GORDON MURRAY'S DESIGNS; Small-car plans for the father of supercars.(News)

Byline: JULIAN RENDELL

When one of the world's most-respected auto engineers decides to go it alone and create a revolutionary small car, it's time to take notice.

Gordon Murray-whose credits include Gran Prix-winning Brabham race cars, the McLaren F1 and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren-has set up his own design consultancy, Gordon Murray Design, in England to get his revolutionary small car into production.

"I've been thinking about doing a really clever and different small car for the best part of the 12 years since we finished the F1, and now we've put together a team to do it,'' says Murray.

Known as the Type 25 (T25) because it is the 25th Murray design, the diminutive car could be seen as a Smart-beater. "It's about Smart size, but more compact in all dimensions. We like to think of it as a radical approach to mobility,'' says Murray.

Murray will keep details-engine, suspension and steering designs-secret until closer to production, which is at least five years away. But key targets are good handling and refinement, low fuel consumption, light weight, innovative body architecture and adaptable body design.

Up to 14 body variants are planned. The interior will be more flexible than the Smart ForTwo, with seating for more than two. One interior, for example, would seat one adult and two children in their own seats.