GMA Gordon Murray T50 and T50s Niki Lauda

[Tourbillon]

To me, ever since Peter Stevens dissed T.50's imbalance of visual mass above wheel arches, I can't unsee the high rear fenders.
I guess they had to do it this way to balance out the fan, which itself couldn't be mounted any lower due to packaging limitations. It'd be interesting if some designer did a study of how T.50 would look without the fan.

And then the car has some awkward front 3/4 angles when using wide lens. That's mostly caused by the lower edge of the door curving in.

Gordon Murray had some reservations about the Mclaren F1.

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/eight-things-gordon-murray-hates-about-mclaren-f1

Some aesthetic. So Peter isn't the ultimate judge, as others have stated their opinions on his works. Just saying.

 

[klier]

I hope to see one sometime in my life. It's going to be difficult I guess.

 

[martinbo]

Some aesthetic. So Peter isn't the ultimate judge, as others have stated their opinions on his works. Just saying.

But let's be realistic - there is some aesthetic awkwardness about the T.50.

Take nothing away from its engineering, which is masterful - this is not in dispute - but there are aspects of the design (such as the oversized headlights, unattractive fan tube) which diminish its aesthetic appeal compared to the visual impact that the F1 had in its day, and, still has to this day.

Of course, these are minor styling issues which in no way detract from what can only be a sensational - no, make that sensory overload - driving experience. I love the compactness of the T.50, its touring capability and clear bias toward on-road usability. I'm all for everything the T.50 stands for. Pity then that parts of it look a little weird.

 

[Tourbillon]

But let's be realistic - there is some aesthetic awkwardness about the T.50.

Take nothing away from its engineering, which is masterful - this is not in dispute - but there are aspects of the design (such as the oversized headlights, unattractive fan tube) which diminish its aesthetic appeal compared to the visual impact that the F1 had in its day, and, still has to this day.

Of course, these are minor styling issues which in no way detract from what can only be a sensational - no, make that sensory overload - driving experience. I love the compactness of the T.50, its touring capability and clear bias toward on-road usability. I'm all for everything the T.50 stands for. Pity then that parts of it look a little weird.

Oh I agree. It's not perfect. The headlights get the brunt of it. Some say Toyota MR2 etc. I was just highlighting even Gordon himself said things about the F1. That's all.

 

[klier]

But let's be realistic - there is some aesthetic awkwardness about the T.50.

Yep. It's almost ugly. The flat sides, the fan in the back, the spartan interior......... It has nothing on the F1, looks wise. And it's the most boring looking hypercar in the history of hypercars.

But other than that, it's like flawless, so I forgive its looks.

 

[mihc]

I agree with all of you. To me this would be the greatest supercar/hypercar ever, until I look at the design. It's not a pretty car unfortunately. T33 on the other hand, is much nicer design...

 

[martinbo]

T33 on the other hand, is much nicer design...

Yes, agree too, but it has that windscreen wiper in the vertical position - a deal breaker for me (not that I'd ever be in a position to buy one).

 

[Rolf]

From a design point of view, the T50 is not a pretty car from all angles, there is a real awkwardness with those huge headlights, sought of like the Mk3 Toyota MR2 with its huge lights. The T33 looks so much more beautiful, it will probably turn more heads in my opinion and even though not the ultimate GMA model, will also probably be almost as thrilling to drive with that magnificent V12.

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[LaArtist]

I must say if and excuse my French

That is a motherf#cking engine if there ever was one. Insane!

Too bad the car looks like a generic sports car.
They should have asked Zagato, pininfarina or some other serious players to pen it.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

They should have asked Zagato, pininfarina or some other serious players to pen it.

While the thought of an Italian styling house designing this would have done wonders, one of the appealing features of this or any Gordon Murray car is Gordon Murray himself sweating all the details, large or small. So him turfing design duties for something possibly prettier at the expense of not being to his exacting standards is very unlikely to happen.

All that said, the T.33 has the greatest appeal to me. More conventional lean good looks. Also while one of the T.50's intriguing factors is what Murray would have improved over the F1, I also like the thought of what Murray would come up with a standard rear mid set-up.

 

[bmwz4coupe]

The T50 is not a rational car, it is a car you buy for pure emotional reasons. Therefore the design is a very important factor with cars like this. It’s a pity that they where not able to nail the design, as they did with the rest of the car. It is the big achilles heal of this car.

 

[Jonathan19]

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[Tourbillon]

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[Revvd]

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[martinbo]

Henry is a fricken legend. Automotive journalist par excellence.

 

[mihc]

 

[Rolf]

Henry is a fricken legend. Automotive journalist par excellence.

He is one of my favorite automotive journalists and he has driven some brilliant cars in the last few years.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Henry is a fricken legend. Automotive journalist par excellence.

These days, the only thing I'll watch is him, Jethro, ThrottleHouse (I find them amusing and informative), and depending on the car, Doug and CarWow. Everything else has been pretty superfluous.

Henry has a earnestness about him, his giddiness is sincere, he is well-informed, and his presentation is not over-the-top. Quality.

 

[Gianclaudio]

F1 looks SO much nicer it's not even funny

 

[Revvd]

I like this photo from that set

I've read the evo article and I don't quite get how come MSO hasn't yet come up with an evolution package that improves on F1's shortcomings.
Squeaky brakes? How hard would it be to custom order a CCM-R kit at Brembo?
Fuel bladder that degrades every 5 years? Well, euro-spec F40s also have that problem, that's why people have been getting custom tanks made or swap them with US-spec aluminum ones. Surely McLaren owners would prefer one-time investment in maintenance-free solid tank (unless the bladder is enclosed within the monocoque, much like on a Formula 1 car).
What's next? Shitty headlights? Literally pick a modern ones from Hella catalog...

It doesn't even sound that difficult. And if MSO doesn't want the money, I'm sure Lanzante could easily offer such a package. Why won't somebody do it?

BTW, is Shmee about to drive a T.50? Or is this an old photo?