Titchy T.27 passes crash test 20 | 01 | 2011

THE REVOLUTIONARY T.27, the electric city car penned by Gordon Murray, has passed the mandatory crash test at the industry’s research centre, MIRA, with flying colours

“It’s a huge step forward for us and iStream,” Murray, whose pioneering concept can now move on to its next crucial development stage, admitted. “We’d done 160 software simulations during its development, and this matched the predictions.”

The T.27, which has the same crumple zones and structure as traditional small cars, but it is significantly smaller than any other vehicle on sale – even a Smart is 19.5cm longer and 45.2cm wider — emerged from the 35mph impact test, with zero cabin intrusion. The electric city car uses the company’s iStream composite monocoque chassis technology to reduce complexity and factory costs.

The next crucial phase will see the T.27 aim to achieve a high EuroNCAP crash safety result, though Murray has already made it clear he does not expect the car to achieve a five-star rating due to the absence of stability control and curtain airbags, which are compulsory for the top rating.

Prototypes of the car, according to Murray, are poised to start testing later this spring.

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