Oxford Mail readers are being urged to help design the car of the future.

A new project launched today (September 1) by Oxford University is looking for the views of the public for the development of SPRINTCar.

The feedback through an online questionnaire will be integrated into the research being carried out by academics and the motor industry to eventually produce a car that will boast cutting edge technology designed to meet the needs of motorists and the environment alike. Project leader Dr Rebecca Lingwood said: "We are consulting with car manufacturers a nd people in industry and we are also keen to hear the views of the public who will be the users of the cars of the future,

"We would like to hear from readers, especially women who have different driving needs.

"The aim is to have a driveable car which will be affordable and have lots of intuitive technology."

While vehicle manufacturers are being approached they are only been asked for feedback and will not be directly involved in constructing the car.

Developers are more interested in showcasing how academics and industrialists can combine to give an insight into how cars might look in ten years time.

Top of the list are environmental considerations including ultra low emission fuels and the recycling and re-use of materials and components when a car reaches the end of its life.

Other aspects such as the development of global positioning systems for navigation and even more flexible methods of owning a car are high on the agenda.

A grant of about £60,000 has been sourced from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for the first consultation phase of the project.

Phase two will involve designing the car while phase three will be construction where all the ideas come together.

Dr Lingwood added: "It is anticipated we will have a working car in three years time which will be highlighting technology that will go into cars about 2010."

A total of 12 partners are currently involved in the consortium including academics from Oxford Brookes University and Menard Engineering, formerly TWR, based at Stonesfield.

A special event has also been planned at BMW's Mini plant in Cowley in November where interested parties will be able to pool ideas.

Anyone wanting to fill in the questionnaire should go to www.sprintcar.org.uk