It's rare to see an oil giant involved in the production of a car, but that's what it has taken Professor Gordon Murray to see his dream of a compact, fuel-efficient three-seat ride come true.

Oil giant Shell has stepped in to collaborate with Professor Murray, the Former One race car designer and McLaren F1 road car on this project. But this won't be a two company operation, GEO Technology with engine specialist Osamu Goto (former Honda F1 engine architect) will co-engineer this plan, that's being called Project M.

Professor Murray has been attempting since 2007 to get a major manufacturer on board for his city car prototype, labelled T.25 (Type 25) that won 'Idea of the Year' from Autocar magazine in 2008.

Project M focuses on an ultra-compact vehicle that's smaller than the SmartForTwo with the use of lightweight engineering and an internal combustion engine. The goal is for it to emerge as a cheaper and fuel-efficient option for emerging markets.

Additionally, Shell will attempt to create a low-friction lubricant to lower fuel economy.

“Since working with Gordon Murray Design team on the T25 car in 2010, we have given further thought on how to deliver a complete rethink of the car, using as little energy as possible,” said Shell in a press release. “We believe this Shell car, will demonstrate how efficient a car can be when Shell works in harmony with vehicle and engine makers during design and build, supplying fuels and lubricants technical expertise.”

Project M will be launched at the Americas round of the Shell Eco Marathon that's being held in Detroit from April 9-12. Its full reveal won't be until November 2015 and will be go through rigorous road-testing once built.