After debuting the track-focused S1 LM exactly a year ago, Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) showcased the road-biased S1 at this year’s Monterey Car Week. While the S1 LM paid tribute to Gordon Murray’s Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, the S1, in a similar vein, is pitched as a modern-day interpretation of the road-going McLaren F1. Built by GMA’s Special Vehicles division, the S1 will be less exclusive than the five-off S1 LM, with 64 units planned for production.
- S1 is fundamentally based on the GMA T50
- It’s powered by a 4.2-litre Cosworth V12 with a manual gearbox
- More road-biased, touring-focused version of the S1 LM
Speaking about the S1, Gordon Murray, group executive chairman, says, “It is exclusive, analogue and deeply driver-focused while also being more elegant, refined and usable over distance.”
GMA S1 exterior design
Just a glance at the S1 is enough to trace its roots back to the original F1. It does away with many of the aggressive aero elements seen on the S1 LM, such as the massive rear wing, the race-style front splitter and the deep side skirts. What’s left behind is a shape that’s quintessentially a sports car in its purest form. Murray says every single panel on the S1 is unique to this vehicle.
Details such as the dual-pod headlamps, the bonnet scoop and the quad tail lamps at the rear immediately connect it to the F1, all while appearing properly contemporary. The circular lights positioned at the leading edges of the front air intakes and the five-spoke alloy wheels are a direct nod to the 1992 McLaren F1 concept car, as are the A-pillar-mounted wing mirrors – these elements did not make it to production on the original F1.
The side profile is characterised by pronounced wheel arches and a rising beltline, while the scoops on the doors and sills are a lot more pronounced here. At the rear is a classic quad exhaust setup and a diffuser that features an active aero system. GMA says the S1 has been “optimised for mechanical grip, rather than high downforce”.
GMA S1 interior
A characteristic of most GMA models, just as with the original F1, the interior features a 3-seat layout with a central driving position and a low scuttle height. It’s, however, more luxuriously trimmed in leather and bespoke fabrics and also features more sound deadening in keeping with its road-biased positioning. The dashboard panel housing the instruments and all the controls also appear more richly intricate. It also features a bespoke lightweight audio system and a touring-focused seat to make it better suited for long-distance use.
The real talking point is that there are no touchscreens – all interior controls are completely analogue. There are, however, two displays flanking the gorgeous analogue tachometer – the left screen is for infotainment and phone-related functions, while the right screen is for all vehicle-related functions. Murray says, “Everything here is analogue and rotary. I don’t see that as something we’ll ever move away from.”
GMA S1 engine and specifications
Powering the S1 is a 4.2-litre, naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine that revs to a manic 12,100rpm. This is slightly larger than the 4.0-litre V12 used in the T50 (the car it is based on) but smaller than the 4.3-litre unit seen on the S1 LM. And just like in the original F1, this one, too, gets a 24-carat gold-plated heat shielding. There’s also an air intake on the roof that feeds air directly into the engine.
The engine produces 690hp and 500Nm of torque – quite modest figures for the current times – with 80 percent of peak torque available from as low as 2,500rpm. For perspective, the McLaren F1 from three decades ago produced 627hp and 650Nm of torque from a 6.1-litre naturally aspirated V12.
The gearbox is a 6-speed manual unit with a longer sixth ratio for touring, sending drive to the rear wheels. GMA says it is targeting a weight of under 997kg (lower than even the T50) with extensive use of carbon fibre body panels, a carbon fibre monocoque and carbon fibre suspension components.
The S1 has the same suspension geometry and track width as the S1 LM, but it rides 10mm higher than the track-focused S1 LM and also gets more compliant dampers. It also has a switchable power steering that lets one alter the steering feel depending on the use case.
Production of the S1 will be limited to 64 units worldwide. Each car will be individually commissioned and specified by its owner, although pricing remains undisclosed.
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
