Gordon Murray Automotive has revealed the GMSV S1, a limited-run, touring-focused supercar that serves as a direct homage to the 1992 McLaren F1 road car, according to official manufacturer announcements reported by Top Gear, Autocar, and CAR Magazine in August 2026. Built by Gordon Murray’s Special Vehicles division as a follow-up to the track-inspired S1 LM, the new S1 features a 681bhp naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine revving to 12,100rpm, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a production run restricted to 64 units.
Engineering the GMSV S1 Touring Supercar
Underneath its newly designed carbon fibre exterior, the S1 shares its fundamental architecture with the S1 LM revealed a year prior, including the same overall width, track width, tyre width, and suspension layout, according to Top Gear. However, the Special Vehicles engineering team implemented several mechanical adjustments to create a more road-friendly personality. Autocar reports that the S1 rides 10mm higher than the S1 LM and features more compliant damper settings alongside switchable power steering. Furthermore, CAR Magazine notes that every single carbon body panel—aside from the roof and engine cover—is completely unique to the S1, trading aggressive track aerodynamics for optimized mechanical grip.
Cosworth V12 Performance and Analogue Drivetrain
The beating heart of the S1 is a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 powerplant that produces 681bhp and 367lb ft of torque, spinning all the way to a 12,100rpm redline, according to Top Gear’s reporting. CAR Magazine highlights that the engine has been specifically retuned to deliver maximum torque from just 2,500rpm to better suit long-distance touring. Power is routed through a traditional six-speed manual gearbox featuring an overdriven sixth touring gear as standard. According to Gordon Murray, the manual setup utilizes straighter cable routing to deliver a precise “rifle-bolt” shift feel, complemented by a polished Inconel exhaust and 24-carat gold engine bay heat shielding.
Pro Tip: When evaluating ultra-exclusive analogue supercars, enthusiasts look closely at weight metrics. Despite adding touring-level sound deadening, a beefier sound system, and a more refined three-seat cabin with leather finishes, GMA targeted a dry weight lower than the 997kg T.50, according to CAR Magazine.
Production Numbers and Customer-Driven Development
While the hardcore S1 LM was restricted to just five customer-commissioned units—with the first example fetching over $20 million at a Vegas Grand Prix auction at the end of 2025, per Top Gear—the S1 will see a broader production run of 64 cars. Gordon Murray explained to Top Gear that the model originated entirely from customer pressure: “A lot of people were saying ‘imagine it without the aerodynamics’, because not everybody likes the boy racer wings and spoilers and splitters.” Autocar confirms that all 64 build slots for the S1 are already sold out at an undisclosed multi-million-dollar price tag, marking a production scale that Murray admits gets uncomfortably close to the 100-unit run of the standard T.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many GMSV S1 supercars will be built?
Gordon Murray Automotive will produce exactly 64 units of the S1, according to Top Gear and CAR Magazine. All units are already sold out.
What engine powers the Gordon Murray S1?
The S1 utilizes a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine that generates 681bhp, produces 367lb ft of torque, and revs to 12,100rpm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as reported by Autocar.
How does the S1 differ from the S1 LM?
According to CAR Magazine, while the S1 LM was built for extreme track-derived downforce with a massive rear wing and front splitter, the S1 is tuned for touring and mechanical grip. It features a completely redesigned carbon body, a 10mm higher ride height, more compliant damping, improved cabin sound deadening, and active aerodynamics integrated into the rear diffuser.
Did you know? The S1 incorporates subtle design nods to history, including headlights with integrated running lights and lightweight wheels inspired by Gordon Murray’s original 1992 McLaren F1 Monaco show car, as noted by Autocar and CAR Magazine.
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