Shell Project M

Gordon Murray, designer of some of the best F1 cars together with engine experts Geo Technology and Shell scientists have cooperated to create an ultra-light prototype of a city car that uses a third less energy in its lifetime than a typical city car.  The team worked closely together to co-engineer the car’s body, engine and lubricants to minimize fuel use and CO2 emissions. The car uses significantly less energy from its manufacture to the end of its life.

“You could build this car and drive it for around 100,000 kilometres before consuming the same energy it takes to make a typical SUV,” says engineer Bob Mainwaring, Shell’s Technology Manager for Innovation, who is leading the project.

The car’s body is made with recycled carbon fiber to help reduce its overall weight to 550 kilograms.  To help reduce air friction the wing mirrors have been replaced with tiny digital cameras that relay the view of the road behind through screens inside.  The car has a top speed of about 68mph (110 km/h) – more than enough for a day trip away from the city – but performs best at 31-44mph (50-70km/h)

iStream Technology
Shell Project M