Gordon Murray is a mechanical-engineering genius and one of the world’s most distinguished automotive designers. He spent 35 years in the cutting edge sport of Formula One and he is no stranger to road cars having created, amongst others, the avant-garde Rocket as well as the supreme McLaren F1. Hence, when a man of this calibre decides to create a revolutionary small car, Bespoke takes notice.
The diminutive vehicle was given the internal code of Type 25 as it is the 25th Murray design. But being the first Murray creation since he went it alone back in July 2007, it is perhaps the most important design he has ever penned. Measuring roughly the same size as a Smart ForTwo, we should start spotting prototypes testing anytime soon. But be warned, it has been said that the Type 25 bears no resemblance to a normal motorcar at all.
Details pertaining to the engine, suspension and steering are being kept top secret until nearer the date of production in 2012. But what we do know is that unlike Hybrids that are mere stopgaps until fresher ideas emerge, the Type 25 addresses the fundamental issues of today. Four key ingredients have already been leaked. First of all it will be small. This will help solve the congestion and parking problems of modern cities. Second of all it will have a very low parts count making for a faster assembly and 75 per cent less operating costs. Third of all it will be ultra-lightweight therein improving efficiencies. Lastly it will have an incredibly low environmental impact whether during the manufacturing process, out on the run, or even during the vehicle disposal stage.
Murray released a statement saying, “My passion is packaging, if you want to make something that takes a step forward or helps people with congestion and the environment, it’s all about packaging. What we’re selling is a whole new vehicle architecture. We’re going to prove that you can significantly reduce emissions over the whole life cycle of the vehicle, but nonetheless have fun driving it and still feel safe.”
Probably the most significant factor in obtaining deposits for this vehicle is the economy and in this regard it has no competition. The car will cost 10,000 USD but if you include the tax, fuel and parking incentives already associated with the car it is expected that within four years the savings will pay off the purchase cost. On that note Murray joked that, “The car is free after four years, and if that’s not an incentive I don’t know what else to do. I’ll go back to racing!”
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