Car Show

Rare Gordon Murray T.50, Nearly Undriven, Expected to Fetch Over $6 Million at Auction

A pristine Gordon Murray T.50, chassis number 47, is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's, with an estimated sale price exceeding $6 million. Having traveled only 62 miles since its production in 2024, this vehicle remains unregistered by its original owner, presenting a unique opportunity for collectors. The forthcoming sealed auction highlights the substantial appreciation of these highly sought-after hypercars in the market, with previous models demonstrating remarkable increases in value. This event reinforces the T.50's status as a prime automotive investment.

The T.50 stands as a testament to pure, unadulterated driving, deliberately shunning the modern trend of hybrid powertrains and extensive digital interfaces. Its heart is a naturally aspirated 3.9-liter Cosworth V12, an engineering marvel that churns out 654 horsepower and screams to an astonishing 12,100 rpm, all without the aid of turbochargers or electric motors. This commitment to an 'analog' experience is deeply ingrained in the vehicle's design philosophy, weighing in at under 2,200 pounds. Such a lightweight construction, combined with its powerful engine, allows the T.50 to achieve a blistering 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 226 mph, performance figures that rival or surpass many of its more technologically complex contemporaries. The driver-centric cabin, featuring a unique three-seat layout with the driver positioned centrally, directly harks back to Gordon Murray's iconic McLaren F1, ensuring that the driving experience remains paramount, devoid of digital distractions that might detract from the visceral connection between car and road.

Exceptional Valuation for an Unregistered Masterpiece

Chassis number 47 of the Gordon Murray T.50, with its mere 62 miles, distinguishes itself even within the limited production run of 100 units. This car, effectively in new condition despite its 2024 build date, has never been legally registered or used by its owner, making it an exceptionally rare find for discerning collectors. RM Sotheby's anticipates that this vehicle will command a price ranging between $5.68 million and $6.22 million at its exclusive sealed auction, scheduled from September 23 to 30, 2026. This projection represents approximately double the original purchase price of £2.36 million (around $3 million) when the T.50 was initially launched in August 2020. The rapid sale of the entire allocation within two days underscored the immediate demand for this analog hypercar, and the subsequent appreciation in value, as evidenced by a chassis 009 selling for $8,035,000 in April 2023, solidifies its status as a highly lucrative asset. This trend supports the assertion by Harvey Stanley, RM Sotheby's director of private sales, that prices are likely to continue their upward trajectory.

The current market trajectory for the Gordon Murray T.50 demonstrates a significant appreciation, with some models already doubling in value in a relatively short period. RM Sotheby's sealed auction format, offering a discreet bidding environment with confidential final prices, mirrors the strategy employed for other ultra-exclusive vehicles, such as a matte-black Ferrari Enzo. This method caters to a clientele seeking privacy in high-value transactions. The T.50's design philosophy, which emphasizes a pure, unassisted driving experience, resonates strongly with enthusiasts who value engineering and driver engagement over digital sophistication. Its lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis, combined with the groundbreaking fan-assisted aerodynamics, contributes to a driving purity rarely found in contemporary supercars. The attention to detail in its construction, from the custom Cosworth V12 engine to its unique central driving position, underscores its exclusivity and appeal. For collectors, owning a T.50, especially one in such an untouched state, is not merely an acquisition of a vehicle but an investment in automotive history, a tangible piece of Gordon Murray's unparalleled vision, and a testament to the enduring allure of analog performance in an increasingly digital world.

GWM Tank 700 LWB: A Force to Be Reckoned With in the Luxury SUV Market

The Great Wall Motor (GWM) Tank 700 Long-Wheelbase (LWB) edition is poised to make a significant impact in the luxury SUV market. This new variant distinguishes itself with an extended body, a spacious six-seat arrangement, and considerable power options, presenting a compelling alternative to established competitors. The introduction of this model highlights GWM's ambition to cater to a growing demand for larger, more versatile luxury vehicles.

