Gordon Murray Group (GMG) recently announced the launch of a groundbreaking consortium project known as ‘Project M-LightEn’ (Monocoque architecture – Lightweight and Low Energy). This project aims to develop ultra-lightweight and environmentally friendly vehicle structures, with a goal of creating a new vehicle monocoque architecture that is 25% lighter and 50% less carbon-intensive over the next three years.
Supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the project brings together key partners including Carbon ThreeSixty, Constellium, and Brunel University of London. The collaboration is expected to generate 160 new jobs and contribute around £150 million in economic activity across the UK.
GMG will lead the consortium in researching, designing, building, and validating a series of digital and physical monocoque prototypes. These prototypes will pave the way for the industrialization of new monocoque structures that could be integrated into a range of future vehicles.
One of the main objectives of the project is to enhance vehicle performance by reducing weight, potentially allowing Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) vehicles to achieve the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint of a supercar. By utilizing the latest materials, technologies, and processes, GMG aims to produce driver-focused supercars with a reduced environmental impact.
The consortium plans to leverage AI to fine-tune designs, develop new materials and manufacturing processes, and target a one-third reduction in vehicle lifecycle CO2 emissions. Constellium and Brunel will provide ultra-high-strength extrusions made from 80% recycled UK consumer scrap aluminum, while Carbon ThreeSixty will focus on producing lightweight carbon fiber composite components with near-zero waste.
The initial phase of the project is already underway, focusing on new materials and joining techniques. The consortium anticipates that M-LightEn developments will be available for low-volume production by late 2027, with broader applications in the mainstream automotive industry to follow.
Professor Geoff Scamans from Brunel University of London highlighted the significance of the project in utilizing high-strength extrusion aluminum alloy technology developed in previous programs. The M-LightEn project will utilize the latest aluminum extrusion alloys formulated from recycled end-of-life aluminum, using innovative thermomechanical processing techniques developed in previous research programs.
Overall, Project M-LightEn represents a significant step towards creating sustainable and lightweight vehicle structures that will not only benefit Gordon Murray Automotive but also contribute to decarbonization efforts in the wider automotive industry. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, this project sets a new standard for environmentally friendly vehicle design and production.
