- The Cosworth-built V12 defines the T.50 driving experience.
- Harry Metcalfe lived with the T.50 for five days on UK roads.
- Clarkson says GMA’s supercar doesn’t give him the “fizz.”
When Gordon Murray announced his intention to create a modern interpretation of the iconic McLaren F1, the automotive world took notice. With the T.50, the famed designer delivered on that promise, producing a supercar far smaller than most modern rivals while deliberately avoiding forced induction or hybrid systems in favor of a screaming naturally-aspirated V12.
Read: Gordon Murray T.50s Just Beat GT3 Race Cars By Seven Seconds
Plenty of videos already show the T.50 stretching its legs on racetracks. That’s interesting, but it doesn’t really answer the more important question: what is it like on an actual road? Harry Metcalfe set out to find out, spending five days with a pre-series prototype and driving it across the UK, including a run through the winding roads of Wales.
During the trip, Metcalfe stopped by to see his farming neighbor, none other than Jeremy Clarkson, to get his take on the car. Clarkson didn’t get the chance to drive it himself. The T.50’s seat has to be custom-fitted to its driver, and Metcalfe had already gone through the process before Gordon Murray Automotive handed over the keys.
Clarkson did climb aboard for a passenger ride, though, giving him a close look at the car’s unusual three-seat layout.
As you’d imagine, both Clarkson and Metcalfe are hugely complimentary of the Cosworth 4.0-liter V12, with the former Top Gear host describing it as “extraordinary.” The downside of the engine is that it’s incredibly loud, and because of the seating position, it’s not particularly easy for the driver and passenger to converse.
The naturally aspirated V12 produces 654 hp at a dizzying 11,500 rpm and 344 lb-ft (467 Nm) of torque at 9,000 rpm. It’s paired with a six-speed manual gearbox that sends every bit of power to the rear wheels. The numbers translate into serious pace, with the T.50 capable of sprinting to 60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and pushing on to a 226 mph (364 km/h) top speed.
What Else Makes The T.50 Special?
Beyond its old-school engine, the T.50 also stands apart from modern performance cars in another notable way. Above 10 mph, it doesn’t use power steering. This means it easily catches cambers on the road, and throughout the clip, you’ll notice the steering wheel constantly moving in Metcalfe’s hands. The power steering only kicks in at around 9 mph, ensuring the T.50 is easy enough to maneuver at slow speeds.
Unsurprisingly, Metcalfe is a big fan of the T.50, although he admits it feels more extreme than he initially expected. Interestingly, Clarkson admits that it doesn’t give him the “fizz” that James May famously talked about during the old Top Gear days. However, Metcalfe quickly points out that Clarkson might feel differently if he were actually behind the wheel.