Introducing the Extended Tank 700: A New Challenger in Luxury SUVs

Recently, Great Wall Motor officially unveiled details about its latest creation, the Tank 700 Long-Wheelbase Edition. According to information released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), this imposing SUV measures an impressive 214.4 inches in length, boasting a wheelbase of 124.0 inches. This makes the LWB version a remarkable 13.4 inches longer than its standard five-seat counterpart, introducing a novel 2+2+2 seating configuration with individual captain's chairs in the middle row for enhanced passenger comfort.

The extended Tank 700 is engineered to compete directly with high-end luxury SUVs, specifically targeting the BYD Yangwang U8L, a dominant force in China's ultra-large luxury SUV category. While the Yangwang U8L is slightly shorter at 212.6 inches, it carries a heavier curb weight, ranging from 7,926 to 8,023 pounds. In contrast, the Tank 700 LWB weighs between 7,487 and 7,672 pounds, a difference that could influence ride dynamics and overall performance. However, one surprising aspect revealed by the MIIT filing is the Tank 700 LWB's braked towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms (approximately 5,512 pounds), which is less than the smaller Tank 500's 3,000 kilograms (around 6,614 pounds). This disparity might be a point of consideration for potential buyers with heavy towing needs.

The strategic release of the Tank 700 LWB comes at a crucial time, as the regular Tank 700 Hi4-T has seen a decline in domestic sales. With monthly deliveries dropping from 2,628 in May to 2,003 in July, the six-seat variant is seen as a pivotal move to revitalize demand and solidify GWM's position against the expanding influence of the Yangwang series. Consumers will have the choice between two powerful propulsion systems: a 2.0-liter Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid featuring a turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a 59-kilowatt-hour battery, and a robust twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The official combined output figures for the hybrid model are still pending, and its electric-only range, while estimated at 118 miles on the WLTC test, awaits certified confirmation for the Tank 700 LWB. Currently, GWM has not disclosed any global release plans for the Tank 700 LWB, indicating an initial focus on the Chinese domestic market.

The arrival of the Tank 700 LWB with its expanded seating and advanced powertrains represents an exciting development in the luxury SUV segment. While its towing capacity might not be class-leading, the overall package of size, comfort, and technological choices could indeed attract a new wave of customers. This move by GWM reflects a broader industry trend towards larger, more versatile family vehicles that don't compromise on luxury or performance. It will be fascinating to observe how this new contender reshapes the competitive landscape and sets new benchmarks for consumer expectations in the coming months.

See More

VW Mission Efficiency Concept: Record-Breaking EV with Unmatched Aerodynamics

Volkswagen introduces its groundbreaking Mission Efficiency concept, an electric vehicle that pushes the boundaries of aerodynamic design and energy conservation. This innovative model establishes three new benchmarks, signaling a significant leap forward in electric mobility.

Redefining Efficiency: Volkswagen's Aerodynamic Marvel

Unprecedented Aerodynamic Performance: A New Standard for Road-Legal Vehicles

The Volkswagen Mission Efficiency concept redefines automotive aerodynamics with an astonishing drag coefficient of just 0.158, setting a new world record for a street-legal car. This achievement is not merely a design feat but the result of meticulous engineering focused on minimal air resistance. With a compact frontal area of 2.08 square meters (22.4 square feet), the vehicle demonstrates an exceptionally low overall aerodynamic drag, highlighting VW's commitment to efficiency without relying on exotic power sources. Instead, the focus is on optimizing airflow, reducing weight, and minimizing energy loss.

Remarkable Energy Consumption: Long-Distance Travel on a Single Charge

The Mission Efficiency also establishes a new benchmark for energy consumption in its class. In controlled conditions, the vehicle achieved an impressive 6.48 kWh/100 km. More notably, during a demanding journey from Wolfsburg to Vienna, covering 1,278 kilometers (794 miles), the concept car consumed only 6.89 kWh/100 km (excluding charging losses). With a 54.9-kWh battery, the car completed this extensive trip with a substantial remaining range of 164 kilometers (102 miles), theoretically extending its total range to over 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) under similar circumstances. This impressive performance underscores the vehicle's long-distance capabilities and energy-saving design.

