Gordon Murray to develop lightweight platforms with smaller CO2 footprint  

The Gordon Murray Group (GMG) has launched a consortium project aimed at developing the next generation of ultra-lightweight and environmentally friendly vehicle structures. Over the next three years, the initiative seeks to create an advanced monocoque architecture that is both stronger and 50 per cent less carbon-intensive than current designs.

Titled ‘Project M-LightEn’ (Monocoque architecture – Lightweight and Low Energy), the project is backed by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). 

GMG will take the lead in researching, designing, building, and validating a series of digital and physical monocoque prototypes. The goal is to pioneer innovative solutions that will facilitate the industrialisation of advanced monocoque structures for future vehicle models. By significantly reducing weight, this technology could enable Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) supercars to achieve the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint in the segment.

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GMG’s Strategy and Business Director, Jean-Phillipe Launberg, highlighted the project’s importance:
“The potential for this project is exciting for Gordon Murray Automotive, as we continuously adopt the latest materials and technologies to build driver-focused supercars. Beyond our niche market, Project M-LightEn will accelerate decarbonisation across the automotive industry by streamlining the adoption of new materials and manufacturing techniques.”

The project aims to reduce vehicle lifecycle CO2 emissions by at least one-third. AI will be employed to optimise designs, while new materials and advanced production techniques are being developed. Constellium and Brunel University will contribute STEP-enhanced ultra-high-strength extrusions, made from 80 per cent recycled UK consumer aluminium, while Carbon ThreeSixty will manufacture lightweight carbon fibre composite components using a near-zero-waste tailored-fibre-placement process.

Prof. Geoff Scamans of Brunel University emphasised the value of integrating high-strength aluminium alloys derived from recycled materials, a breakthrough from the EPSRC STEP Al programme.

The project’s first phase is already in progress, focusing on new materials and joining techniques. By late 2027, low-volume commercial applications are expected, with larger-scale adoption to follow.