Autoblog

Gordon Murray working on EV version of city car?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, UK, Electric

Gordon Murray's T25 city car looks pretty impressive on paper. It boasts higher cargo capacity and more seats (three) than a Smart Fortwo - and it promises to be built for maximum efficiency. According to Autocar, Gordon Murray says the T25 will be motivated by both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 660-cc Mitsubishi engine, but Murray is also reportedly working on an electric version of the still unseen city car.

The aim of the T27 would be to make the most efficient electric vehicle on earth, although details of the propulsion system are at this point nonexistent. The alleged EV city car has reportedly been made possible by a £4.5 million ($7.46 million USD) investment from the U.K.'s government-backed Technology Strategy board along with £3 million ($4.975 million) from Gordon Murray design and £1.5 million ($2.48 million) from Zytec Automotive Technology.

If Murray's plans for the T27 are anything like those of the T25, the successful F1 designer won't produce the vehicle himself, instead opting to sell the rights to build the car to third-party assemblers like Apple, Sony or Virgin. The aim of the 16-month T27 project is to build four prototypes and eventually develop a manufacturing facility that utilizes Murray's reportedly brilliant iStream manufacturing process.

[Source: Autocar]

Gordon Murray working on EV version of city car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray Design reveals modular seating of T.25

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback

Gordon Murray's iCentre - Click above to enlarge

Gordon Murray hopes his developing T.25 minicar will offer something unique to attract buyers away from cars like the Smart Fortwo and Toyota iQ. To that end, the diminutive machine will seat three occupants with the driver front-and-center behind a mid-mounted steering wheel in an arrangement Murray calls iCentre. Out back, two seats flank that single drivers perch, which puts the T.25 directly between the two-seat Smart Fortwo and four-seat (or, 3+1 as Toyota puts it) iQ. This is a similar arrangement to that of the iconic McLaren F1 that Murray also designed, and that's good company to be in.

There will be six different seating and cargo arrangements to choose from that can be configured in under 30 seconds. Despite seating one additional passenger than the Smart, the T.25 will reportedly offer more total interior volume - up to 750 liters in "Shopping Mode" without the rear passengers - and luggage carrying capacity than its main competitor. To access the vehicle, there will reportedly be two doors, one in the traditional hatchback location and another echoing the old BMW Isetta by opening on a hinge at the very front of the car.

There's no guarantee that Murray's innovative T.25 microcar will ever see the light of day. The designer has no intention of actually building the automobile himself - instead, Murray hopes to sell the rights to build the car using his equally impressive (or so we hear) iStream production method to a number of third-party assemblers, possibly even brands like Apple, Virgin or Sony. Click past the break for an official press release.

Continue reading Gordon Murray Design reveals modular seating of T.25

Gordon Murray Design reveals modular seating of T.25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Gordon Murray working on successor to McLaren F1

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Design/Style

McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

"There's no point in trying to outdo the F1, they'll never do it. The world has moved on..." That's what legendary designer Gordon Murray told CAR about the future of the supercar. We'd like to disagree, but you can't argue the subject of supercars with the father of the McLaren F1. Fortunately, he's willing to take another crack at it to show us how it's done.

Currently, Murrary is keeping busy revolutionizing the way we build cars with his iStream technology and his soon-to-be-released T25. His next project will be more performance-oriented, but rather than trying to outdo the McLaren F1, he'll be going for a high power-to-weight ratio by decreasing the latter, not increasing the former. The result promises to be "expensive and exclusive", but quite different from the P11 program on which his successors at McLaren are currently working - a program which Murray apparently doesn't give much of a chance. Better show 'em the way, Gordon.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM

[Source: CAR]

REPORT: Gordon Murray working on successor to McLaren F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, UK

