Gordon Murray, chief design engineer behind the McLaren F1 and several championship-winning Formula 1 cars, has revealed his microcar. The T25 is a demonstration for a new-car construction method. He says his new method can take 25 percent out of a car's weight, whether applied to a sedan, sports car, or minivan of any given seating capacity, without compromising safety.T25, CLOSE UP
It's unbelievably small, far smaller than a smart fortwo, at 94 inches long and 51 inches wide.
It weighs less than 1300 pounds.
It seats three adults, thanks to its McLaren F1 seating layout, with the two rear passengers' legs beside the driver.
The two rear seats fold for cargo or luggage space.
The engine is a Mitsubishi 660cc I-3 making 51 horsepower that's coupled to a five-speed automated manual.
It does 0-60 mph in about 15 seconds, tops out at 100 mph.
It has unassisted steering and a new type of independent, anti-pitch suspension. (Murray insists on driving fun: He used to test his F1 cars, even the 1500-horse turbos.)
It's extremely simple, with a very low parts count.