Practicality Meets Pioneering Design: A Record for Near-Production EVs

Beyond its record-breaking efficiency, the Mission Efficiency earned certification from Germany's Record Institute (RID) as the most efficient near-production, everyday-use four-seat electric vehicle. This recognition emphasizes its potential for practical application. Designed as a 2+2 coupe, the concept offers 481 liters (17 cubic feet) of luggage space, expandable by folding down the rear seats to create a load floor of 1.8 meters (5.9 feet). Additional storage compartments, including those beneath the rear seats and behind the wheel covers, further enhance its utility. The rear seats are suitable for passengers up to 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall, making it a viable option for small families.

Design Evolution: A Spiritual Successor to the XL1

The Mission Efficiency's distinctive design is a direct evolution of the iconic XL1, inheriting its low-slung, teardrop-shaped profile. Measuring 4,775 mm (188 inches) long, 1,744 mm (69 inches) wide, and just 1,392 mm (55 inches) tall, its dimensions are notably larger than the ID. Polo, despite sharing some components. The elongated body and tapered rear, a design element Volkswagen calls "boat tailing," are crucial for maintaining laminar airflow and reducing turbulence. Active cooling flaps at the front, offering five different configurations, ensure optimal thermal management while preserving aerodynamic integrity. When fully closed, these flaps contribute to the remarkable 0.158 drag coefficient.

Innovative Wheel and Underbody Aerodynamics: Maximizing Airflow Efficiency

Optimized wheel design plays a critical role in the Mission Efficiency's aerodynamic prowess. Special wheel deflectors prevent air from entering the wheel wells and causing drag, while the rear wheels are fully covered. The front wheel arches are sculpted to minimize turbulence around the tires, which are custom-designed Continental EcoContact 7 units that combine low rolling resistance with aerodynamically optimized sidewalls. Despite the advanced aerodynamics, Volkswagen opted for conventional exterior mirrors, citing insufficient efficiency gains from camera-based alternatives to justify their added cost and energy consumption. The vehicle's underside is almost entirely enclosed, and the rear axle has been narrowed by 170 mm (6.7 inches) compared to the ID. Polo to further refine airflow.

Powertrain and Battery Innovations: Leveraging Existing Technology for Future Efficiency

Underneath its advanced exterior, the Mission Efficiency utilizes the same APP290 permanent-magnet synchronous motor found in the ID. Polo. This motor delivers 135 hp and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque, paired with a single-speed gearbox, all while weighing only 75 kilograms (165 pounds). Power is supplied by a 54.9-kWh NMC battery, slightly larger in usable capacity than the production ID. Polo's battery due to a temporary software-based increase of 2.9 kWh for the record run. The production version intentionally reserves some energy to enhance long-term battery durability. The vehicle supports DC charging at up to 105 kW and AC charging at 11 kW. Additionally, photovoltaic panels integrated into the glass roof and rear hatch generate up to 370 watts, powering the vehicle's electrical systems and potentially adding up to 30 km (19 miles) of range per day under ideal conditions.

Interior Design Philosophy: Minimalism and Modularity for Weight Reduction

The interior of the Mission Efficiency reflects the same obsession with efficiency and weight reduction. Eschewing a traditional infotainment screen, the design incorporates a modular system where drivers can dock their Android or Apple smartphones or tablets, wirelessly connecting them to handle infotainment functions. This approach eliminates the need for permanently installed speakers, replaced by a portable Bluetooth unit to save weight. Lightweight seats, door panels, and recyclable components contribute to overall efficiency. The floor features a lightweight composite material with integrated rubber grips, negating the need for separate floor mats. This minimalist yet functional approach underscores Volkswagen's holistic commitment to maximizing efficiency in every aspect of the vehicle's design.

See More