The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50s Niki Lauda has been signed off for production after Dario Franchitti lapped Bahrain International Circuit more than seven seconds faster than the team’s GT3 benchmark.
The final prototype Production Approval Test took place at the Sakhir circuit, chosen for the thermal and mechanical demands it places on a car. Franchitti – four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner – recorded a 1:53.03 lap, comfortably eclipsing the reference GT3 time established in 2001. During testing he exceeded 184mph, logged 3G under braking and experienced lateral loads of 2.7G.
Franchitti said: ‘The T.50s is the most engaging car I’ve ever driven. For pure fun factor, it surpasses all other track-only models… and even the race cars I drove to multiple world championship wins.’ He added that the team had ‘more than delivered’ on Gordon Murray’s objective of creating the ultimate on-track driving experience.
Weighing less than 900kg, the T.50s is powered by a 3.9-litre Cosworth-developed GMA V12 producing 761bhp at 11,500rpm and revving to 12,100rpm. Drive is through a bespoke Xtrac six-speed paddle-shift gearbox. The car generates up to 1200kg of downforce and features a central driving position, carbonfibre monocoque and track-specific aerodynamic package.
Named after Niki Lauda – whose 1978 Swedish Grand Prix victory in the Brabham BT46B fan car remains one of Murray’s defining engineering achievements – the T.50s will be limited to 25 examples. Each carries a commemorative name linked to one of Murray’s first 25 Grand Prix victories.
With Franchitti’s approval secured, final calibration of suspension, brakes and engine management can now be completed. All 25 customer cars are scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
For more info, see gordonmurrayautomotive.com
