Skip advert
Advertisement

New Shell concept car reworks Gordon Murray's T25 urban vehicle

Shell Project M unveils a "total rethink" of the original 2010 T25 concept penned by former McLaren designer Gordon Murray

Shell has released details of its new 'energy efficient concept car', originally designed by Gordon Murray. The three-seater city car is capable of 107mpg thanks to a 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine.

It is a heavily adapted version of the T25, created by Shell working in partnership with Murray's design under the Shell Project M banner. Efforts have been made to improve the car's efficiency and the new version debuts a bespoke engine lubricant as well as a distinctive livery in the Shell brand colours. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Project M: inside story of the Shell/Gordon Murray concept car

The Shell Concept Car weighs a mere 550kg (80kg less than the T25), and is built using a recycled carbon-fibre composite body and a tubular frame. The firm's updates over Gordon Murray's patented 'iStream' design include improved aerodynamics, too. 

The petrol engine has also been redesigned internally for less friction and greater efficiency, helped by a new formula of lubricant. The prototype Shell 'Helix' Ultra low viscosity oil works with a bespoke transmission fluid to deliver a 5% economy improvement on its own. Combined with the affects of the car's reduced weight and aero tweaks, this gives a total boost to efficiency of 8%, meaning a 107mpg figure at a steady 45mph. 

Dr. Andrew Hepher, Vice President of Shell's lubricant research team, made no claims about intent for production right now. Instead, he claims the purpose is to "accelerate the conversation about how we make road vehicles more energy efficient and less carbon-intensive". 

What do you think of the Shell concept car? Let us know in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025