Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Concept Car : Peugeot RD Model Revealed in Shanghai


The Peugeot RD concept design of 27 year old Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar is now on exhibition as a full-size model at the 2009 Auto Shanghai in China. The Colombian has just graduated from the National University of Colombia where he studied Industrial Design.
His concept car was the winning project in Peugeot's 5th Annual Design Competition which saw prospects from 95 different nationalities submit over 2,500 projects. The theme for the contest was "Imagine the Peugeot of the Worldwide Megalopolis of tomorrow" which in essence asked them to picture the transportation needs of future megacities and design a vehicle to satisfy them.
What sold the RD concept for Peugeot and the selected jury was its high road-holding ability with ease of use in congested traffic, the environmentally friendly electric motor and the 3-wheeler's driving sensation of a sedan. It also features panoramic all-around visibility and head-up display. Peugeot has been building this show unit since October 2008.
On top of seeing his design come to life in a 1:1 scale, the winner also takes home a cheque for 10,000 euros and an Xbox 360 game console. Twenty nine short-listed entries also received certain prizes.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Concept Car : Morgan Life Car Coupé


Morgan Motor Company will soon be looking back on a 100-year heritage of motor design. Their Life Car Coupé, showcased at the 2008 International Geneva Motor Show, was a concept car featuring a futuristic design and driven by a zero-emission electric motor.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Concept Car : Peugeot Stylight


Another entry from the Peugeot Design Competition is the Stylight, a 3-seater city hybrid car with a small 1.6-liter engine and an electric motor placed above the rear wheels. Ognyan Bozhilov, the designer, said that this arrangement “improves weight distribution, gets rid of the complex, heavy mechanics for power transmission and makes the unique, aerodynamic body possible.” The Stylelight also offers unique safety features: an expansive windscreen for maximum visibility, and LED tail lights designed so the harder you press, the more lights turn on.

Concept Car : Hinterland Aeronautic EcoVan



At highway speeds, drag resistance can account for 75 percent of fuel consumption. Therefore, designers in Canada put better aerodynamics on the top of their list in the design of a long-range electric vehicle. They aimed for a drag coefficient of less than 0.25, which would beat out the Toyota Prius and the original Honda Insight. Designers want to see the design—something like an aeronautical fuselage on wheels—turned into the ultimate eco-friendly six-seater carpooling machine.

Concept Car : The Helios Lizard


Kim Gu-Han of Universitat Dulsburg-Essen, Germany, wants to build a solar-powered car that can charge itself entirely from the sun. The problem is the limited space for photovoltaic panels on a car’s roof. The Helios overcomes that limitation by acting like a frill-neck lizard. When stationary, the off-road vehicle can unfurl a large set of photovoltaic cells to produce enough energy to run the car, with excess energy for home power. The Helios won Best Use of Technology category at the Interior Motives Design Awards 2008.

Concept Car : Eco Transportation Phoenix


Future transportation concepts give the world hopes to deliver eco-friendly vehicles that will be far better both in technology and looks. However, all this exists conceptually and we are still not near any such technology that could provide high-speed sporty vehicles with zero emission electric engines. Phoenix is another such conceptual design for American urban life. This machine is in itself a try to blend freedom, strength, and flexibility, with a special concern to our gradually deteriorating environment. Design seems to be inspired from American muscle cars and pick-up trucks. This two-seater car derives power from Flexi-Fuel V8 engine. Not only engine but the bio-composite material and recycled aluminum used in body are other important aspects that make it soft toward the environment.


The tough and agile design incorporates a safety cell made from reinforced bio-polymers with roll-bars behind each seat to provide additional protection. An Orbital Omni-directional four-wheel-drive system makes it capable of rotating around its own axis and sideways. All this sounds fantastic and do go with its name that is inspired by an ancient mythical bird, except that it can’t fly.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Concept Car : Audi ASQ


Audi ASQ is a futuristic concept for the year 2040. The design considers the worst case scenario effect of global warming; a time when sea levels have risen dramatically. Designed by Juyoung Kim, the ASQ concept moves over land as a normal vehicle, getting power from an electric motor in each of its spherical wheels, once the concept reaches water, it’s a different story altogether.
To maneuver on water, it switches to an aquatic system and uses water jets for propulsion. When in submersible mode, the concept uses a water turbine for motion. It seats three to provide ample space for the passengers and the driver.