McLaren F1 LM - click image above for high-res gallery

You know, we could have titled this one "Car Porn" and it would make as much sense. After the jump you'll find a few videos documenting the more than legendary McLaren F1's inaugural 1995 Le Mans effort. And while the car is without question beyond cool, you may not have actually lived until you watch Andy Wallace talk you through an entire qualifying lap of Le Mans, including Mulsanne's Corner. Which, as Andy explains, simply ain't what it used to be -- nowadays you take it at 180 mph, not 250 mph. And it gets better from there. Block out about forty minutes and just sit mouth agape and watch. Thank us later. Also -- Gordon Murray's hair totally rules. Four videos, after the jump.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM

[Source: Cold Track Days]

Continue reading VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection

VIDEO: McLaren at Le Mans: Pursuit of Perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's city car prototype is "weeks away"

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback

The T25, Gordon Murray's take on revolutionizing urban transport - and perhaps driving itself - the same way he did with supercars with his McLaren F1, is almost ready for center stage. Now that the design and engineering has been completed, T25 prototypes are expected on the roads in a few weeks for the next phase of testing.

The T25 is shorter, narrower, and lighter than even the smart fortwo, yet rumors say that it can carry more weight. Once the platform is proven, Murray plans for it to support a range of vehicle types, from a city car to a pickup truck. And Murray has applied his new thinking to the car's manufacturing as well: his iStream build process eschews large, stamped parts, focusing on "simple base mechanicals" that promote model flexibility and small factory sizes.

[Source: Autocar]

Gordon Murray's city car prototype is "weeks away" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Gordon Murray's microcar be named iStream?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, UK

Gordon Murray, the man primarily known for bringing us the McLaren F1 is current working on his 25th clean-sheet design, internally dubbed the T.25. While that's a perfectly acceptable codename for a project, it lacks the kind of catchy cache necessary when the city car hits dealers. So, it's with interest that we read about Murray's trademark requests for the names iStream, iFrame and iCentre in the automotive sector. It's purely speculation, but there's a good chance these monikers may be used on Murray's new microcar. GreenMotor thinks that the car will be called the iStream and that service centers could be iCentres. Sounds plausible enough to us, and we wonder if the innovative flat-packable chassis itself could be the iFrame. Regardless, we're a bit weary of all the iNamed products already on the market -- and Apple's proclivity towards trademark lawsuits -- but we'll happily overlook that fact if the machine turns out to be as innovative as it sounds.

[Source: GreenMotor]

Will Gordon Murray's microcar be named iStream? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's T25 could come to the U.S. in 2014

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green

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]

Gordon Murray's T25 could come to the U.S. in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught at anniversary celebration

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Green

Click above for more teaser shots of the T.25 concept

Gordon Murray may be best known for his radical supercars, especially the timeless McLaren F1, but his automotive passions span far enough to include vehicles that could be described as the F1's polar opposite. Evidence of such is the T.25 program, a novel city car concept that Murray and his design crew plan to sell to established automotive companies. Gordon Murray Design Limited, the company formed by the man for his day-to-day design aspirations, has just celebrated its first anniversary and some intriguing pictures were snapped at the party, most of all a covered-up T.25 sitting in between some classic city cars of the past and present. Looking extremely short, even when compared to the original Mini, and almost comically tall, the wheels appear to be pushed as far to the corners as possible. Click here to read a transcript from Murray's speech at the event where he compares driving cars that get 20 miles per gallon with smoking. Thanks for the tip, Andre!

Gallery: Gordon Murray T.25 teasers

[Source: Gordon Murray Design]

Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught at anniversary celebration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray planning new lightweight supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

It's no secret that Gordon Murray, the man behind the McLaren F1, has been working on a city car called the Type 25. It appears now, though, that the lure of the supercar is still strong with him. Autocar magazine discovered recently that Murray is considering a supercar to be built using the build processes he has in mind for the Type 25.

Like the F1, Murray wants a car that is "compact, lightweight, and powered by a high-output" engine. Unlike the F1, Murray wants that engine to be "small capacity," and a 6.1-liter V12 probably doesn't fit that bill.

