Gordon Murray Unveils S1 Supercar, A Touring-Focused Take On The S1 LM

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has unveiled the S1, a touring-oriented supercar developed from the S1 LM platform, at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. Limited to 64 units and individually commissioned by each owner, the car marks a deliberate shift in emphasis from the track-honed S1 LM towards long-distance usability, while retaining the naturally aspirated, manual-gearbox philosophy that has defined Murray's recent output.

At its core sits a bespoke 4.2-litre Cosworth V12 producing up to 690 PS (roughly 681 bhp), paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a touring sixth gear. The engine draws on the same lineage as the S1 LM's unit but has been reworked for a broader spread of usable torque, delivering around 500 Nm at 7,000 rpm, with 80 per cent of that torque available from just 2,500 rpm. Low-inertia internals — silicon carbide-coated pistons, titanium valves and connecting rods, and a dry-sump lubrication system — point to a high-revving character retained from the S1 LM despite the car's more relaxed brief.

The visual and aerodynamic changes are the clearest markers of that shift. Gone are the S1 LM's fixed rear wing, deep front splitter and pronounced side skirts, replaced by new body panels and a cleaner silhouette. An active rear aero system, integrated into the bodywork, takes over the task of managing high-speed stability, allowing the car to prioritise mechanical grip over the extreme downforce that defined its sibling. Ride height has been raised by 10 mm and damping retuned for greater compliance, though the width, track and lightweight suspension architecture carry over from the S1 LM.

Cabin changes reinforce the same intent. The three-seat layout retains Murray's signature central driving position, but adds premium leather, tailored trim, additional acoustic insulation and a bespoke lightweight audio system. New dihedral doors with integrated drop-down glass replace the S1 LM's Lexan ticket window, easing ingress and egress — a small but telling concession to everyday use. Switchable power steering assistance lets owners choose between relaxed cruising and a more unfiltered feel on demanding roads.

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"With the S1, we wanted to show how much beauty and purity there is in this design when the more extreme aerodynamic elements of the S1 LM are stripped away," said Professor Gordon Murray, CBE, Group Executive Chairman of Gordon Murray Special Vehicles. He added that the car retains "the same intensity, response, and engineering integrity" while being "tuned for a different purpose."

The S1 extends a lineage that began with the T.50 in 2020, through which Murray has built a portfolio of ultra-exclusive, lightweight supercars centred on naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions — a stance increasingly rare as the wider industry moves towards electrification and forced induction. Pricing has not been disclosed, and each S1 will be specified individually by its buyer, underscoring the bespoke nature of the programme.