Gordon Murray S1 Debuts: 680-HP V12 Comes With Manual-Only Six-Speed, a Nod to the McLaren F1

In an era when dual-clutch transmissions have all but taken over the supercar market, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles is offering just one gearbox option for the S1: a six-speed manual. No other configuration is available—it's the clearest statement of intent for the entire car.

The S1 made its debut at Monterey Car Week as a street-legal, three-seat supercar designed as a tribute to the 1990s McLaren F1. It shares its carbon-fiber monocoque with the track-focused S1 LM unveiled in 2025, but the bodywork has been completely redesigned. The LM's aggressive fixed rear wing has been replaced on the S1 with an integrated active aerodynamics system.

Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter Cosworth V12 producing 680 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The engine features titanium valves and titanium connecting rods, with silicon carbide-coated pistons that allow the redline to reach 12,100 rpm. Engineers tuned the powerplant to deliver 80% of peak torque as low as 2,500 rpm, ensuring the high-revving engine remains manageable for everyday driving. The six-speed manual remains the sole transmission choice, with a more direct shift linkage engineered specifically for improved shift feel. The engine bay itself pays visual homage to the F1, with polished Inconel exhaust piping wrapped in a 24-karat gold heat shield.

To make the otherwise hardcore chassis more suitable for long-distance touring, engineers raised the ride height by 10 millimeters and softened the suspension to increase mechanical grip. The doors retain the brand's signature gullwing design, but this time feature fully functional power windows instead of the fixed Lexan panels found on the LM. The staggered wheel setup runs 19-inch fronts and 21-inch rears, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, with drilled Brembo brake discs handling stopping duties.

Inside, the cabin retains the brand's signature center-seat, three-across driving position, now with thicker seat padding and more comprehensive sound insulation, along with a specially designed lightweight audio system. Founder Gordon Murray said the Special Projects division exists specifically to execute bespoke commissions that aren't constrained by the rigid engineering standards of a standard production line.

The S1 is limited to 64 units worldwide, a significant increase from the LM's run of just five units. Pricing has yet to be announced, but demand for Murray's creations can be gauged from a recent auction result—an S1 LM sold for more than $20.6 million.