The interesting video below shows an animation of the TVR Griffith’s infrastructure. It was developed by Gordon Murray Design (Shalford, Surrey) and it’s called iStream, a re-think on the way cars are designed, developed and manufactured. Furthermore Chasestead engineering (prototype engineering & low volume production sheet metal parts for the automotive industry) and Formaplex (leading manufacturer for tooling and lightweight component solutions within the automotive, autosport and aerospace industries) have played an important role in the production of the sports car. This technology has been the enabler in producing a sports car some 300kg lighter than its class opposition alongside delivering new levels of torsional rigidity.
Development of the process began over 15 years ago. It combines lightweight Formula One technology, low-carbon propulsion, high safety standards and manufacturing flexibility.
It is centred around a ‘Think Light’ philosophy that creates a virtuous cycle of low-weight benefits:
- It employs Formula One technology with all of its benefits and none of its prohibitive costs
- Cost-effective flexibility enables a single production line to assemble
- Different iStream vehicle variants with different powertrains
- Compact, quiet and low-carbon, an iStream® production site require up to 80% less investment than traditional assembly plants
- An iStream vehicle exceeds current Euro NCAP passenger and pedestrian impact regulations
- An iStream vehicle delivers a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions over its entire lifecycle compared to its traditional rivals
If its platform, chassis and components are all lighter, it will require a smaller and lighter powerplant and transmission, enhancing performance and economy while lowering carbon emissions. Components can be smaller and lighter, too – brakes, suspension, steering and cooling elements can be scaled accordingly, further reducing the vehicle’s environmental impact.