Watch the dynamic debut of GMA T.50s Niki Lauda
Production of the Gordon Murray-designed T.50 supercar is underway at GMA's new production facility in Highams Park, U.K. Once 100 units of the T.50 are produced, GMA will begin production of the more radical T.50s Niki Lauda track car.
Development of the T.50s Niki Lauda is still ongoing, and the prototype made its official dynamic debut last weekend at the Goodwood Members Meeting at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. On the track, the prototype of the smaller T.33 Supercar also ran together.
The T.50s Niki Lauda, like its road-going sibling, features a rear-mounted fan inspired by Murray's Brabham BT46B "fun car" F1 racer. However, the T.50 has six modes for this fan, whereas the T50s has only one high downforce. The goal is a maximum downforce of 2,645 lbs.
In the T.50s, the fan spins at a constant 7,000 rpm to generate continuous downforce. Other aerodynamic add-ons include a number of roof scoops that act as ram air intakes for the V12 engine, stabilizing fins similar to those used on Le Mans prototypes, and a large rear spoiler.
Behind the driver is the same Cosworth-developed 3.9-liter V-12 engine shared with the T.50, but here the maximum output has been raised to 725 hp and the redline is the same as before at 12,100 rpm. Drive is provided only to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox developed by Extrac. The road car has a six-speed manual.
Prior to the Goodwood Dynamic debut, GMA announced that 24 of the T.50s Niki Lauda cars would be given unique chassis names after the Grand Prix victories achieved by the Murray-designed cars, beginning with the 1974 South African GP at the Kyalami circuit. This was Murray's first victory in Formula One, and the Brabham BT44 he designed was driven to victory by Carlos Reutemann.
Niki Lauda, an example of a T.50s, would go on to win the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was won by a McLaren F1 GTR.
The T.50s Niki Lauda is priced at 3.1 million British pounds (about $3.9 million), and GMA has confirmed that all production slots have already been filled.