Shell has announced that it plans to help engineer a compact city car in collaboration with car designer Professor Gordon Murray and engine specialist Osamu Goto. Going under the working title of Project M, the car is an evolution of the concept designed by Murray in 2010 called the T.25.
However Shell has said that it isn't going to become a car manufacturer or put this car into production. It plans to develop the concept on from the initial design that Murray penned in 2010 in order to see how all parties can work more closely to create a better harmony of technical relationships.
The car features a compact design that includes a front cockpit section that opens forward to allow access. It focuses on using lightweight construction and an engine that uses as little energy as possible, which is where the opportunity for Shell to become involved arose. In 2011, the T.25 car evolved into an all-electric version called the T.27 but Murray was unable to secure a sufficient partner to move the car into production. Now, alongside Shell, a version powered by an efficient internal combustion is due to be made and tested on the road.
"Since working with the Gordon Murray Design team on the T.25 car in 2010, we have given further thought on how to deliver a complete rethink of the car, using as little energy as possible. We believe this Shell car will demonstrate how efficient a car can be when Shell works in harmony with vehicle and engine makers during design and build, supplying fuels and lubricants technical expertise. Shell is excited to be working with such top calibre partners and invite others to join us for the remaining part of this exciting journey", said Selda Gunsel, Shell's Vice President Lubricants Technology.
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Professor Gordon Murray is better known for designing the McLaren F1, one of the greatest high performance cars ever created. He also has a long history of working alongside Shell; the company actually sponsored the first car and engine built by Murray in his native South Africa when he was just 19. During his career in Formula One, Murray again collaborated with Shell, and also with Osamu Goto, during the 1988 season with the McLaren Grand prix team.