So, let’s be honest, most supercars are about bragging rights and weekend car-park heroics. But Gordon Murray’s new S1? This thing is different. It’s a V12 manual supercar designed for people who actually want to drive, not just own a trophy.
The Anti-Hypercar Supercar
In a world obsessed with hybrid systems, paddle shifters, and downforce numbers that make your head spin, Murray has gone full retro. The S1 ditches the aggressive aerodynamic theater of its track-focused sibling, the S1 LM, stripping away the massive fixed rear wing and deep side skirts to reveal something genuinely elegant. It’s a masterclass in restraint, and honestly, it’s refreshing. Think of it this way: the S1 LM was Murray’s love letter to his 1995 Le Mans victory. The S1? That’s a road trip down the California coast with the windows down and the V12 howling at 12,100 RPM.
The Engine That Sings
Let’s talk about what’s under the hood because it’s genuinely brilliant. A bespoke 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 producing 690 PS, but here’s the clever bit: 80% of that torque arrives from just 2,500 RPM. This isn’t some high-strung race engine that needs to be thrashed to be usable. It’s a V12 that understands the concept of a leisurely cruise followed by spirited canyon carving.
The engine bay isn’t hidden away either. The V12 sits proudly as a centerpiece, complete with a polished Inconel exhaust and a 24-carat gold-plated heat shield. Because apparently, if you’re spending big money on exclusivity, you want to see what you’re paying for.
Manual? In 2026? Yes, Please.
In an era when manufacturers are digitizing everything, Murray has equipped the S1 with a proper six-speed manual gearbox featuring a touring sixth gear. The gearbox cable routing has been refined for that satisfying “rifle-bolt” shift feel, small details that separate cars you drive from cars that drive you. This is the automotive equivalent of choosing vinyl over Spotify: intentional, analog, and deeply, unapologetically human.
Luxury Meets Lightness
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite being more luxurious than the S1 LM (we’re talking premium leather, bespoke fabrics, enhanced acoustic insulation, and a proper audio system) the S1 still targets a weight below the T.50.Ultra-lightweight carbon fibre body panels and Gordon Murray’s obsession with weight reduction mean you’re getting a proper supercar that’s also practical enough for genuine long-distance driving. The cabin features a central driving position and low scuttle height that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s driven a Gordon Murray car, but the refined touches make it clear this is a car for enjoying the journey, not just demolishing lap times. Even the doors have been redesigned, new dihedral doors with integrated glass replace the race-spec Lexan windows, allowing easier entry and exit. Because apparently, climbing out of a supercar shouldn’t feel like an Olympic event.
Limited to 64 – And That’s It
Here’s the exclusivity angle: production is capped at just 64 units worldwide. Each car is individually commissioned and specified by its owner, and while pricing remains a mystery, let’s just say this isn’t a car you’re buying on credit.
Seven Design Principles, Taken to Extremes
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles designs around seven core principles: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, Premium Brand, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey. The S1 pushes all seven to their extreme expression. This is where you see the difference between a car company and a design philosophy. Every choice (from the active rear aero system that adapts to high-speed stability demands to the switchable power steering that lets you tune assistance levels) stems from a genuine commitment to connecting the driver with the machine.
Why This Matters
The S1 represents something increasingly rare: a supercar that celebrates driving rather than specifications. In 2026, when most manufacturers are chasing autonomous features and tech-laden dashboards, Gordon Murray is doubling down on what makes cars genuinely special, the relationship between human and machine. It’s a manual gearbox. It’s naturally aspirated. It’s designed for real roads, not just circuit records. And somehow, it’s still a 690-PS supercar that’ll make your heart race every time you turn the key. For driving enthusiasts, the S1 isn’t just a new supercar, it’s a statement that purity, elegance, and genuine driver engagement still matter. The verdict? In an automotive landscape increasingly obsessed with maximums, Gordon Murray’s S1 proves that sometimes, the real luxury is getting to actually enjoy the drive.
