Gordon Murray's T50 supercar with 6-speed manual for fun

Gordon Murray's T50 supercar will distinguish itself from its rivals by replacing the automated gearbox found in most other current supercars with a six-speed manual transmission. The development of the transmission was contracted to Extrac, which recently delivered the first completed gearbox to Gordon Murray Design.

A short video released on Monday shows the assembly and testing of that first gearbox. The transmission is paired with a Cosworth-developed 3.9-liter V-12 engine with a narrow 65-degree "V," dry sump lubrication, and a 12,100 rpm redline. The engine delivers 650 horsepower and 332 pounds of torque on its own, but the T50 also features a mild hybrid system centered around a 48-volt motor-generator that can temporarily add up to 30 additional horsepower.

With the addition of ram induction, output can be boosted to up to 700 hp, Murray says. The drive is rear-wheel only.

The use of a manual transmission is in line with Murray's goal of emphasizing driver involvement over performance figures. While other automakers are chasing top speed records, Murray says he wants to build a car that drivers can evaluate under realistic conditions.

Murray is targeting a vehicle weight of 2,160 pounds, which the designer claims is about a third of other current supercars.The T50 will also feature downforce-generating rear fans inspired by Murray's Brabham BT46B Formula One "fun car" and features a three-seater configuration with the driver in the center, like Murray's McLaren F1 road car.

The first examples of the T50 are scheduled for early 2022, with production limited to 100 units for public roads (a 25-car circuit version is also a possibility). The price is $2.5 million.