Gordon Murray's T27 EV

[NeilBlanchard]

They keep a a fairly tight lid on this car (and the petrol powered T25):

Murray T27 nears production - Autocar.co.uk





The second picture just sank in -- the entire upper front of the car opens up...

[Peter7307]

Neil,
An interesting concept.
I wonder how closely the production vehicle will follow the one pictured?
A lift up front might have problems with legislation and may even face some "consumer resistance" as they say in the marketing blurb.
In the middle of a downpour who is going to want to open the entire vehicle to a torrent of water?
Still with Gordon Murray doing the design work the pedigree of the credibility is unquestioned for sure.

Peter.

[RobertSmalls]

I clicked on this thread hoping to find an electric T77:


Hmm, the front door on the T27 reminds me of an Isetta. And what's with those un-aero three lug wheels?

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's another picture:

T.27 | Image | Auto Express

And more details are now available:
Gordon Murray's forthcoming electric T.27 city car in detail — Autoblog Green

[NeilBlanchard]

An update on the T.27 -- it does very well in crash testing:


(click on image for link)



Having the driver in the center helps -- in an offset crash, the driver is better protected. In a full on crash, it is the same as in a conventionally located driving position. That is one of the reasons I put the driver in the center of my open source design, called CarBEN EV:

http://neilblanchard.blogspot.com/20...ct-part-3.html

Also, in a 1 car crash, having lower weight is better; all else being equal. So, the crumple zone is proportional to the weight.

[botsapper]

I really appreciate Murray's engineering insights, our Colin Chapman. He brings 'lightness' back to our contemporary awareness. The T.27 is a masterful project in packaging, fitting engine, drivetrain & passengers in the the smallest envelope.
My first impression though with the egress/ingress choice automatically brings up the BMW Isetta. It also has a front-hinged cabin 'door. I'm sure the T.27 crash photos proves the safety cage/structure could withstand expected collisions. But like the Iso, a front hinge cabin 'door' in any collision will deform and will make it difficult to open and rescue occupants. Knowing his prowess, maybe he has engineered that eventuality too.

[Rokeby]

Interesting car. Kind of a width-wise "fat boy" version of the Tango

Anybody seen any pictures of the interior, especially behind the driver's seat?
I'd be interested in seeing how passenger ingress/egress is handled.

Does the rear half of the car open clamshell fashion too?
If the two squarish openings in the doors in the first crash photo are for
two sets of door handles/mechanism, it would suggest so.

All I can find is these terse words, from a T25 review:

... The interior of the car also has the feasibility of providing better rear
passenger leg room in case we opt for the single seater option with retrofit
bolt-in rear seats.

The car has a unique door opening mechanism and traverse path. This
permits for passengers of the car to alight even with the car parked at close
proximity to other objects. Access to the car therefore is very easy for
passengers and driver even if the car is car is parked two at a time in the
garage... From: Gordon Murray

[NeilBlanchard]

My guess is that only the front part opens?

[BHarvey]

Can you believe that that monstrosity comes from the same man who brought you the McLaren F1????

[NeilBlanchard]

I admit, it's got some clunky details, but any design this tight and compact has to be appreciated. The headlights in particular are quite awkward, but the overall design is quite elegant, I think.