Gordon Murray Designs' latest creation, the Teewave AR1, not only showcases the firm's engineering capabilities, but also illustrates the point where integrity, lightweighting and electric drive meet.
On the day Project T.32 (the Teewave AR1's codename) was primed for its Tokyo debut, the automotive world came to know a firm by the name of Toray Industries – one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon fiber. Looking around the AR1 reveals plenty of exposed carbon fiber, a visual link with the vehicle's carbon fiber monocoque structure.
Everything – most everything, anyway – was done in-house, including crash testing. The AR1 was digitally designed, with no full-sized clays, says Frank Coppuck, the T.32's engineering director.
A swiped Mitsubishi i-MiEV powertrain sits between the AR1's rear axle and passenger compartment. And although the AR1 only packs a featherweight 63 horsepower and 133 pound-feet torque, its low 1,852-pound curb weight, track-honed double wishbone suspension, ultra quick steering and powerful brakes means it should be an engaging package.
"We could squeeze a lot more out of the engine," says Coppuck, but as it is, the T.32 tops out at 100 miles per hour, has a listed range of 100 miles and recharges in around eight hours. We like what we hear, and think that the Teewave AR1 – screwy name aside – is one spectacular electric machine.
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