It's hard to imagine the dinkiness that will be the Type 25 doing double duty as a supercar -- after all, we already have the Brabus Smart for that. But if you add up Gordon Murray; a small-capacity, high-output engine, a compact, lightweight; rigid body structure that will probably employ a fair bit of Caparo's carbon fiber expertise, what do you end up with? Not the McLaren F1... but an F1 car. For the street. And you really can't get enough of those, can you?

[Source: Autocar]

Gordon Murray planning new lightweight supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details: Gordon Murray's Type-25 city car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Green

If such projections as cutting the cost of driving and vehicle emissions in half sounds a bit radical to you, that's exactly the response that Gordon Murray is hoping for. Before completely dismissing these claims, remember that Murray is the man most responsible for the road-going supercar known as the McLaren F1, as well as quite a number of race winning Formula 1 cars from a few decades ago. Note too that Caparo, makers of the awe-inspiring T1 are also heavily involved in the project. Considering that the team is only halfway through the design process, we hope that they are able to follow through with their early projections.

Murray claims that his newest vehicle, designated the Type-25 (his 25th clean-sheet design), will revolutionize personal transportation by being cheap to produce, purchase and operate. Safety is not forgotten either, as the new vehicle is fully expected to pass all applicable crash testing. What's more, the new car is ~~IKEA ready~~ able to be flat-packed for ease of shipping. So far, details remain sketchy regarding who will produce the vehicle as Murray's company only intends to design the it. Caparo's excellence in carbon fiber design may prove valuable, though we have no indication that Caparo will be the company actually assembling the vehicles.

[Source: Autocar]

More details: Gordon Murray's Type-25 city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More on Gordon Murray Designs' Type 25

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green

We've been keeping close tabs on Gordon Murray and his namesake's design house since it was announced earlier this year. Beyond having Murray at the helm, he's accompanied by 13 other engineers (many of whom are McLaren ex-pats), and has gained backing from Caparo, Mohr Davidow Ventures and Jonathan Feiber, a former Sun Microsystems exec.

All that talent and capital is being funneled into one major endeavor: the Type 25, a city car that aims to be smarter than the fortwo by combining a diminutive footprint with a multitude of configurations both inside and out.

Although Murray has remained mum on the details regarding the engine and suspension, he's confirmed that a total of 14 different body configurations will be available, putting a premium on adaptability, light weight, handling and fuel consumption, along with having a minimal impact on the environment from "cradle-to-grave". Some of the configurations on the inside include seats that can accommodate a variety of positions, one example being a large seat for an adult, with two smaller seats for children.

The Type 25 won't reach production for at least another five years, but Murray and his team intend to have a working prototype ready within the next 18 months. The plan includes a larger model for U.S. consumption, as well as versions designed for emerging markets.

[Source: Autoweek]

More on Gordon Murray Designs' Type 25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray set to create a radical family car

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Technology

Over the past three decades, Gordon Murray has produced some of the most innovative and radical designs ever created in Formula One and on the road. From the Brabham BT46B "fan car" to the BT55 with a BMW four-cylinder laid flat on it's side, each car showed he was never afraid to try something completely different.

When Murray set his sights on road going machines he designed the Rocket for the Light Car Company and the legendary F1 for McLaren. The F1 in particular brought the supercar to a whole new level. Jumping an order of magnitude past the prevailing Ferarris and Lamborghinis, the three-seat F1 was the closest thing to a road going car that actually won the 24 hours of Le Mans in decades.

Now Murray wants to bring his unique vision to mainstream family sedans. His new Gordon Murray Design Limited, which officially launches on July 4, will develop a radical family car using a strong lightweight structure. Murray will apply his novel packaging ideas to create something that is safer and more efficient than the traditional cars we're used to, or so we're told. Though Murrary's ideas don't always work, they are rarely dull. We'll be waiting to see what he comes up with this time.