Concept Car : Lamborghini Gallardo S


At the Geneva Motor Show Lamborghini presented a design study based on the Gallardo. Created by Luc Donckerwolke at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese , the “Concept S” is his interpretation of an „open car“. Donckerwolke drew inspiration from single-seater racing cars and got rewarded with a few awards when it got introduced.
The classic single-seaters did not have a traditional windscreen, they used a wind deflector instead. The concept S uses the wind deflectors not only to direct air over the head of the driver, they also acts as an additional air inlet for the engine, which is positioned behind the seats. The 5.0 liter V-10 engine is the same engine used in the Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe. The Gallardo S Concept is 70 kg lighter then the Coupe and goes from 60 mph to 200 mph in about four seconds. When the Concept is moving slow enough to make use of the retractable rear view mirror. You can notice the front and rear spoilers have been slightly remodeled and the rear diffuser has been slightly reshaped.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Concept Car : Peugeot Verde

Peugeot Verde is a Green concept, that combines the luxuries of today’s standard size cars, with the size benefits of a micro car. Verde is designed to be able to change its length depending on the environment it is being used in - it has 3 settings: Highway, where it will extend to its full length ( about 5m ) to provide stability at high speeds, Urban, where it compacts itself to ca. 3,7 m, which allows it to utilize its articulated wheels, both front and back, hence allowing the driver much better maneuverability than todays cars. The last mode is park, where it compacts further to take up as little space as possible, making it easier to live with in a crowded city with limited parking space


Sunday, April 19, 2009

Concept Car : Drool Over Green Car


WIRED collected the winners of the Royal College of Art’s Green Concept Car competition. As they say:

Practicality is the last thing anyone considers when designing concept cars. A car made of glass? Windows like gun slits? …But practicality isn’t the point. Concept cars are flights of fantasy carrying auto design into the future. Since our future will be a place where a gallon of gas costs more than a gallon of Scotch, the students at Royal College of Art designed their cars that run on things like electricity and algal fuel.”

These are some of the most imaginitive and forward-thinking designs we’ve ever seen. Lots of people try to do advanced concepts, but some of these are off the moon. The above car was designed by Paul Howse — its a “luxury” car called the Enigma, and its electric motors would be solar-powered. Oh, and the passenger compartment uses “magnetic levitation” to lift and separate it from the rest of the car.

Holy crap, it makes that Minority Report Lexus look like an AMC Gremlin.

Check the link to see them all; they’re all worth a gander. Some are made of cloth, others have living room-inspired interiors that have high levels of IKEA-like customization possible. Beautiful.

Below is the winner of the Best Design Interpretation Award at the Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design Awards. Frenchie Pierre Sabas’ Airflow has wheel-mounted electric motors and is made entirely of glass.



The Phoenix by Sergio Loureiro Da Silva of Spain…




Friday, April 10, 2009

Concept Car : Ford iosis MAX

Ford iosis MAX concept is a Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV) which has been premiered by Ford in Geneva Auto Show.

Ford iosis MAX concept is based on a fresh interpretation of Ford’s kinetic design form language and expressing the company’s direction for its following C-cars model range.

Ford iosis MAX is powered with a 1.6-litre 180PS four-cylinder petrol engine from the EcoBoost family that features turbocharging and direct injection. With the engine, Ford has found out that the Ford iosis MAX has a 125g/km CO2 emissions level.

Ford iosis MAX comes with a set of new advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and new door opening concepts.


Press Release
Ford will unveil a head-turning concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, to express the design direction for its next generation of global C-cars.

The Ford iosis MAX features striking exterior and interior treatment based on a fresh interpretation of Ford’s kinetic design form language. It is a dynamic Multi Activity Vehicle (MAV) and showcases new levels of efficiency and flexibility.

Styled by a team led by Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s executive design director, the car’s dramatic looks and striking pearlescent ‘Limelight’ color are complemented by innovative solutions which enhance its practicality and environmental performance.

Ford iosis MAX showcases new door opening concepts, lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics, and a preview of the European development of Ford’s global EcoBoost petrol engine technology coming in 2010.


Coupled to this clean and lean engine are the recently introduced and acclaimed Ford PowerShift transmission, plus a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system also due for production in 2010.

“The Ford iosis MAX marks the next stage in the evolution of kinetic design, and showcases a number of affordable engine technologies that will make a difference to the environment and our customers’ pockets,” says Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Design Director.

“Our designers have stretched themselves beyond the two previous iosis concepts, and have applied kinetic design form language to a MAV,” adds Smith. “The Ford iosis MAX proves that cars in the compact MAV class can have emotive, dynamic styling without sacrificing their traditional virtues of practicality or efficiency – something that the larger and revolutionary S-MAX has already demonstrated.”

“Although the iosis MAX isn’t a forerunner to a specific production vehicle, it clearly highlights how kinetic design is evolving and can be applied with stunning results to all vehicles in the Ford portfolio.”



