Partners Unveil Super-Efficient City Car Concept

Shell Oil Co. says it new piston-powered concept city car would require 34% less energy to build and operate over its lifecycle than a typical city car in the U.K.

The three-seater is an updated version of the 2010 T.25 concept car developed by U.K.-based Gordon Murray Design Ltd.  GMD teamed up with Shell and Switzerland’s Geo Technology SA on the new model.

As part of a holistic development process, the companies created the vehicle's body, engine and lubricants as an integrated system with a focus on material selection, downsizing, aerodynamics and reduced friction.

The concept is built around GMD’s patented iStream platform, which features a tubular frame and composite monocoque architecture, and weighs about 1,200 lbs. Several components were created using 3-D printing.

The car uses recycled carbon fiber for its body, which the partners say can be assembled for one-quarter the price of a conventional steel car. Almost the entire vehicle can be recycled at the end of its life.

Geo Technology optimized the runabout's 0.66-liter three cylinder engine by redesigning many of the components to reduce friction. Shell provided all fluids for the vehicle, including a customized motor oil.

During independent tests, the vehicle achieved 89 mpg at a steady speed of 45 mpg. Carbon dioxide emissions were 28% less than current European city cars, according to the partners.