The Project
Our Philosophy
British
We’re a British business. Proud of Britain’s automotive skill base, from its cutting-edge hi-tech innovation and engineering ingenuity to its design credentials and traditional craftsmanship heritage, and of its global leadership in low-volume and luxury vehicles. We’re using some of Britain’s best design and engineering talent to help develop the Alcraft project.
Design
For us design is an integral component of a vehicle. And electric vehicles offer the opportunity for designers to rethink the conventional form of the car, without the need to accommodate bulky engines and transmissions. Britain has long produced iconic automotive products, and our design team is developing an Alcraft design language blending the ultra-clean and contemporary with the timeless values of British design.
Engineering
Alcraft Motor Company is developing a flexible platform – an electric vehicle ‘skateboard’ which can underpin a range of distinct products for different customers, from an outright sports car to dynamic but luxurious models capable of carrying four adults and their luggage. Our solutions draw on the British engineering tradition of minimising weight and maximising efficiency to enhance performance – an ethos perfectly suited to electric vehicles.
The Car
The first Alcraft car, the GT, has an elegant simplicity and understated, timeless good looks. Everything in the car’s design has a purpose. Structural elements of the vehicle are visible externally: the exposed carbon-fibre B-pillars and roof structure are part of the aesthetic but serve as both a safety structure and a device to create an exceptionally light cabin, with a roof made largely of glass and a wraparound front screen. The cabin design is about what we call responsible luxury – leather is used, but not at the expense of weight or a clean, contemporary design.
Acceleration
0-62mph 3.8 secsRange
400-milesLoad space
500-litresWeight
1750kgThe GT is not another electric supercar – it’s high-performance yet unashamedly practical, a shooting brake-style rear with a slide-out loading platform giving access to a 500-litre luggage area which can accommodate two golf bags and trolleys. And even with enthusiastic driving it will be able to cover a typical weekend-away trip on one charge, with up to 400 miles possible, eliminating the need for inelegant and weight-compromising range-extenders. The car has also been designed so that it can be configured as a 2+2 rather than a two-seater.
The GT is about driving involvement rather than specification sheet numbers, torque rather than power, light weight and dynamics rather than straight-line speed and Nurburgring lap times. But the numbers associated with an advanced electric powertrain can’t be ignored. Ultra-competitive power density and four-wheel drive means a 0-62mph time of around 3.8 seconds. Just as importantly, a weight of less than 1750kg – approximately 75% of a Tesla Model S – combines with cutting-edge chassis systems to give outstanding handling.
See the Project in progress
The Journey
The team's view was: create something distinctly British which they would like to own
The Alcraft GT was conceived by a small team of passionate but pragmatic car enthusiasts, automotive industry professionals and successful business people, with experience ranging from running a globally renowned low-volume British car company to building up British businesses into international enterprises. There was a common view: create something distinctly British, not a me-too product, which they would all like to own.
The GT was designed by Matthew Humphries, who was responsible for Morgan’s Aeromax and its fuel-cell LIFE car
The initial design work was carried out in parallel with Delta Motorsport, which has recognised engineering expertise in high-performance electric cars and was a key supplier on the Jaguar C-X75 prototype programme. The rigorous virtual engineering process allowed the design of a complete powertrain and other key systems, so that suppliers could be identified and safety, type approval and homologation issues addressed. The engineering has now been verified and advanced by a new partner, one of the world’s best-known automotive engineering consultancies and a leader in battery technology.
The car is now ready to be taken from concept to production
Want to Discover more about The Project or get involed?
TALK TO US TODAYSome of our partners
Continental
Continental’s Chassis & Safety division develops and produces integrated active and passive driving safety technologies as well as products supporting vehicle dynamics. The product portfolio ranges from electronic and hydraulic brake and chassis control systems to sensors, advanced driver assistance systems, airbag electronics and sensorics as well as electronic air suspension systems. The business focuses on a high level of system competence and the networking of individual components, forming the foundation for automated driving.
Michelin Tyre
Michelin holds a 16.3% global share of the global tyre market, thanks to its technological leadership, capacity for innovation, high-quality products and services and powerful brands. The company produces around 150 million tyres annually from 72 factories in 19 countries, with net sales of around €15 billion. Michelin operates in over 170 countries, and the fact that 80% of its passenger car, light truck and heavy truck tyres are sold into the replacement market reflects its reputation for quality and satisfaction among customers and users.
Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art, in London’s Knightsbridge, is a globally renowned institution, and its Vehicle Design programme is the world’s leading centre for vehicle design education and research. Its graduates can be found working in the design departments of every mainstream car manufacturer, which even send their staff to the RCA for further development during their careers. Its MA programme ensures that students all experience working with vehicle manufacturers during the course. Recent collaborations have been with Audi, Bentley, Citroen, Jaguar, Kia and Alcraft Motor.
Matthew Humphries Design
Matthew Humphries Design specialises in automotive design, from ideation to design concept and product development right through to production. MHD collaborates with specialists in Alias modelling, CAD development, chassis development, carbon fibre and other structural materials, and traditional coachbuilders and trimmers. Matthew formed MHD in 2013 after having been Head of Design at Morgan. In 2014 he founded MHD Watches, designing and producing unique timepieces complementing his automotive design philosophy of combining the contemporary with the classic.