Renowned automotive designer Prof. Gordon Murray discusses the design process of their latest model, the T.33 Spyder, highlighting the unique features like a 615HP V12 that redlines at 10,250RPM. They talk about the inspiration behind the design, the windshield design, why the car doesn't need side intakes, and Gordon's guilty pleasure car. Additionally, they discuss his collection of something unexpected and his dislikes in supercar design.
The T.33 Spyder supercar focuses on structural rigidity and driving perfection in its design philosophy.
Classic color combinations and balanced aesthetics appeal to new supercar enthusiasts.
Personal car collection includes vintage models for enjoyment and daily driving satisfaction.
Technical considerations in car design prioritize structural integrity and safety over weight reduction.
Innovative aluminum chassis and technical advancements define the enduring appeal of Corvettes.
Driving perfection and customer satisfaction are achieved through thoughtful engineering and design principles.
Deep dives
Challenges of Setting Up Formula One Tracks
Difficult Formula One tracks like Monaco pose challenges due to their unique setups, requiring a balance between mechanical grip and downforce. The speaker highlights the dilemma faced in configuring cars for specific track sections, such as hairpin bends and flat-out chicanes.
Gordon Murray's Approach to Car Design
Gordon Murray discusses the design philosophy behind the T33 Spider supercar, emphasizing the importance of structural rigidity and driving perfection. The car's meticulous design process focuses on ergonomics, aerodynamics, and manufacturability, with an emphasis on clean, classic proportions for enduring appeal.
Gordon Murray's Design Choices for the T33 Spider
Gordon Murray explains the thought process behind specific design elements of the T33 Spider, including the innovative luggage compartments and aerodynamic considerations. He addresses details such as the steering wheel design, the choice of material for wheels, and the deliberate exclusion of touch screens and column stalks for a simpler, more engaging driving experience.
Customer Experience and Design Influence
Gordon Murray reflects on the influence of customer preferences and classic car design on modern supercars. He highlights the appeal of classic color combinations, restrained design choices, and balanced aesthetics that resonate with a new generation of supercar enthusiasts. The conversation also touches on the evolution of car design and the enduring charm of vintage vehicles.
Personal Favorites and Driving Experiences
Gordon Murray shares personal favorites in his car collection, including a vintage Austin-Healey Sprite for spirited oversteering enjoyment and daily driving satisfaction with the Alpine A110. These choices reflect his appreciation for classic design, driving dynamics, and the pure joy of driving slow cars fast.
Technical Considerations and Safety in Car Design
The discussion explores technical considerations in car design, such as unsprung mass reduction using carbon fiber wheels and the trade-offs in safety. Gordon Murray highlights the importance of structural integrity in car design, opting for forged wheels over carbon fiber due to safety concerns and the potential failure modes of different materials.
Classic Cars and Influential Designs
Gordon Murray reminisces about classic car designs that have influenced his work, particularly the timeless appeal of 1950s Thunderbirds and the enduring popularity of Corvettes. He appreciates the value and technical innovations in classic cars, which continue to inspire modern supercar designs.
Gordon Murray's Perspective on Corvette Design
Gordon Murray discusses his admiration for Corvette design over the decades, highlighting the innovative aluminum chassis and technical advancements in the vehicle's evolution. He acknowledges the value and performance of Corvettes throughout history and their enduring appeal among sports car enthusiasts.
Driving Experience and Vehicle Satisfaction
Gordon Murray reflects on the driving experience offered by classic car models, emphasizing emotional connections and personal preferences in vehicle choices. He shares insights into the design principles that shape his vehicles, aiming to deliver driving perfection and customer satisfaction through thoughtful engineering and design.
Gordon Murray's Collection Theme
Gordon Murray's car collection features predominantly lightweight sports cars, with 38 of them weighing under 900 kilos. This unique theme sets his collection apart and reflects his preference for lightweight, performance-focused vehicles.
Challenges in Formula 1 Car Design
In the 70s, Formula 1 saw the emergence of poorly designed cars due to the misconception that anyone could create a competitive car with off-the-shelf components. Newcomers entering Formula 1 produced terrifying cars that posed significant risks to drivers. Gordon Murray emphasized the critical need for proper car design, highlighting the importance of expertise and innovation in creating successful racing vehicles.
Gordon Murray designed the McLaren F1 as well as a number of successful Formula 1 cars. Today he is the head of Gordon Murray Automotive which builds supercars of a very special caliber. Light. Focused. Naturally-aspirated. Manual gearbox. Many RPMs.
Today we're talking about their most recently debuted model, the T.33 Spyder, a breezy piece of carbon beauty powered by a 615HP V12 that redlines at 10,250RPM. We talk about the design process; what inspired the shape; why the windshield is different from every other supercar; why the car doesn't need side intakes; Gordon's dislike of buttresses; his guilty pleasure car; the type of car he's NEVER owned; and something he collects that you wouldn't expect.
Recorded April 18, 2023
With playoffs spots dwindling, and a chance to witness “The Big One” at Talladega, make sure you grab some friends, find a comfortable spot on the couch and check this race out. Tune into the GEICO 500 on Sunday, April 23rd at 3:00 PM Eastern on FOX.
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Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST.
Watch our car reviews: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
Tweet at us!
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