1981 British Leyland ECV3 (energy conservation vehicle) – British Leyland merged its individual research divisions into a new department – BL Technology Ltd. – based at the Gaydon airfield site which it had recently acquired. BL Technology was headed up by renowned engineer, Spen King and one of his first projects was to look at energy efficient vehicles for the future.
Energy Conservation Vehicle 2 or ECV2 was based on a modified ADO88 prototype, a forerunner of the Metro. It was rather clumsy in appearance, nevertheless ECV2 managed an impressive 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km) in 1981.
ECV3 was a more serious attempt with a structural aluminium frame, clothed in unstressed plastic panels and bonded windows, making it extremely light for a car of its class. The aerodynamic body gave a very low drag co‐efficient of 0.24Cd. It might have been all about efficiency, but in the spirit of the Mini, there was also plenty of room inside for four adults.
The concept was powered by a new one litre, three-cylinder, fuel-injected, single overhead camshaft engine. Capable of 115 mph, it could deliver an astounding average fuel economy of more than 100 mpg (just 2.8 l/100km). ECV3 was revolutionary and many of its features made their way into car technology in years to come.
Features & Specifications:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.1-liter 3-cylinder aluminum engine |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Body | Lightweight composite materials (plastic and aluminum) |
| Weight | ~775 kg (very light for its class) |
| Drag Coefficient | ~0.23 (extremely aerodynamic for the era) |
| Fuel Economy | Up to 80 mpg (imperial) or about 67 mpg US |
| Top Speed | ~100 mph (160 km/h) |
Innovation Highlights:
- Lightweight materials: Pioneered the use of composites for structural panels and aluminum chassis design.
- Aerodynamics: Extremely low drag body shape helped maximize efficiency.
- Low emissions and high MPG were core goals, aimed at addressing the 1970s fuel crisis aftermath.
- Digital dashboard: Very advanced for the time.
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