Vehicle design
Built around Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream® platform, the Shell Concept Car represents a radical rethink on the way in which cars are designed, developed and produced. It combines cutting-edge lightweight technology and is built using carefully chosen materials which have a low energy and CO2 footprint. The car’s body is made with recycled carbon fibre helping to keep its weight low at 550kgs (1,212lbs). Gordon Murray’s experiences in Formula 1® racing have been used to develop the car, particularly its safety and weight.
Engine optimisation
Geo Technology optimised an internal combustion engine made by Mitsubishi by redesigning internal components associated with friction. The pistons were redesigned to reduce weight and friction, while the valve train components were coated with diamond-like carbon (DTC) to help minimise resistance and reduce wear.
The engine optimisation by Geo Technology and bespoke lubricant developed by Shell together reduced engine friction by 30%.
Fluid technology
Shell provided all the fluids for the car, including specially-designed motor oil to complement the overall efficiency of the vehicle, principally by minimising friction. Shell’s Lubricants technology team created bespoke engine oil, based on its premium product - Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology. It delivered an additional 5% fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions by 5% (NEDC combined cycle test).
Shell also provided the transmissions fluid (Shell Spirax), greases (Shell Gadus) and the petrol/ gasoline (Shell FuelSave).
