Video: Gordon Murray's T.50s Niki Lauda reminds us why petrol is great
13th August 2024
Russell Campbell
Just when cars like the Alpine A290 and Hyundai Ioniq 5N are starting to pique your interest in EVs, someone has to share a video that makes you wonder if you'll ever be able...
Because if ever there was a car that could single-handedly make a case for the naturally aspirated petrol engine, it's the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 and its 3.9-litre Cosworth-tuned V12. Or, more specifically, the T.50s Niki Lauda – a track day special unburdened by catalytic convertors, filters or silencers and amplified with the whip-crack shifts of a sequential gearbox.
It's natural to compare a great engine note to what you'd hear during an F1 weekend but, truth is, the T.50s sounds way better than that. It has a high-pitched, 12,100rpm scream dominated by engine induction with an exhaust backing chorus that coughs and splutters under braking.
The T.50s brings all the visuals, too. Along with the odd flame ejected out the back, the dusty and (sometimes) rainy conditions on the Goodwood Hill lay bare the wonders of the supercar's aero manipulating the atmosphere like an artist shapes a sculpture. The ground-sucking fan modelled on Gordon Murray's Brabham fan car is a masterpiece.
There is one slight problem for the T.50s, though, and that is that, to our ears, the standard T50 – which makes a brief appearance, here – sounds even better, its road-legal exhaust allowing your ears to focus in on the gorgeous induction suck of the wonderful V12 under the engine cover.
We're splitting hairs, of course, and, Gordon, if you're listening, we'll happily test either.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Häkkinen qualifying masterclass at Imola
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Video: Gordon Murray's T.50s Niki Lauda reminds us why petrol is great
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