The track-only Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda is shaping up to be quite the beast and based on a new video of the firm testing its V12 on the dyno, it will also sound unique.
Like the road-going T.50, the T.50s Niki Lauda has a 3.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 sourced from Cosworth. However, a series of significant changes have been made to this engine, allowing it to churn out 772 hp while revving through to 12,100 rpm. The list of upgrades also includes a higher compression ratio, revised cylinder heads, bespoke cams, a unique induction system with a roof-mounted ram intake, and the removal of the variable valve timing. Perhaps the most significant change is the fitment of 12 individual throttle bodies compared to the four throttle bodies of the street car.
The video shows what this engine sounds like while running a simulated lap around Circuit De La Sarthe in France, the track that plays host to the 24 Hours of Le Mans each year. The screaming, high-revving engine sounds like the closest thing we’ve heard since the glory days of V10 and V8-powered Formula 1 cars and makes all the latest and greatest turbocharged and battery-electric supercars and hypercars seem tame and uninspired.
Watch: Gordon Murray’s Track-Only T.50s Has Revised 772 HP V12 And Carbon-Carbon Brakes
A second video of the car also sheds more light on what differentiates it from the standard model. While the firm could have simply taken the T.50, slapped on some wings, and called it a day, the T.50s Niki Lauda is almost entirely new. For example, the carbon fiber monocoque is bespoke and incorporates the new roof scoop. The bodywork is also unique, featuring thinner carbon fiber panels and no paint at all; instead, GMA has opted to wrap it.
Production of the T.50s Niki Lauda will be capped at just 25 units worldwide, and prices start at £3.1 million ($3.9 million).