Autoblog

Gordon Murray releases more details about electric Teewave AR1

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST

Gordon Murray Designs' latest creation, the Teewave AR1, not only showcases the firm's engineering capabilities, but also illustrates the point where integrity, lightweighting and electric drive meet.

On the day Project T.32 (the Teewave AR1's codename) was primed for its Tokyo debut, the automotive world came to know a firm by the name of Toray Industries - one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon fiber. Looking around the AR1 reveals plenty of exposed carbon fiber, a visual link with the vehicle's carbon fiber monocoque structure.

Everything - most everything, anyway - was done in-house, including crash testing. The AR1 was digitally designed, with no full-sized clays, says Frank Coppuck, the T.32's engineering director.

A swiped Mitsubishi i-MiEV powertrain sits between the AR1's rear axle and passenger compartment. And although the AR1 only packs a featherweight 63 horsepower and 133 pound-feet torque, its low 1,852-pound curb weight, track-honed double wishbone suspension, ultra quick steering and powerful brakes means it should be an engaging package.

"We could squeeze a lot more out of the engine," says Coppuck, but as it is, the T.32 tops out at 100 miles per hour, has a listed range of 100 miles and recharges in around eight hours. We like what we hear, and think that the Teewave AR1 - screwy name aside - is one spectacular electric machine.

Continue reading Gordon Murray releases more details about electric Teewave AR1

Gordon Murray releases more details about electric Teewave AR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray and Toray unveil electric T-Wave AR1 concept

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Japan, Misc. Auto Shows, Electric

Toray Industries, a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan that specializes in industrial fibers and textiles, has teamed with world-renowned designer Gordon Murray to dream up the T-Wave AR1, a two-seat electric concept that showcases Toray's carbon fiber expertise.

Toray says the T-Wave AR1 can hit speeds of up to 91 miles per hour and has a range of around 115 miles. Although it's nothing more than a concept, Toray claims the T-Wave could be modified for on-road use.

The T-Wave's extensive use of carbon fiber keeps weight to a minimum (1,865 pounds), and its carbon fiber monocoque makes it Superman strong. Toray says the AR1's frame is roughly ten times as rugged as a steel equivalent and that it can absorb 2.5 times more energy during a collision. The T-Wave will get an official debut at the Toray Advanced Materials Symposium at the Tokyo International Forum on September 14.

Gordon Murray and Toray unveil electric T-Wave AR1 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray signs on to advise Lotus

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus

More than anything else, Lotus has (historically at least) been about two things: it's serious about lightweight construction (following its founder Colin Chapman's ethos of "adding lightness") and it's quintessentially British. And you could say the same about Gordon Murray.

The celebrated designer and engineer behind countless Formula One race cars, the McLaren F1 supercar and, most recently, the T.25/T.27 city car project is now joining forces with Lotus. In an advisory capacity, anyway.

Lotus has announced Murray as the latest addition to its Advisory Council, a board that already includes such names as Bob Lutz, former BMW NA chief Tom Purves, former BMW designer Burkhard Göschel and Volkswagen engineer Frank Tuch.

The appointment shouldn't interfere with Murray's independent design outfit, but brings him full circle to when he first started out in F1 and hoped, above all, to join the Lotus team before being hired by Bernie Ecclestone to work at Brabham instead. Official announcement after the jump.

Continue reading Gordon Murray signs on to advise Lotus

Gordon Murray signs on to advise Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities, Specialty

Gordon Murray can design a Batmobile, but he can't teach the Dark Knight how to drive it. Murray's latest automobile was created for the new Batman Live show, a stage production that tells the story of how Batman and Robin came to team up. Murray's take on Bruce Wayne's iconic ride plays a major role... during an early live rehearsal, that role included crashing into a Bank of Gotham set piece.

There were no reports of any injuries, and a stand-by Batmobile was ready to fill in. Batman Live will make its way stateside later this year. In the meantime, at least one Batmobile is currently undergoing repairs in the Bat Cave.

Click past the break to see some video of Murray's Batmobile being unveiled.

Continue reading Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video]

Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:13:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Celebrities

Gordon Murray's Batmobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the annals of Batmobile history, we're not sure where to peg this latest version. The good: It's dark, it's carbon fiber and it spits flames from a carbon-ceramic afterburner. The bad: It's just really freaking dull. But because it's been designed by Gordon Murray of McLaren F1 fame (not to mention the strange-but-somehow-cool T.27 city car), we want to love it. But can't.

Unlike the jet-engined powered Batmobiles of yore, Murray's design is an odd attempt at the Dark Knight going green, with a hydrogen fuel cell and a brace of lithium-ion batteries. The carbon fiber body supposedly "breathes" and the "virtual wheels" are ringed in LEDs. How either of those features help the caped crusader fight crime is beyond us, but then again, so is the idea of the Batman Live World Arena Tour it's been built for.

You can check out Murray's original sketch in the gallery below and watch a duo of videos after the jump. We're going to weep quietly as yet another childhood dream vehicles succumbs to the PC overlords.

