Chris Harris Tears the Track Up in a Gordon Murray T.50S Supercar

Chris Harris climbs into the Gordon Murray T.50S at the old Top Gear test track in Dunsfold to give us his thoughts on this vicious track-only beast built by the man who had a significant influence in the design of the McLaren F1 back in the day. His latest video brings you along for the entire ride in this beast that produces over 750 horsepower and weighs less than 900kg. With that power and weight combination, the goal is clear: provide the driver with an honest and satisfying experience, whether they nail it every time or make the occasional error.

So Harris begins by getting up close and personal with the cabin before even starting the engine. He walks over the dashboard interface, noting how clear and straightforward everything is. The screens are simple and easy to use; the shift lights run across the top of the display, and the traction control indicators are conveniently located on the sides. The controls for things like ABS and adjustable aero are all easily accessible, allowing you to forget about them and simply drive. There’s no clutter or distractions; just the road ahead.



Out on the track, however, is where this car truly shines. Harris begins to drive in the corners and quickly has an understanding of how the car handles. The steering is quite accurate, the chassis is sturdy, and the power delivery is as smooth as silk. There are no abrupt surges of power, just a constant flow from the massive Cosworth V12. The six-speed paddle shift gearbox allows for rapid gear changes. Even after extensive use, the brakes remain firm and consistent. That 12,100 rpm redline just keeps coming without any of the usual vibrations or rattles you’d expect from something this strong. The noise is present, but not excessive. Harris just keeps pushing lap after lap, until the tyres begin to wear from the stress he’s putting on them.


The main differences between this and the road-going T.50 are components like the carbon-carbon brakes, which are significantly better for repeated high-speed stops. The titanium pieces have reduced the weight by a few critical grams. Then there’s all the aero work, as this thing generates a lot of downforce, about 1,300 kg at 180 mph, but it never seems anxious or up and down in the corners. Harris explains how this has helped to make the T.50S feel planted without becoming too difficult for the driver to handle. Which is exactly what you want: an easy-to-drive car that allows you to grow as you gain confidence.


Harris keeps pushing, going all out in the corners, using every bit of grip and strength he has. You know what? The automobile just absorbs it, no drama, no loss of composure, just as solid as a rock. Dario observes from the sidelines and later approaches to hear what Harris has to say about it all. The entire Gordon Murray crew is waiting to hear what Harris has to say, and he delivers with some major praise. He describes it as a bundle of joy focused on balance and refinement, a clean and uncomplicated car in a world of more sophisticated track machines.