, the S1, is a more road-friendly interpretation of their track-focused S1 LM.

While outright performance remains a priority, the S1’s appeal also comes from its spiritual connection to the groundbreaking McLaren F1, which redefined supercar performance in the 1990s.

While the S1 shares the S1 LM’s basic DNA, every exterior panel is unique. Its carbon-fiber bodywork ditches the S1 LM’s large fixed rear wing, extended front splitter, and deep side skirts, resulting in a cleaner silhouette inspired by the classic proportions of the McLaren F1.

Even without the S1 LM’s extreme aero hardware, the S1 features an active rear aerodynamic system that enhances high-speed stability when needed.

The S1 retains the S1 LM’s width, track, and lightweight suspension architecture, but its ride height has been raised by 10 mm. The dampers are also retuned for greater comfort while preserving steering precision, agility, and feedback. Even the wheel design draws clear inspiration from the iconic McLaren F1.

No turbos, just pure V12 power

Power comes from a 4.2L naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 producing 690 PS, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels.

Derived from the S1 LM’s engine, the V12 features lightweight pistons, titanium valves and connecting rods, and a dry-sump lubrication system. It has also been tuned for greater drivability and a broader torque curve, with 80% of peak torque available from just 2,500 rpm and around 502 Nm at 7,000 rpm.

Immensely adding to its appeal for enthusiasts is a clickety-click, six-speed manual transmission, delivering the direct, mechanical connection that has become a hallmark of Gordon Murray’s supercars. 

Comfortable seating for three

The S1 retains Murray’s signature central driving position, but wraps it in a more luxurious, touring-focused cabin.

Premium leather, bespoke fabrics, improved acoustic insulation, updated displays, and a lightweight custom audio system make the three-seat interior better suited to long-distance driving. The driver can also adjust the power-steering assistance, switching between lighter assistance for cruising and a heavier, more direct feel on winding roads.

New dihedral doors feature integrated drop-down glass, replacing the S1 LM’s race-inspired Lexan ticket window while making entry and exit easier.

Despite the added refinement, lightweight construction remains central to the S1. Carbon-fiber body panels and lightweight suspension components help keep weight down, continuing Murray’s philosophy that less mass ultimately makes a better performance car.

Built for the open road

The S1 follows the S1 LM but shifts the emphasis from outright track performance to fast, engaging road driving.

“This is a car you could drive along the coast from Los Angeles to Monterey in real comfort, still enjoying every gearshift, every corner, and every note of the V12 when the road opens up,” said Professor Gordon Murray, Group Executive Chairman.

Production will be limited to just 64 examples worldwide, mirroring the production run of the road-going McLaren F1. More remarkably, all 64 S1s had already been spoken for before its official debut.

With its naturally aspirated V12, manual transmission, three-seat layout, lightweight construction, and grand-touring character, the S1 may be Gordon Murray’s purest modern interpretation of the analog supercar yet.