Continue reading Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video]

Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi horsepower

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Dodge, GM, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk rejoins Sam, Alex and Dan for Episode #184 of the Autoblog Podcast. Topics we mull are Tesla's actual IPO and General Motors' apparently impending public offering. Gordon Murray's T.25 city car makes the cut before we do a 180 and talk about the possibility of a 480-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 and a manlier minivan. It ends with your feedback, a tidy hour and ten minutes. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi Horsepower

In the Autoblog Garage:

Infiniti G37x Coupe
Honda CR-Z
Nissan Altima V6

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Alex Nunez, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 71:22

Get the podcast:
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Feedback:
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Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #184 - IPOs, Manly Minivans, City Cars and Hemi horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Gordon Murray's T.25 city car revealed

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, UK, Design/Style

Gordon Murray Design T.25 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After hinting at doing so for a couple of years, Gordon Murray has finally revealing his new T.25 city car at an event at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment in Oxford, England. The 1,212-pound car is just over four feet wide, less than eight feet long and seats three adults in a 1+2 layout. Like Murray's McLaren F1, the driver sits front and center and the passengers sit behind on either side.

The whole front section of the body is hinged at the front and flips forward for access in a manner not dissimilar to BMW's Isetta microcar of the mid-Fifties. Power comes from a 51 horsepower, in-line three-cylinder engine mounted in the back to propel the T.25 to 62 mph in 16.2 seconds while achieving 61.9 miles per gallon. The diminutive size allows it to turn in just 19.7 feet and park perpendicular to the curb and the design's hinged cockpit and narrow width allow three T.25s to be parked in a single parallel parking space.

Gallery: Gordon Murray Design T.25

[Source: Gordon Murray Design]

Continue reading Officially Official: Gordon Murray's T.25 city car revealed

Officially Official: Gordon Murray's T.25 city car revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray's forthcoming electric T.27 city car in detail

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, UK, Design/Style, Electric

Gordon Murray T.27 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gordon Murray has long been considered one of the most innovative engineers and designers in the automotive world. The latest project from the mind that created the McLaren F1 supercar is the new T.27 electric city car. The T.27 is the battery powered variant of the T.25, a model that will debut shortly with a gas engine. Both models use the same basic architecture, and like the seminal supercar, they feature a three seat layout. That's largely where the similarities end, however.

Murray's firm is collaborating on the T.27 project with Zytek Automotive, a UK-based engineering consultancy with vast experience in electric and hybrid powertrains. The 7.9-foot long car has a 12 kilowatt-hour battery pack mounted under the seats and a 25 kilowatt electric motor driving the rear wheels. Zytek has managed to package the motor, single-speed transmission and power electronics into one tidy little unit. The system is claimed to give the car a range of 80-100 miles and with the current UK electricity generation mix (mostly coal) the CO2 emissions are a combined 48 grams / kilometer.

The T.27 is claimed to have a turning circle of just 19.7 feet and with its width of 4.3 feet, three of them can fit into a single parking space perpendicular to the curb. The program started in November of 2009 and the first running prototype is due to be completed in April 2011. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Gordon Murray T.27 electric car

[Source: Gordon Murray Designs]

Continue reading Gordon Murray's forthcoming electric T.27 city car in detail

Gordon Murray's forthcoming electric T.27 city car in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot: Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught

Dan Roth — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, UK

Whenever Gordon Murray is attached to a project, the hope is that some of the brilliance underscored Brabham racing cars and the McLaren F1 will rub off on his latest effort. A peek at the seating arrangement in the T25 city car does start us reminiscing about the 1990s supercar that many still regard as the pinnacle of the art. The driver sits front-and-center, with passenger seats set back on either side, just as they did with Murray's seminal supercar.

UK publication Autocar has snagged a photo of the T25 as it headed out on double-secret road tests in England. The image shows the car looking like a contraption assembled around living room furniture, like all microcars tend to do. There's but one door, which swings up and away, and a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine is mounted out back.

The difference between the T25 and competitors like the Smart ForTwo and Toyota iQ is that Murray's influence promises a vehicle that will be pleasing for enthusiasts to drive, regardless of the footprint. We'll see for ourselves once the iStream manufacturing process - said to drastically reduce the costs, space, and energy requirements of typical auto manufacturing efforts - swings into action and T25s start to become available.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shot: Gordon Murray's T25 city car caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Murray shares his thoughts on the McLaren MP4-12C

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gordon Murray is perhaps the most innovative automotive engineer of the last several decades. He's never been afraid to try out offbeat ideas and more often then not, they've worked exceptionally well. Long before the Ariel Atom, Murray created the Rocket, built by the Light Car Company.

Murray's greatest creation, of course, was the McLaren F1. As with the Rocket and the T25 city car that he's currently working on, low mass was (and continues to be) a defining principle.

Following the official launch of McLaren Automotive and the MP4-12C a few days ago, Murray discussed the new car with AutoExpress. He's glad to see that in spite of recent trends toward heavier cars, McLaren was able to keep mass comparatively low on its new car. The MP4-12C is several hundred pounds heavier than the legendary F1, but it also contains a lot of safety equipment that wasn't in use when the earlier car was built.

Murray is also happy to see that McLaren employed some of the concepts that he worked on before he left the company, such as the carbon-fiber monocoque that was planned for a follow-up to the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

[Source: AutoExpress]

Gordon Murray shares his thoughts on the McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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