GORDON MURRAY AUTOMOTIVE (GMA) has this week unveiled its gorgeous V12-powered T.33 Spider, the convertible twin to the attractive T.33 coupe, and its first-ever roadster.
Combining what Murray himself calls a “stunning, timeless design”, the T.33 Spider’s aerodynamically designed physique options Targa-style detachable roof panels, a deployable rear window and, maybe most significantly, a sonorous naturally aspirated Cosworth-sourced V12 engine outputting 493kW and 451Nm.
The 65-degree financial institution, all-aluminium mill weighs 178kg and displaces simply 3.9 litres. It encompasses a race-style dry sump and Inconel exhaust system for “imposing throttle response and aural high quality”. Three-quarters of the unit’s most torque is obtainable from simply 2500rpm whereas peak energy is delivered at a stratospheric 10,250rpm. The rev ceiling is a thoughts blowing 11,100rpm.
Paired completely to an Xtrac six-speed guide transmission – itself weighing simply 82kg – the driveline is claimed to ship the form of response and precision lovers demand and count on. Energy is delivered to the rear wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The steering system is electrohydraulic, and braking is through carbon-ceramic matric rotors grasped by six-piston monobloc callipers up entrance and four-piston models on the rear. The T.33 Spider rolls on staggered 19-inch entrance / 20-inch rear light-weight cast aluminium wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.
The T.33 Spider was developed in parallel with the T.33 coupe and utilises the identical carbon-fibre monocoque building. The automobile’s dry weight is listed at 1108kg – simply 18kg greater than the coupe.
“When drawing a automobile, I think about what it’s going to really feel like to sit down in, and the way it will really feel to drive,” defined GMA founder Professor Gordon Murray.
“So, from the primary sketch I knew that, with its open cockpit, the unimaginable Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine proper behind you, the T.33 Spider would ship a very involving driving expertise that’s fairly in contrast to the rest.
“And whereas it’s nonetheless a mid-engine supercar, I wouldn’t settle for any compromise on usability: that is why the T.33 Spider is exclusive within the supercar sector in delivering each onboard roof storage and a 295-litre baggage capability.”
The motive force-centric cockpit of the T.33 Spider encompasses a “defiantly analogue” centrally mounted tachometer flanked by shows for local weather management and infotainment, the latter together with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Professor Murray says all of the cabin controls are “fantastically tactile” with the carbon-fibre and leather-based trimmed steering wheel and completely weighted pedals, gearshift lever and switchgear all machined from aluminium alloy.
Seating is offered courtesy of race-inspired carbon-fibre seats upholstered in a mixture of leather-based and Alcantara.
Whereas pricing for the T.33 Spider has not been introduced, GMA says it would produce simply 100 examples of the roadster, every constructed particularly to buyer order.
