British Leyland ECV3

The ECV3 is a concept car developed by British Leyland's BL Technology division, led by Spen King. The ECV3 was first shown to the public in December 1982, and was the third in a series of Energy Conservation Vehicles that BL was developing, incorporating new engine technologies and construction materials. The prototype is on display at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre.

Technical details

The ECV3 was powered by an experiemental 3-cylinder, 12-valve 1.1 L (1113 cc) petrol engine,^[1] developing 72 bhp (54 kW; 73 PS) @ 5,800 rpm and torque of 72 lb·ft (98 N·m) @ 3,750 rpm, and mated to a manual 5-speed transmission. The engine was a lightweight 84 kg.^[2]

While the engine did not reach production, it did lead to the design of the 1988 K-Series engine.^[3]

The car is built using an aluminium spaceframe chassis, co-developed with Alcan, and was the first ever bonded structure,^[4] and the body incorporates flexible plastic body panels made of polyurethane reinforced reaction injection moulding (PU-RRIM). The design of the five-door hatchback was unconventional, but resulted in a low Cd of 0.24.^[1] The car was claimed to have a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h), and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11 seconds.^[4]

The prototype also demonstrated packaging efficiency, being a short 12 ft 7.2 in (3.84 m) supermini sized car, but offering family car sized accommodation.^[5]

References