Even low-volume supercars are torture examined to satisfy international homologation requirements. Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) just lately launched a video displaying its T.50 being abused within the identify of security.
This spherical of testing is said to airbag calibration, GMA growth driver Dario Franchitti explains within the video. Performed on the ATP Papenburg facility in Papenburg, Germany, the objective was to ensure airbags did not deploy unnecessarily.
That meant subjecting the take a look at automotive to forces manufacturing vehicles could expertise, however the place the motive force would not need an airbag going off, akin to putting potholes and railroad crossings, driving over infamously tough Belgian Pavé cobblestones, and even climbing a gravel mound.
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 airbag calibration testing
Within the extra excessive checks, engineers drove the T.50 right into a gravel heap at about 19 mph, launched it off a small ramp, and simulated a collision with a wild boar. The latter is one scenario during which the airbags are literally purported to deploy.
The prototype utilized in these checks—referred to as XP1—survived every little thing intact. Having already seen a 12 months of testing, it will likely be retired and used to coach service technicians, and can then be placed on show as a museum piece.
The T.50 goals to be the final analog supercar. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.9-liter V-12 that screams to 12,100 rpm. It produces 654 hp and 344 lb-ft of torque, which can not appear that spectacular by fashionable supercar requirements, however remains to be sufficient to chirp the wheels at simply 3,000 rpm. Plus, that energy is channeled by means of a 6-speed handbook transmission.
GMA founder Gordon Murray additionally included a rear-mounted fan impressed by by the Brabham BT46B System One automotive he designed within the Seventies. The 15.7-inch fan can generate downforce or cut back drag, relying on the mode chosen.
Solely 125 T.50 supercars will likely be constructed, together with 100 highway vehicles just like the one proven right here, and 25 T.50s Niki Lauda observe variations. Pricing begins on the equal of $3.26 million, however the complete manufacturing run is offered out.
Take a look at the embedded video to observe the T.50 encounter obstacles that might make any supercar proprietor wince.
