The T.33’s Cosworth V12 produces less peak power than the T.50 but has more low-end torque
April 10, 2024 at 16:33
- The small carmaker is building both Coupe and Spider versions of the T.33.
- A 3.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 slotted beneath the carbon fiber body delivers 606 hp.
- A six-speed manual transmission is the only option.
The smaller brother to Gordon Murray’s T.50, the T.33, is in the midst of development and while it will still be quite some time before it reaches the hands of customers, the niche automaker has released a pair of clips providing an insight into its creation.
The first of these videos focuses primarily on the very first mule for the T.50, lovingly known as George. It is an Ultima kit car with the T.50’s powertrain and was instrumental in making the supercar a reality. Fast forward a few years and Gordon Murray Automotive has built the first mule for the T.33, dubbed James. It is much more similar to the production model than George was to the T.50 and shows how far the firm has progressed over the past four years.
Read: Here’s The $1.85 m T.33, Gordon Murray’s 11,100-RPM Entry-Level McLaren Mauler
Like the T.50, the T.33 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.9-liter V12 from Cosworth. However, the T.33 has new camshafts, a unique intake, and a bespoke exhaust system. As Dario Franchitti says while driving the car, it sounds quite different than the T.50, despite having the same basic engine. It is also less powerful than its bigger sibling, producing 606 hp and 333 lb-ft (451 Nm) compared to 654 hp and 344 lb-ft (467 Nm).
Gordon Murray Automotive is focusing extensively on ensuring the T.33 is light. It is aiming for a sub-1,100 kg (2,420 lbs) curb weight, roughly 100 kg (220 lbs) more than the T.50 but still significantly lighter than its competitors.
Obviously, the V12 comes alive when the revs build but it’s the behavior of the engine at low speeds that really impresses Franchitti. In fifth gear at 19 mph (30 km/h), it remains remarkably smooth and still provides plenty of torque. This powerplant is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
Gordon Murray had initially planned to also offer the T.33 Coupe and Spider with a six-speed paddle shift gearbox. However, he decided to scrap this option last year after just three or four customers ordered it.