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British Leyland ECV3

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British Leyland ECV3
Overview
ManufacturerBritish Leyland
Production1982 (prototype only)
Body and chassis
Body styleHatchback
Powertrain
Engine1.1 L 3-cylinder petrol
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Length12 ft 7.2 in (3.84 m)
British Leyland ECV3 Rear

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

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The ECV3 was powered by an experimental 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 drag coefficient of Cd=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

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  1. ^ a b Bremner, Richard (17 July 2013). "They were the future, once". Autocar: 106.
  2. ^ Adams, Keith (25 June 2011). "In-house designs : ECV Programme". AR Online. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  3. ^ Knapman, Chris (28 June 2010). "Range Rover creator Charles Spencer 'Spen' King: 1925-2010". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Concepts: Ford Probe IV and BL ECV3". Car: 61. March 1983.
  5. ^ Curtis, Tony (22 October 1983). "Techno-Triumph". Motor.