The Cosworth V12 of the T.50’s Niki Lauda, which still rotates to 12,100 rpm, is equipped with revised cylinder heads and camshafts, plus a higher pressure ratio of 15: 1. GMA says weight-saving measures extend to the intake, exhaust and control systems, as well as the engine itself. All valves are made of titanium, and there is no variable valve timing, as this car is always in full attack mode.
A simpler induction system has 12 gas valve housings on top of the engine, which are fed directly through the air conditioning cabinet. The exhaust system has no catalytic converters, has thinner Inconel walls, and with only limited rail noise limits, it can benefit from smaller dampers.
The result is a specific output of 178 horsepower per liter for a total of 701 horsepower at 11,500 rpm, and a torque of 357 pounds at 9,000 rpm. With the even larger RAM induction air box on the roof, the maximum output can reach 725 horsepower. GMA further says that “throughout the tour series it promises to be one of the best and most distinctive-sounding cars ever made.”
Finally, GMA’s custom-made Xtrac IGS (Instantaneous Gearshift) electronically-powered, six-speed paddle-shift gearbox is 11 pounds lighter than the car’s manual transmission.