Gordon Murray Automotive Makes Moves Towards More V12 Supercars

In a decision that is virtually unheard of these days, boutique automaker Gordon Murray Automotive has sold off its EV arm, choosing to focus on building V12-powered hypercars instead. In an interview with Autocar, CEO Phillip Lee said the company quietly sold Gordon Murray Technology to Abu Dhabi government-backed investors.

Lee said this helped pay for the development and production of the T.50 and its little brother, the T.33. While these cars are a roaring success – both are sold out – GMA’s next challenge is preparing itself for an electrified future, which isn’t easy for a niche brand. But where does this leave GMA’s planned electric SUV?

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  2025 Gordon Murray Automotive T.33

  Engine

  3.9L V12 Gas

  Drivetrain

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  6-speed Manual

  Horsepower

  607 hp

  Torque

  333 lb-ft @ 9,000 rpm

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  2025 Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 Spider

  Engine

  3.9L V12 Gas

  Drivetrain

  Rear-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  6-speed Manual

  Horsepower

  608 hp

  Torque

  333 lb-ft @ 9,000 rpm

Out With Electric SUVs And In With V12 Supercars

Given that Gordon Murray Technology was behind the development of two new electric SUVs – one on behalf of an unnamed carmaker – it’s safe to assume work has been scrapped, with GMA bucking the trend, rejecting electric SUVs, and putting all of its energy in exquisite supercars propelled by 12 cylinders. If you know anything about Gordon Murray, this decision makes complete sense.

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Gordon Murray Technology was sold off because, simply put, it was taking attention away from the development of supercars. Not much is known about the SUVs, but Murray himself said the SUVs would “change [how] we think about range anxiety and vehicle dynamics,” suggesting they would have had sophisticated aerodynamics, sharp handling, and strong all-electric range. He also described one of them as a “city SUV,” hinting at a crossover of sorts. GMA was targeting a curb weight of around 2,400-2,600 lbs, which is extremely light for an electric SUV – less than the mighty McLaren F1 he created.

V12 Is Crucial To GMA, But It Will Have To Adapt Eventually

The V12 is paramount to the GMA experience. Lee said this is obvious based on the fact that the automaker is sold out until 2028. But with stricter emissions legislation looming – and pressure from climate groups – things will have to change. Fear not, GMA doesn’t intend on making electric supercars but Lee admits that hybridization is likely.

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Listen To The GMA T.50s Niki Lauda’s Cosworth V12 Scream Its Way Around Le Mans

It’s naturally aspirated perfection.

Without revealing much, Lee suggested that future GMA supercars will use a traditional hybrid or mild-hybrid setup. “What we’ll do is some clever way of keeping hybridization as opposed to [going] more conventional via a big battery or, you know, like a series or parallel hybridization.” With gasoline-powered combustion engines facing the ax in many regions, the CEO says it will continue to lobby to “protect the small-series and low-volume manufacturers.” It’s worth noting that brands like Koenigsegg, Bugatti, and Pagani are exempt from the 2035 CO2 ban due to low volumes, and GMA falls under the same category.

What Is GMA Currently Focused On?

Currently, the automaker’s research &development department is hard at work in three areas, namely electrical architectures, advanced chassis systems, and advanced powertrain systems. “By choosing those three, I think it gives us a fairly level foundation in order to be able to get stability for the future.” As for the future, the SUV plan has seemingly been scrapped, leaving the company and Mr. Murray to do what they do best. Lee also added that a third version of the T.33 will be launched next year. Not much is known about it, save for the fact that it will be a “road-going” vehicle. We can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon.

Source:
Autocar