T.27 City Car Is Perfectly Safe, Crash Tests Revealed

The first crash test of a vehicle built with Gordon Murray Design’s iStream manufacturing technology was carried out at MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association) on a T.27 Electric City Car. The vehicle managed to escape from the mandatory EEC 40% offset deformable barrier front high speed impact with zero cabin intrusion.

The iStream composite monocoque brings Formula One technology to mass production vehicles with significantly higher specific energy absorption rates compared to conventional bodied cars.

“This crash test represents a major milestone in vehicle safety and in the history of Gordon Murray Design. It clearly demonstrates that cars built using iStream technology can achieve low weight, cost and significant reductions in energy usage during manufacturing without compromising safety,” stated Frank Coppuck, Gordon Murray Design’s Engineering Director.

The development of the T.27 has been made possible through a £4.5m investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. With a total cost of £9m, the consortium will develop running prototypes of the vehicle by this spring.

The T.27 concept is an MPV that offers up to six different interior layouts. The EV will use a 25 KW (34 hp) electric motor and a 12 kWh Li-ion battery. The car’s body measures 2.5m (94.4 inch) in length, 1.3m (51.2 inch) in width and 1,6m (63 inch) in height, offering a 1.78m (70 inch) wheelbase and tipping the scales at 680 kg / 1.500 lbs (including the battery).

The car will reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 15 seconds, with the top speed point arriving 3 mph (5 km/h) later on. At the same time, the vehicle will offer a driving range between 80 and 100 miles per charge.