Gordon Murray's T25 could come to the U.S. in 2014
The microcar concept has been around for a long time, but Daimler kick-started its redevelopment with the original smart fortwo. Now, that model's success in the marketplace (if not financially) has prompted such big name players as Toyota and Volkswagen to step up to the plate with innovative new city cars of their own. Toyota's iQ is set to take on the fortwo in Europe any day now and will likely hit the States next year. The next player is coming from engineering icon Gordon Murray and his Design team in the form of the unique T25.Expected to measure in at just over 94-inches long (2.4-meters) and weigh just 1,200-pounds, this is one seriously small car. Many different body styles, primarily made of plastic, are expected to fit on the same basic chassis, including a mini-MPV, pickup truck and convertible. A small, three-cylinder engine is expected to deliver downright amazing fuel economy and low emissions. Murray currently expects the T25 to go on sale in Europe in 2012, with U.S. sales following in as little as two more years. Even if you care nothing of small city cars, you may want to mark that date. And Murray's next project will be an "everyday supercar" that will be sold at a very low price. We can't wait.
Gallery: Gordon Murray T.25 teasers
[Source: CAR]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Temple 9:36AM (10/31/2008)
Looking at the size comparison photo in the link, the T25 makes the ForTwo look huge, and makes the Golf look like a Suburban. I'm not sure how suited it will be for US roads, a 1,300lb T25 will be punted like a soccer ball if it got into a collision with a 5,000+lb SUV. I'm not sure Americans will feel comfortable driving in a car a size of a coffin in a sea of large vehicles and semis.
However, I think if this car is properly applied it could be a winner. Especially if they make it a cheap enough like the Tata Nano, and aim it at congested developing markets like India, China, South-East Asia, etc.
Clearly, T25 will need to be made by a major manufacturer. There is no way a small-company can meet volume and logistical requirements for selling a small car globally, not to mention servicing and point-of-sales.
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Alex 10:20AM (10/31/2008)
why not? think vespa..
zamafir 10:35AM (10/31/2008)
"Clearly, T25 will need to be made by a major manufacturer. There is no way a small-company can meet volume and logistical requirements for selling a small car globally, not to mention servicing and point-of-sales."
It might be worth reading a few of the interviews Murray's given on the subject before making assumptions like that ;).
Temple 12:00PM (10/31/2008)
>>why not? think vespa..
How many Vespas due you see driving around US roads? There's already the Smart, Toyota iQ, and possibly the upcoming VW super-mini, and Mitsubishi iCar etc that are going to be out before this car. I'm not sure there are many Americans that look at the Smart ForTwo and say, "Gee wizz, I wish that thing were a lot smaller".
>>"It might be worth reading a few of the interviews Murray's given on the subject before making assumptions like that ;)."
From what I remember Murray was trying to license out the design to a major manufacturer and have them produce it. I'm not sure if that has changed since.
Noah 10:44AM (10/31/2008)
I doubt that most intelligent owners of cars like these won't take it on the freeway much, meaning if they get in a crash with a Suburban, it will be at speeds below 40 mph. And as we've seen before, these cars survive just fine in a crash at 40 mph.
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Shawn 10:48AM (10/31/2008)
40 mph crash head on is only 20 mpg for each car. I guess school zone accidents do happen though.
Noah 2:24AM (11/01/2008)
Well, Shawn, assuming you are going 40, and the other person is going 40, its like a total of 80 mph crash. But these cars are well engineered to handle that too. The car will be totaled, but you will walk out with just scratches and bruises.
Jake 12:38PM (10/31/2008)
I look forward to seeing the beer-cart-chick in one down at the golf course.
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