Gordon Murray was crowned the successful winner of last Saturday’s RAC Future Car Challenge-the second time the former F1 designer has won the energy efficiency competition.
Over 60 cars took part in the 60 mile challenge to London, with a range of electric, fuel cell, hybrid, fuel efficient diesel and petrol cars at the starting line at Madeira Drive, Brighton on Saturday morning. Many of the models had never been seen before on UK roads.
A host of celebrity types were among the drivers too, including actor Robert Llewellyn, TV presenter Kevin McCloud, Formula One legend Damon Hill and Radio DJ Mark Goodier.
Cars from the likes of BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Renault, smart, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Land Rover took part. Many of the vehicles, such as the Land Rover Range_e, BMW Active-e and Volkswagen Golf Blue e-motion will not be on sale for two or more years and have rarely been seen on UK roads.
Gordon Murray Design’s T.27 electric car was crowned the Overall Energy Efficiency champion. The firm’s T.25 petrol car won the inaugural Future Car Challenge which ran last year.
Speaking of his win, Gordon Murray said: “It is the first time we have showcased the T.27 on the UK roads. This is the only event in the world that demonstrates real cars, in real conditions, that is measured independently and in the public eye. It’s a fantastic showcase for technology and The Royal Automobile Club should be proud of the event. Last year we won with our petrol car the T.25 entry and this year our electric car the T.27. Both of which clearly demonstrates that lightweight is the biggest tool we have for reducing emissions. “
The event was organised in three different entrants classes and seven vehicle categories – from small passenger classes to light commercial vehicles. There were five vehicle energy classes: Pure Electric (EV), Extended-Range/Plug-In Hybrid (E-REV, PHEV), Hybrid (HV, HEV), Hydrogen (HFEV) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) – up to 110g/km CO₂emission fuelled by any legal means.
We were down in Brighton for the event, with myself as a co-driver to motoring journalist Andrew English in a Toyota Prius Plug-in. Our car successfully jointly won the Best Overall Extended Range/Plug-In Hybrid (E-REV, PHEV) Vehicle award along with the Proton Exora REEV. I’ll bring you my full personal account of the event and give you my first impressions of the Toyota Prius plug-in later.
Congratulations to all those who took part and made it to the Regent Street Motor Show later in the day.
The full category winners were:
1. Most Energy Efficient Small Car (Production) – No. 2, Smart fortwo electric coupe
2. Most Energy Efficient Small Car (Prototype) – No. 27, T.27 Gordon Murray Design
3. Most Energy Efficient Regular Car (Production) – No. 3, Nissan Leaf
4. Most Energy Efficient Regular Car (Prototype) – No. 43, VW Gold Blue e-motion
5. Most Energy Efficient Large Car (Production) – No. 42, Peugeot 508 e-HDI
6. Most Energy Efficient Sports Car (Production) – No. 18, Tesla Roadster
7. Most Energy Efficient Sports Car (Prototype) – No. 54, Jaguar E-Type
8. Most Energy Efficient Multi-Purpose (Prototype) – No. 41, Proton Exora REEV
9. Most Energy Efficient Light Commercial Vehicle (Production) – No. 46, Mercedes Benz, Vito E-Cell
10. Most Energy Efficient Light Commercial Vehicle (Prototype) – No. 62, Citroen Nemo Van Electric
11. Best Overall Pure Electric Vehicle – No. 27, T.27 Gordon Murray Design
12. Best Overall Extended Range/Plug-In Hybrid (E-REV, PHEV) Vehicle – No. 41, Proton Exora REEV and No. 21, Toyota Prius Plus-In Hybrid
13. Best Overall Hybrid (HV, HEV) Vehicle – No. 68, Honda Insight
14. Best Overall Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle – No. 67, Mini Cooper D Olympic Edition
15. Best Overall Vehicle On Sale At Time Of Event – No. 3, Nissan Leaf
16. Best Overall Private Entry – No. 8, Lotus Elise S1 Electric
17. Best Overall Entry – RAC Future Car Challenge Winner, no. 27, T.27 Gordon Murray Design
18. People’s Choice – No. 44, Delta E4 Coupe
