Gordon Murray S1 Debuts: 680-HP V-12, Manual Only

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) debuted the S1 at Monterey Car Week, unveiling a road-legal supercar designed as a tribute to the iconic McLaren F1. This new model, the S1, serves as a more refined counterpart to the track-focused S1 LM, which was revealed in 2025. Both vehicles share a common carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, but the street-legal S1 features entirely bespoke bodywork. Unlike the aggressive fixed wings on the LM variant, the S1 incorporates an integrated active rear aerodynamic system for enhanced performance and stability. The heart of the S1 is a mid-mounted 4.2-liter Cosworth V-12 engine, which produces 680 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated powerplant is engineered for extreme performance, utilizing titanium valves, titanium connecting rods, and lightweight silicon carbide-coated pistons to achieve a remarkable 12,100-rpm redline. To ensure drivability for everyday use, engineers tuned the engine to deliver 80 percent of its peak torque from as low as 2,500 rpm. In a deliberate move to emphasize pure driving engagement, GMSV offers a six-speed manual transmission as the sole gearbox option. The manual transmission features straighter cable routing to provide an enhanced and more direct shift feel for the driver. The engine bay is designed to visually honor its 1990s predecessor, featuring a polished Inconel exhaust system that is surrounded by a 24-carat gold-plated heat shield, a nod to the original McLaren F1's distinctive engine bay. To adapt the performance-oriented platform for touring and road use, the engineering team increased the ride height by 10 millimeters and softened the suspension setup. This adjustment aims to maximize mechanical grip and provide a more comfortable ride without compromising handling. The exterior design includes traditional dihedral doors, which are equipped with standard roll-down glass windows, distinguishing them from the fixed Lexan windows found on the more track-focused LM variant. The S1 rides on a staggered wheel setup, with 19-inch alloy wheels at the front and larger 21-inch wheels at the rear. These wheels are fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, providing excellent grip and handling characteristics. The braking system is designed to handle the supercar's performance, with stopping power provided by advanced components, though specific details on the brake system were not fully elaborated in the initial announcement.