Yamaha has commissioned McLaren F1-designer Gordon Murray to design an alternative to the likes of smart fortwo and Toyota iQ. The result is called MOTIV.e, which incorporates Formula One heritage, inspiration from motorcycle design and the latest technology to deliver an exciting and high quality driving experience.

Based on Gordon Murray Design’s iStream building process, which incorporates Formula One composite technology, the design is centred on a steel frame incorporating bonded composite monocoque panels to produce a lightweight, rigid safety cell.

With this process the cars are easier to build, lighter and also stranger than conventional steel cars.

There is also independent suspension and low unsprung weight, delivering new levels of ride and handling.

Power comes an electric motor, which delivers 20bhp continuously with a peak of 33bhp and torque of 658Nm continuously and 896Nm at peak to the rear wheels.

0-62mph comes in under 15 seconds and the top speed is around 65mph. The 8.8kWh battery pack is expected to give this new EV a range of more than 100 miles.

A petrol version( MOTIV without .e) is expected to have around 80bhp with a top speed of 100mph.

Yamaha has not released any details on production plans, but we have a feeling we will hear more about this compact city car soon. We like it and Gordon Murray has already commented that 200,000 can be made annually using the iStream process.