Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) has presented the convertible version of its T.33 model, the GMA T.33 Spider. Or how to enjoy the vocals of the 617 hp V12 with hair (and moustache) blowing in the wind…
Seven precepts led to the development of the T.33 Spider: driving perfection, lightweight construction, the art of engineering, high-end positioning, a return to beauty, exclusivity and a personalised customer experience.
The result is a sporty Spider, with soft lines but full of the quest for aerodynamic perfection. The whole is built around a carbon monocoque chassis (iStream), shaped by GMA. Under the bonnet sits the naturally aspirated 3.9 litre V12 developed by Cosworth, producing 617 PS at 10,250 rpm and 451 Nm, identical to the T.33 coupé.
Low weight
The T.33 Spider is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox developed by Xtrac to transfer the power to the ground. Weighing only 82 kg, it contributes to limiting the weight of the car. Moreover, the stripping operation, which usually results in a significant weight increase compared to a coupé, only adds 18 kg to the weight of the T.33 (to 1108 kg). Gordon Murray confessed that this did not require any changes to the chassis.
The roof is made up of retractable panels that are fixed between the windscreen and the roll bar above the passenger seats. Once removed, they can be stored in the front boot (115 litres), to which are added two side trunks – as on the McLaren F1 of yesterday – of 90 litres each.
An interior that gets to the point
Upholstered in leather and Alcantara and embellished with aluminium and carbon, the interior features an instrument panel that includes a central analogue rev counter, calibrated to 11,100 rpm. On either side are displays for secondary controls and infotainment. The driver will grip a basic carbon fibre steering wheel and make the V12 sing with a machined aluminium pedal and gear lever.
Advanced aerodynamics
The soft lines of the T.33 Spider do not necessarily suggest the amount of work done on the aerodynamic flows. There are no ducts, fins, flaps or other apparent appendices that are usually present in excess on supercars.
GMA plays with the ground effect by directing low-pressure air under the floor and returning it via a duct to the rear diffuser. In combination with the active rear spoiler, the system provides an ideal balance of low drag, high downforce and optimum stability at high speeds, with the roof open or closed, up to more than 334 km/h, the top speed of the T.33 Spider.
Only 100 units of the GMA T.33 Spider will be produced, each priced from GBP 1.89 million.
GMA/GIMS/JM
