gordon murray: race car designer makes a greener ride

image via pneumatic addict

gordon murray is a legend when it comes to race-cars. he has designed championship-winning formula 1 cars, as well as the mclaren F1 (one of the fastest cars ever made) and the mercedes SLR mclaren. all of which were built for speed, not based on their fuel economy. now murray is driving down a greener road. his latest design is an environmentally friendly, compact commuter car – the T.25.

the T.25 compact size will allow two T.25’s to travel in one UK motorway lane, reducing congestion, while three of the cars will be able to easily fit into 1 standard UK parallel parking space, dealing with the much needed issue of urban parking, as it is half the size of the average car.

its overall power-to-weight ratio is better than the average 2 litre luxury saloon, reversing the trend towards larger, heavier, more powerful cars. the three-seater is made of flyweight composite materials and is smaller than a smart car, but has more interior room and gets in 80 miles to the gallon.

the T.25’s design is a total re-consideration of high volume materials and manufacturing processes, its production will reduce CO2 emissions over the life cycle of the car from ‘cradle to grave’. materials selected will be made from recycled parts where possible. the compact size will reduce any energy used in raw material extraction and manufacture. its size will also reduce the site needed for final assembly and manufacture, decreasing the energy used during tooling and fixture production.

for murray, the difference between designing a race-car and a compact electric vehicle is similar: ‘it’s all about designing cars that are lightweight, which makes them highly efficient as well. the major difference between the two types of cars, however, is cost. creating a lightweight, highly efficient car that is also affordable – not to mention cool and fun – is the most challenging thing i’ve ever done.‘ – GM

image courtesy of gordon murray

murray has also started work on a 14.9 million USD project – partially funded by the british government – to develop four prototypes of an electric car to be named T.27, by february 2011. the cars are set to be 27% more efficient than any other electric vehicles, but still be able to maintain a top speed of 60 m.p.h. in partnership with battery manufacturer, zytek automotive, murray is also developing an electric drivetrain geared to small urban cars, and is collaborating with michelin to devise an EV-friendly tire that reduces friction.

three T.25s will be able to park in one standard UK parallele parking space image courtesy of gordon murray