Light-weighting has become a critical focus for many automotive OEMs as it has a significant impact on fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Gordon Murray Group, a British supercar manufacturer, is taking lightweighting to the next level with their new project, ‘Project M-LightEn’ (Monocoque architecture – Lightweight and Low Energy). The goal of this project is to create a new generation of ultra-lightweight, environmentally friendly vehicle structures that are not only lighter and stronger but also 50% less carbon intensive in just three years.
The project aims to enhance performance by reducing weight further, enabling future Gordon Murray Automotive vehicles to have the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint of any supercar. Through innovative materials, new manufacturing processes, and design methodologies, the project seeks to develop solutions that can be applied across a portfolio of vehicles.
Jean-Philippe Launberg, the strategy and business development director at Gordon Murray Group, shared insights on the environmental benefits of lightweighting vehicles and the objectives of ‘Project M-LightEn.’ The project aims to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon intensity through the use of hybrid composites and aluminum structures. By incorporating recycled aluminum from consumer scrap and implementing tailor fiber placement techniques for carbon fiber components, the project aims to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
In addition to improving vehicle dynamics and driver engagement, lightweighting also contributes to reducing the CO2 footprint of supercars. Gordon Murray Group emphasizes the importance of sustainability and aims to inspire the industry to explore diverse solutions tailored to specific vehicle types and objectives. The project’s powertrain agnostic approach allows for the application of lightweighting solutions across different vehicle shapes and powertrain types.
The main goal of ‘Project M-LightEn’ is to introduce new methodologies in design and engineering, utilizing machine learning and generative design to optimize structures. By partnering with industry leaders like Carbon ThreeSixty and Constellium, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative materials and processes in the automotive industry, ultimately leading to decarbonization across the sector.
Overall, ‘Project M-LightEn’ represents a significant step towards sustainable vehicle manufacturing and underscores the importance of lightweighting in reducing the environmental impact of supercars. Through collaboration and innovation, Gordon Murray Group is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the automotive industry.
