Gordon Murray's S1 is a stunning tribute to the iconic McLaren F1, a car that has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. This new creation is a testament to Murray's genius and his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. The S1 is a direct homage to the McLaren F1, a car that is widely regarded as the greatest road car ever built. It's a bold statement, but one that Murray backs up with a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the essence of the original.
The S1 is a more touring-focused version of the S1 LM, a car that was already a modern interpretation of the 1995 McLaren F1 LM. The S1 LM was a super-rare road-legal tribute to the GTR that won Le Mans in 1995, and it embodied Gordon's central seating position, manual gearbox, and screaming-V12-in-the-back philosophy. The S1, however, takes a more refined approach, shedding the rear wing, front splitter, and side skirts for a cleaner, more refined look. Every carbon panel, except for the roof and engine cover, is new and distinct, and the redesigned headlights pay homage to Gordon's 1992 McLaren F1 Monaco show car.
One of the most exciting aspects of the S1 is the increased production numbers. While the S1 LM was limited to just five units, the S1 will be produced in 64 units, a significant jump in accessibility. This is a welcome change, as it allows more enthusiasts to experience the brilliance of Gordon Murray's design. However, it's worth noting that all S1s are sold out for an undisclosed price, indicating that these cars are highly sought-after and likely command a premium.
The S1 retains the same overall width, track width, tyre width, and suspension architecture as the S1 LM, but there are subtle changes beneath the surface. It has a 10mm increase in ride height, more compliant damper settings, switchable power steering, and new dihedral doors with proper drop-down glass. These adjustments make the S1 more comfortable and practical for everyday use, while still maintaining the aggressive aesthetic that Gordon Murray is known for.
Under the hood, the S1 boasts the larger 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12, which revs to 12,100rpm, producing 681bhp and 367lb ft of torque. The engine is retuned to produce maximum torque from just 2,500rpm, making it more suited to its touring brief. The six-speed manual gearbox features a longer sixth touring gear, and the engine bay is a work of art, complete with a polished Inconel exhaust and 24-carat gold heat shielding.
Despite the increased production numbers, Gordon Murray emphasizes that the S1 is a limited-edition car, a one-off creation that will never be repeated. He believes that the shape and homage to the original McLaren F1 make it worth making an exception to the usual production numbers. This sentiment highlights Murray's passion for preserving automotive history and his commitment to creating cars that are not only fast but also timeless.
In conclusion, Gordon Murray's S1 is a masterpiece in the making. It seamlessly blends the aggressive aesthetics of the McLaren F1 with the practicality and comfort of a modern touring car. The increased production numbers make it more accessible, but the limited-edition status ensures that it remains a rare and coveted treasure for automotive enthusiasts. The S1 is a testament to Murray's genius and his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the world of supercars.
