Listen To The Sweet Sound Of The V12-Powered GMA T.50

It may not wear the McLaren badge but, for many, the GMA T.50 is the true successor to the famed McLaren F1. Not only does it bear a striking resemblance to its spiritual forerunner, but it’s also powered by a glorious V12 engine and features the three-seat layout first seen in the speedy Brit.

It should come as no surprise that both were designed by the iconic Gordon Murray, whose resume also includes a flotilla of Formula One racers. We’ve already been lucky enough to hear the T.50’s gorgeous exhaust note but recently, the hypercar joined a group of McLaren F1s for a spirited run across Italy.

The F1 is already considered to be one of the best-sounding cars of all time. The raspy V12 emits a shriek so soulful it can turn even the most sour-faced car hater into an automotive aficionado. The T.50 sounds even better, channeling the exhaust note of Formula One racers of years gone by. As it charges into the tunnel, the functionally styled supercar blasts off in spectacular fashion.

The sound is best described as an evolution of the McLaren F1. It’s melodious without being shouty – a full-bodied V12 bellow powerful enough to send shivers down your spine. Perusing the T.50’s spec sheet will clue you into the source of this aural delight. Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.9-liter 12-pot, Gordon Murray’s wheeled love letter to the world of performance produces more than 650 horsepower and has a claimed 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds.

That being said, the bevy of McLaren F1s also put on a magnificent show as they blast down the countryside tunnel. Unfortunately, the presence of other road users limits the group from using the entire rev range. Despite this, it’s obvious that McLaren’s modern offerings can’t hope to match the iconic F1 in terms of engine sound.

The McLaren 720S, for example, is by no means a middling supercar – it’s visually arresting and is one of the most exciting new cars you can buy this side of a Chiron. But the T.50 differs from the latest flock of supercars by taking an old-school approach. Murray has elected not to build it with a fashionable dual-clutch gearbox. Instead, he went for a wonderful manual transmission.

This will certainly go down as one of the all-time greats and will serve as a fitting swan song to the ICE-powered supercar – good luck getting your hands on one, though.