There are very few modern supercars that feel genuinely old-school, but the new Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 is determined to be one of them. Revealed at The Quail during Monterey Car Week 2026, the S1 combines a naturally aspirated V12, a six-speed manual gearbox, a central driving position and an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre structure.
Rather than chasing the biggest possible horsepower figure, Gordon Murray has focused on creating something much rarer: a supercar built around the driver. The result is a road-focused machine that brings back the spirit of the legendary McLaren F1 while adding modern engineering and greater usability.
Gordon Murray S1 2026 Specifications
The S1 is essentially the more road-friendly sibling to the extreme S1 LM. It shares the S1 LM’s carbon-fibre monocoque and basic architecture, but Gordon Murray Special Vehicles redesigned almost all of the exterior bodywork to make it better suited to everyday road driving.
| Specification | Gordon Murray S1 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V12 |
| Engine Builder | Cosworth |
| Maximum Power | 680–681 hp |
| Maximum RPM | Up to 12,100+ rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Seating | 3 |
| Driving Position | Central |
| Construction | Carbon-fibre monocoque |
| Target Weight | Under 1,000 kg |
| Production | 64 units |
| Aerodynamics | Active rear aero |
| Price | Not disclosed |
A Naturally Aspirated V12 That Screams Past 12,000 RPM
680 HP Without Turbochargers
The heart of the S1 is its 4.2-litre naturally aspirated Cosworth V12. It produces approximately 680 hp and can rev beyond 12,000 rpm, giving the car the kind of engine character that has become almost impossible to find in the modern supercar world. (BMWBLOG)
There is no turbocharger hiding under the engine cover and no dual-clutch transmission taking control away from the driver. Instead, the V12 sends its power through a six-speed manual gearbox.
That combination is the defining feature of the S1. It isn’t designed to be the easiest supercar to drive quickly. It is designed to make every kilometre feel special.
The McLaren F1 Influence Is Obvious
Three Seats And A Central Driving Position
Gordon Murray’s connection with the McLaren F1 makes the S1 particularly fascinating. The S1 features the same basic three-seat philosophy, with the driver sitting centrally and two passengers positioned slightly behind.
This arrangement gives the driver an exceptionally clear view of the road while making the person behind the wheel the undisputed focus of the car.
The S1 also uses a minimalist cabin designed to avoid unnecessary distractions. It is a refreshing approach at a time when many modern supercars are filled with enormous screens and complicated electronic systems.
Under 1,000 Kg Is The Real Superpower
Lightweight Engineering Over Excessive Power
One of the most impressive targets for the S1 is its weight. Gordon Murray Special Vehicles is aiming for a sub-1,000kg kerb weight.
That is remarkably light for a modern V12 supercar. Carbon fibre is used extensively to keep mass under control, while Murray’s engineering philosophy is clearly centred around reducing weight rather than simply adding power.
The lightweight construction should also help the S1 deliver exceptional steering response, braking performance and cornering ability.
Designed For The Road, Not Just The Track
Softer Suspension And Active Aerodynamics
The S1 shares its foundations with the more extreme S1 LM, but the two cars have very different personalities.
The S1 LM was designed around a much more aggressive track-focused philosophy. The S1 gets more compliant suspension, increased ride height and active rear aerodynamics, making it more comfortable and predictable on public roads.
The huge fixed wing and extreme aerodynamic elements of the S1 LM have been replaced with cleaner bodywork and an integrated active system.
This gives the S1 a more elegant appearance while still allowing the car to generate aerodynamic performance when required.
Only 64 Gordon Murray S1s Will Be Built
Exclusivity Is Guaranteed
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles plans to produce just 64 examples of the S1, and reports indicate that the entire production run has already been sold.
That makes the S1 considerably rarer than most modern supercars.
The company has not publicly announced an official price, but its exclusivity, engineering and connection to Gordon Murray’s legendary designs mean it is expected to occupy an extremely expensive part of the supercar market.
For comparison, one of just five S1 LM examples sold for $20.63 million at auction in 2025, setting a record for a new car sold at auction excluding charitable sales.
S1 vs S1 LM: What’s The Difference?
The two cars may share the S1 name, but their personalities are different.
| Feature | Gordon Murray S1 | S1 LM |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Road-focused | Track-focused |
| Engine | 4.2L NA V12 | 4.3L NA V12 |
| Power | ~680 hp | Over 700 hp |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Seats | 3 | 3 |
| Aero | Active | Aggressive fixed aero |
| Production | 64 | 5 |
| Main Focus | Road enjoyment | Ultimate performance |
The S1 therefore isn’t simply a cheaper or less powerful S1 LM. It is intended to deliver a different experience, with greater comfort and usability while preserving the mechanical character that defines Gordon Murray’s cars.
A Modern Supercar With An Old-School Soul
The Gordon Murray S1 arrives at a fascinating time for the performance-car industry. Many manufacturers are moving toward hybrid systems, turbocharged engines and automated transmissions.
The S1 goes in the opposite direction.
It uses a naturally aspirated V12, manual gearbox, central driving position and lightweight construction—a combination that recalls a golden age of supercar engineering.
Yet it isn’t simply a nostalgia exercise. Active aerodynamics, modern carbon-fibre construction and sophisticated chassis engineering make the S1 a thoroughly contemporary machine.
Conclusion
The Gordon Murray S1 may be one of the most exciting supercars revealed in 2026. Its 680-hp naturally aspirated V12, six-speed manual gearbox, three-seat cabin, central driving position and sub-1,000kg weight target create a combination that is almost impossible to find elsewhere.
With only 64 examples planned, the S1 will also be an exceptionally rare collector’s car. But its greatest achievement may be philosophical rather than numerical.
At a time when supercars are becoming increasingly complex, Gordon Murray has created something beautifully simple: a lightweight car, a screaming V12, a manual gearbox and one very important person sitting in the middle—the driver.
Disclaimer
Specifications and figures in this article are based on information available following the S1’s August 2026 unveiling. Final production specifications, weight, pricing and equipment may vary. Gordon Murray Special Vehicles’ official information should be considered the final authority.