Legendary car designer Gordon Murray has unveiled his latest supercar, the S1, which evokes the spirit of the iconic McLaren F1 he designed approximately 35 years ago. This new model is a touring-focused evolution of the S1 LM, which was revealed last year as a modern interpretation of the 1995 McLaren F1 LM.
The Gordon Murray S1 is characterized by a bespoke 4.2-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 engine producing up to 681 horsepower, coupled with a manual gearbox, a rarity in contemporary high-performance vehicles. Building on the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) S1 LM platform, the S1 diverges from its race-inspired predecessor in both character and purpose.
While 106 McLaren F1 models were produced between 1992 and 1998, only 64 units of the S1 will be manufactured globally, positioning it as an exclusive offering. The entire production run has already been sold out.
The S1 LM, a road-legal supercar paying tribute to the 1995 Le Mans-winning GTR, featured a central seating position, manual gearbox, and a rear-mounted naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering 627 horsepower and a top speed of 243 mph. The S1, arriving a year after the S1 LM, aims for enhanced accessible torque suitable for effortless touring.
Revealed at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, the S1 shares its design language with the S1 LM, but features entirely redesigned body panels. It omits the S1 LM's prominent rear wing, large front splitter, and deep side skirts for a cleaner silhouette inspired by classic proportions. GMSV has incorporated an active rear aerodynamic system into the bodywork to improve mechanical grip and stability.
While retaining the S1 LM's wide, lightweight suspension architecture and broad tires, the S1 has a 10mm increase in ride height. In line with Murray's emphasis on weight reduction, the S1's body is constructed from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, complemented by lightweight suspension components.
The power steering is adjustable to suit driver preferences, offering a more relaxed cruising experience or a more direct connection to the road. Other unique features include daytime running lamps integrated into the front light clusters and auxiliary main-beam lights housed within the front air intake, a design element nodding to Murray's 1992 Monaco show car concept.
The S1 also incorporates A-pillar-mounted mirrors with an integrated rear-view camera system. The engine bay is designed to showcase the V12 engine as a centerpiece, alongside a polished Inconel exhaust and a 24-carat gold-plated heat shield.
The three-seat interior is centered around Murray's signature central driving position. However, it offers a more refined and luxurious cockpit compared to the S1 LM, with enhanced seating comfort for touring. Buyers can expect premium leather, bespoke fabrics, tailored trims, improved acoustic insulation, updated infotainment screens, and a custom audio system.
GMSV states that the S1 embodies Murray's philosophy of exclusive, lightweight, driver-focused supercars, adapted into a more refined, usable, and touring-oriented form. Pricing for the S1 has not been disclosed, but it is anticipated to be less than the S1 LM, with the first S1 LM reportedly selling for over $20 million at auction in 2025.