Pure Perfection: Naturally Aspirated
Gordon Murray Automotive has released a footage showcasing the T.50s Niki Lauda in action, featuring its powerful Cosworth V12 engine completing a simulated lap at Le Mans’ famed Circuit De La Sarthe. The supercar, designed exclusively for track use, is currently undergoing rigorous testing at Cosworth as it prepares for its dynamic debut.The newly unveiled video captures the signature roar of the Cosworth V12 as it revs up and races around the virtual version of the iconic Le Mans circuit. This engine, which is the heart of the T.50s Niki Lauda, is being put through extensive testing by experts at Cosworth to ensure optimum performance.This special edition car, named after the legendary Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda, will soon make its dynamic debut, thrilling car enthusiasts with its exceptional capabilities on the track. With advanced technology and cutting-edge engineering, this supercar promises to deliver an exhilarating experience for both the driver and spectators alike.Be sure to stay tuned for updates on the T.50s Niki Lauda as it continues its journey towards becoming one of the most highly anticipated track-focused vehicles of all time. With the combined expertise of Gordon Murray Automotive and Cosworth, this masterpiece is expected to set new standards
GMA’s latest creation, the Niki Lauda, draws inspiration from their original supercar, the T.50. It caused a stir at its US debut at The Quail in the previous year and is now being marketed as the ultimate track car. Staying true to its name, the Niki Lauda offers numerous enhancements compared to its street-legal counterpart. This includes Formula 1-grade carbon ceramic brakes, a modified cylinder head, and a high-performance induction system featuring 12 separate throttle bodies and direct overhead injection. These elements pay homage to the V12 beasts that the late Niki Lauda would have raced in the 1970s.
The car is a marvel of technology, with GMA making bold proclamations about its capabilities. The most notable assertion comes from Gordon Murray, who boldly states that the standard T.50 will outpace the famed McLaren F1 GTR that secured victory at Le Mans in 1995 on the Circuit De La Sarthe track.
The assertion is quite a colossal one. We are well aware that Gordon Murray does not make casual declarations like this. Has he possibly been alluding to Niki Lauda’s sensational arrival when he first made these statements earlier in the year?
The phrase “coming soon” holds a great deal of ambiguity. The term “soon” implies a promise rather than a specific timeframe, and it’s likely that GMA is holding out until Le Mans to unveil their new car. As we are aware, the F1 GTR achieved a qualifying lap time of 3:58.470, which is the benchmark that GMA will strive to surpass, given the unconventional circumstances of Le Mans’ victory in 1995.
Niki Lauda will face a challenging task as the Circuit De La Sarthe has undergone some modifications since 1995. Although the addition of chicanes on the Mulsanne Straight in 1990 is not the focus here, there is still a significant change that needs to be addressed. The previous straight between the Dunlop Bridge and the Esses has now been transformed into a curved section.
Upon hearing the audio clip, it seems that the car does not ascend through the turn. However, this may not be the case.
The Cosworth V12 is a powerful engine that boasts a whopping 761 horsepower without the use of turbochargers. It also has an impressive rev limiter of 12,100 rpm. The vehicle’s frame and aerodynamics are completely customizable, and it features a massive fan that creates downforce to keep the car stable on the track. This extraordinary car was named after famous race car driver Niki Lauda by its designer, Gordon Murray, in honor of Lauda’s victory at the Swedish Grand Prix in 1978 with the Brabham BT46B fan car.
Considering the strong racing background ingrained in this vehicle, it is only fitting for the Niki Lauda to unveil itself at the world’s longest-running car race. While the Geneva Motor Show may occur first, it would serve merely as a stationary exhibition. Even with the lifting of its ban on motorsports, Switzerland lacks a suitable circuit.
The year 2024 marks the start of the highly anticipated event, Le Mans. The list of participants was recently released, however, GMA’s name is noticeably absent. This is because the budding boutique manufacturer has yet to establish a racing team. Nevertheless, it presents an ideal opportunity to debut a track-oriented vehicle with a lineage tracing back to a Le Mans champion.