GMA unveils stunning V12-powered T.33 Spider

GORDON MURRAY AUTOMOTIVE (GMA) has this week unveiled its stunning V12-powered T.33 Spider, the convertible twin to the gorgeous T.33 coupe, and its first-ever roadster.

Combining what Murray himself calls a “beautiful, timeless design”, the T.33 Spider’s aerodynamically designed body features Targa-style removable roof panels, a deployable rear window and, perhaps most importantly, a sonorous naturally aspirated Cosworth-sourced V12 engine outputting 493kW and 451Nm.

The 65-degree bank, all-aluminium mill weighs 178kg and displaces just 3.9 litres. It features a race-style dry sump and Inconel exhaust system for “imposing throttle response and aural quality”. Three-quarters of the unit’s maximum torque is available from just 2500rpm while peak power is delivered at a stratospheric 10,250rpm. The rev ceiling is a mind blowing 11,100rpm.

Paired exclusively to an Xtrac six-speed manual transmission – itself weighing just 82kg – the driveline is said to deliver the kind of response and precision enthusiasts demand and expect. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The steering system is electrohydraulic, and braking is via carbon-ceramic matric rotors grasped by six-piston monobloc callipers up front and four-piston units at the rear. The T.33 Spider rolls on staggered 19-inch front / 20-inch rear lightweight forged aluminium wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.

The T.33 Spider was developed in parallel with the T.33 coupe and utilises the same carbon-fibre monocoque construction. The vehicle’s dry weight is listed at 1108kg – just 18kg more than the coupe.

“When drawing a car, I imagine what it’s going to feel like to sit in, and how it will feel to drive,” explained GMA founder Professor Gordon Murray.

“So, from the first sketch I knew that, with its open cockpit, the incredible Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine right behind you, the T.33 Spider would deliver a truly involving driving experience that’s quite unlike anything else.

“And while it’s still a mid-engine supercar, I wouldn’t accept any compromise on usability: this is why the T.33 Spider is unique in the supercar sector in delivering both onboard roof storage and a 295-litre luggage capacity.”

The driver-centric cockpit of the T.33 Spider features a “defiantly analogue” centrally mounted tachometer flanked by displays for climate control and infotainment, the latter including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Professor Murray says all the cabin controls are “beautifully tactile” with the carbon-fibre and leather trimmed steering wheel and perfectly weighted pedals, gearshift lever and switchgear all machined from aluminium alloy.

Seating is provided courtesy of race-inspired carbon-fibre seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara.

While pricing for the T.33 Spider has not been announced, GMA says it will produce just 100 examples of the roadster, each built specifically to customer order.