Gordon Murray Automotive has previewed the next model to join the T.50, T.50s Niki Lauda and T.33 in its contemporary supercar line up; the T.33 Spider. This open-top variant of the two-seater T.33 supercar was envisaged from the outset of the 33 project, creating what might just be the ultimate open-top V12 supercar experience.
So far only teased in one of Gordon Murray’s iconic sketches, the new Spider reveals a design similar to the coupe fitted with unique upper body design elements. The ultra-low scuttle, simple shrink-wrapped bodywork and elegant curves derived from the elegant sports cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s remain, but from the beltline upwards it’s a completely different story.
There’s a new take on the coupe’s separated hoop which now incorporates a free-standing intake snorkel to feed the Cosworth-built V12 engine. That engine is the same as you’ll find in the T.33 coupe, displacing 3.9-litres and producing 607bhp at a quite astounding 11,100rpm. We can only imagine what that’ll sound like with an intake snorkel mounted mere centimetres from your ear. This will be joined up to a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.
Of course, the core mantra behind Gordon Murray’s iconic cars has always been about reducing weight to the absolute minimum, going to extraordinary lengths to shave off grams from every conceivable area. As is always the case, lopping the roof off only makes that job even more difficult, but it’s one that he and his team have a tight grasp on with the Spider as its proposed weight comes in at just 1108kg, a scant 18kg more than the coupe.
The rest of the package is expected to ape the existing T.33. This means it’ll feature a minimalist two-seater layout in contrast to the T.50’s McLaren F1-inspired central driving position, and a super lightweight carbon fibre chassis that incorporates unique carbon honeycomb sections. The suspension is optimised for the T.33’s reduced downforce compared to T.50, made up by a forged double-wishbone design at all four corners with coil springs and hydraulic dampers, the steering also eschews any electrical interference being purely hydraulically assisted.
In advance of the Spider’s reveal, Professor Gordon Murray CBE said: ‘From the outset of the T.33 programme, I always intended there to be a Spider – in fact, I sketched the Spider before the coupe to ensure the proportions worked. And from that first sketch I knew, with its open cockpit and the incredible Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine right behind you, the T.33 Spider would deliver a truly involving driving experience that’s quite unlike anything else.’
The Spider will be revealed on April 4 with a likely starting price somewhere in excess of the Coupe’s £1.37m (not including local taxes). This might sound like a lot, but then GMA is quickly positioning itself as the peak of internal combustion supercar design and engineering before even it is forced to venture into the hybrid space. So for a sure-fire future icon, we’re expecting it won’t be a hill too high for customers with the means to take the plunge.
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