Top engineering consultancy specialist Ricardo is to help develop Europe's most efficient family car.

The project will have many spin-offs for the Shoreham-based engineering consultancy as worldwide pressure to produce more environmentally-friendly engines of all types increases.

The initial work will involve modifications to the engine in the popular Citroen Berlingo people carrier, already recognised as environmentally-friendly.

The highly specialised Sussex engineers will be working with PSA Peugeot Citroen and Qinetiq, the science and technology solutions provider.

The aim is to develop an even more environmentally-friendly diesel car, with minimal carbon dioxide emissions.

The go-ahead follows a successful submission to the UK Government's Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge.

As part of its Green fuels policy, the Government challenged European firms to develop a passenger car with ultra-low carbon dioxide emissions, while delivering competitive standards of performance and refinement.

The £3 million project, code named EFFICIENT-C will involve the development and demonstration of a highly-efficient parallel hybrid powertrain system in a Citroen Berlingo. Development of the eco-friendly vehicle is expected to take 18 months.

Key technologies envisaged for the EFFICIENT-C vehicle include:

* A PSA Peugeot Citroen common rail diesel engine, delivering peak performance of 90bhp, achieving low emissions with low-cost after treatment technology

* A high output direct current electric motor-generator enabling stop/start operation of the diesel engine, efficient electrical power generation, regenerative braking and all-electric traction at low speed

* An automated manual transmission delivering high standards of refinement and drive ability in a cost-effective way

* An advanced energy storage system to achieve the energy and power densities required for efficient vehicle operation.

The aim is to have 0-75 mph acceleration in less than 13 seconds and a top speed in excess of 110mph while emitting as few gasses as possible.

Dave Shemmans, managing director of Ricardo, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this work developing ultra low carbon emission cars with one of Europe's leading manufacturers.

"It is a tribute to our work as engineering consultants."

Wednesday December 17, 2003