[Source: CAR]

Gordon Murray set to create a radical family car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caparo T1 update: 200 HP per liter, no more supercharger

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 May 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

The folks over at Car procured a few shots of the Caparo T1 undergoing testing and have gleaned some interesting information about Gordon Murray's newest masterpiece.

First off, the road-going F1 car is living up to its ethos by ditching the supercharger and coming to the party with a naturally aspirated V8 that makes 700 HP and revs all the way to 10,200 RPM. A shot of the engine bay, although a bit cramped, reveals a mechanical masterpiece, complete with polished intake trumpets that are making the hair on the back of our neck stand up on end.

Naturally, the performance equation doesn't just revolve around the mid-mounted engine. Aluminum honeycomb, carbon fiber and a six-speed sequential box, made up of magnesium, contribute to the T1's epic accomplishments. Zero-to-60 times are in the 2.5 second range, while braking from 100 MPH comes in at a scant 8.5 seconds, courtesy of 355mm steel discs at all four wheels.

Deliveries are still expected to begin this summer, at a cost of £217,500. But for those of you (and us) attending this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, you'll be able to see the T1 making the rounds during the show.

[Source: Car]

Caparo T1 update: 200 HP per liter, no more supercharger originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rocket's return: McLaren F1's forefather set to make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars

Gordon Murray has had his hands in a number of impressive projects over the years. Be it Formula one or the McLaren F1, if Murray is involved, you know it's going to light, balanced and fast.

One of Murray's more intriguing projects was the Rocket, a lightweight, road-going tribute to the open-wheeled racers of yesteryear. Originally equipped with a 143 HP Yamaha superbike engine, the Rocket was able to reach 60 MPH in a mere four seconds, primarily due to its minimalist design.

That was in the 90s. Now, Chris Craft, 24 Hours of Le Mans veteran and avid car collector, and his son Luke have decided to introduce a modern version of the Rocket, powered by a 1150cc Yamaha mill that makes up to 170 HP. Said engine will be nestled within the nuevo-retro body to create an 877-pound terror that might justify it's $100k price tag.

Only 10 Rockets will be produced each year, but with the new found popularity of lightweight track toys, we expect most to be spoken for as soon as the Craft's set up shop.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rocket's return: McLaren F1's forefather set to make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AC will live, with Smart underpinnings

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Europe

The U.K. sports car group Project Kimber has announced that they'll be bringing back the renowned AC mark, with production expected to begin in 2007. As if that's not exciting enough, they've brought in some of the most celebrated names in vehicle design. Most notably among them is Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, John Piper who was instrumental in the JCB DieselMax landspeed record-setter and Jaguar F-Type concept designer, Keith Helfet.

The featherweight two-seater is based off the last generation Smart roadster and will come in both coupe and convertible trims. An updated engine and gearbox will be mounted mid-ship, shoveling power to the rear wheels. 8,000 examples are expected to be produced each year, with a starting price rumored to be around £13,000.

Beyond those basics, details are scarce, but knowing what masters are manning the design team, we're confident that AC will be returned to its former glory.

AC will live, with Smart underpinnings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray joins Caparo team

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Supercars

When it comes to exotic automotive composites, you won't find a bigger name than Gordon Murray. Murray who led the design team that birthed the McLaren F1 and who was up to his elbows in the development of the McMerc, has made the move to Caparo, producers of the T1 supercar.

The move mainly centers on Caparo's development and marketing of lightweight materials to be used by automakers to reduce emissions and improve fuel mileage. If the Caparo team and Murray are at the forefront of that development, there is no doubt that the fiscal impact would be epic and the design element would be a revolution for passenger cars.

Murray's biggest ambition at this point isn't the development of another elite, physics-defying road rocket, but the pursuit of an affordable, highly efficient city car for the masses.

Here's to hoping that you too can buy a car designed by a legend.

[Source: World Car Fans, who also have photos of Murray and the T1]

Ex-McLaren F1 designer, Gordon Murray joins Caparo team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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