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.
| British Leyland ECV3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | British Leyland |
| Production | 1982 (prototype only) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.1 L 3-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 12 ft 7.2 in (3.84 m) |
Technical details edit
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 edit
- ^ a b Bremner, Richard (17 July 2013). "They were the future, once". Autocar: 106.
- ^ Adams, Keith (25 June 2011). "In-house designs : ECV Programme". AR Online. Archived from the original on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ Knapman, Chris (28 June 2010). "Range Rover creator Charles Spencer 'Spen' King: 1925-2010". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Concepts: Ford Probe IV and BL ECV3". Car: 61. March 1983.
- ^ Curtis, Tony (22 October 1983). "Techno-Triumph". Motor.