Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) has been on a roll lately, first unveiling its flagship T.50 supercar and then the track-orientated T.50 S Niki Lauda edition, both of which feature a marvel of modern engineering: a 3.9-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine revving to over 11,000rpm and developed by Cosworth – probably the last great new V12 motor.
All of the T.50’s engineering comes at a staggering cost, though: £2.36 million, or $4.5 million AUD at the time of writing.
If that’s too eye-watering, enter the new junior-burger of the Gordon Murray Automotive range … of sorts. Ditching the T.50’s signature rear fan and triple-seater layout – but keeping the thunderous V12 – is the new £1.4 million ($2.7 million AUD) T.33 model.
The GMA T.33’s rear end is much more sculpted now without the big fan of the T.50
Built around a newly developed carbon and aluminium lightweight structure, the T.33 is also targeted to be as lightweight as physically possible while still offering comfort, day-to-day usability and effortless performance.
Just 100 examples of the T.33 will be built, mainly for British consumption – though a motivated Australian buyer could submit an expression of interest.
What engine does the T.33 use?
At the heart of the T.33 is a 3.9-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine that produces 452kW of power and 451Nm of torque. The engine weighs a remarkable 178kg and will rev to a ceiling of 11,100rpm. Peak power is produced from 10,500rpm while peak torque is reached at 9000rpm.
The 3.9-litre Cosworth V12 is a brilliant piece of engineering
The T.33 is slightly less powerful than the T50 which makes total outputs of 488kW/ 467Nm.
As standard, the T.33 receives a six-speed manual gearbox but is also available with a paddle shift transmission as an option.
Chassis, brakes and wheels on the T.33
The T.33 is built upon a superlight carbon fibre monocoque and also features lightweight cored carbon fibre panels.
This makes for a car that is 300kg lighter than the average supercar, according to GMA.
Both six-speed manual and paddle shift transmission options are available
The T.33 rides on super lightweight forged aluminium wheels which measure 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres measuring 235/35 R19 at the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear.
Brakes on the T.33 are Brembo carbon ceramic units which measure in at 370mm for the front rotors and 340mm for the rear.
T.33’s aerodynamic functionality
Aerodynamics have always been pivotal to the success of GMA products, spanning right back to the McLaren F1 supercar.
While the T.50 uses a rear fan to create downforce, the T.33 goes without this technology, instead using inlet channels underneath the floor to allow adequate airflow.
The GMA T.33 retains the induction hood scoop of the T.50
A diffuser helps to channel air and create needed downforce. This means that the GMA was able to go without the conventional bolt-on spoilers and wings that are found on many modern supercars.
The only exception is a retractable rear spoiler that deploys automatically but can also be activated by the touch of a button. The rear spoiler features a high downforce mode which can also act as an aero-enhanced braking function.
The interior of the T.33
While many supercars are filled with touchscreens and other relevant technology, the T.33 goes without both, which in GMA’s words can “cause confusion and distraction”.
The T.33’s cabin remains completely driver focused and even goes without traditional column stalks found on most cars today.
No screens here, just a steering wheel and some analogue switches
Common driver controls such as aero, lights and aircon are all manual switches, made from high quality aluminium alloy.
If you might think that the T.33 is an incredibly impractical car due to its small size, it still has an impressive 280 litres of space in the front storage compartment as well as in the twin side luggage lockers.