Ford iosis MAX Concept - Exciting, dynamic design

The design team sought to create a strong impression of lightness and efficiency. This was achieved through the concept’s sleek, coupe-like side profile, which provides a clear contrast to the more boxy approach adopted by many vehicles in the compact MAV segment.

The feeling of lightness is reinforced by the extensive use of glass in the vehicle, with the steeply raked front screen flowing back in one piece to the tailgate, revealing the skeletal roof structure underneath.

The front of the Ford iosis MAX is dominated by the bold trapezoidal lower grille, which is now a key part of the Ford brand identity. For the first time, however, the grille features a distinctive new treatment with three horizontal chrome-rimmed bars, giving the vehicle’s face a more dynamic and imposing feel. The C-pillars, with their highly original ‘flying buttress’ design, also deliver significant functional benefits. The pillars act as spoilers, channelling airflow as close as possible to the tailgate glass for optimum aerodynamic efficiency.


The pillars work in combination with the dramatic looking aerodynamic spoiler which is centrally mounted at the rear of the roof structure, with its wings cantilevered above the tailgate glass.

Imaginative details catch the eye all around the vehicle, including the striking new graphics for the front and rear lamps, stylish LED lighting strips in the rocker panels, and stunning 19-inch alloy wheels with a lightweight two-piece construction.


Ford iosis MAX Concept - Dramatic interior environment

The iosis MAX interior presents a bold evolution of the kinetic design language used on the exterior, incorporating dynamic shapes and advanced materials to create an interior environment which is light, spacious and expressive

A key part of the Ford iosis MAX interior concept is the spine-like bridge which runs the full length of the interior from the bulkhead through to the rear load area.

The bridge supports the center console, and provides a mounting point for the four individual seats and central armrests. The seats are cantilevered from the bridge, allowing for an uninterrupted floor space and giving occupants the sensation that they are ‘floating on air’.

The colors selected for the interior were chosen to complement the striking ‘Limelight’ of the exterior. Different tones of luminous natural greys feature on most interior surfaces. Small details are picked out in a bright acidic yellow to add visual impact and stress the dynamic, sculptural character of the shapes and graphics

The innovative use of shapes and materials is also reflected in the center console, which has a smooth plexiglass surface that rolls down from the instrument panel like a ribbon and flows through to the rear of the passenger compartment.

The whole of the console surface acts as a touch-screen display to control the vehicle’s systems. Information – such as sat-nav instructions or details of an incoming phone call – is displayed on the console when required using projectors mounted beneath the surface.


A rotary control at the bottom of the console allows the driver to switch between primary functions, while a mouse-like controller in front of the central armrest provides a swift and accurate way to navigate within menus as an alternative to using the touch screens.

The Ford iosis MAX also explores innovative solutions which could provide future MAVs with increased practicality and flexibility.

To help overcome common problems faced by owners when loading or unloading the vehicle in a confined space, such as a congested multi-storey car park, the concept features a unique two piece tailgate design. This allows the tailgate to be fully opened, even when there is restricted space behind or above the vehicle.

To provide even greater loading flexibility the iosis MAX utilises a B-pillarless construction, providing a wide, unobstructed load aperture when both front and rear side doors are open. In combination with the ‘floating’ seat design, this enables awkward, bulky items – such as flat pack furniture – to be slid easily onto the floor of the cabin or the folded seat backs

New opening kinematics are also utilised in the dual-function hood design, which incorporates an active hood system for improved pedestrian protection in combination with greatly enhanced access to the engine compartment.


Ford iosis MAX Concept - Responsive yet environmentally friendly

The innovation featured in the Ford iosis MAX extends to its powertrain, which showcases efficient technologies coming in future Ford vehicles to demonstrate how reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be achieved without compromising dynamic performance.

Power is provided by a 1.6-litre 180PS four-cylinder petrol engine from Ford’s new EcoBoost engine family. Ford EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver fuel economy up to 20 per cent better than conventional petrol engines with a similar power output.


EcoBoost engines will be progressively introduced to Ford’s European product range from early 2010.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost unit in the iosis MAX is further optimised through the use of a new Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, intelligent alternator and six-speed Ford PowerShift double-clutch automated manual gearbox with ratios tailored to deliver maximum fuel efficiency. Simulations predict that the concept vehicle could achieve CO2 emissions of 125g/km.

“We’re eager to hear reaction to the Ford iosis MAX as the design team has worked hard to incorporate so many interesting ideas, features and materials that could find their way into future Ford vehicles,” says John Fleming, Ford of Europe’s Chairman and CEO. “The car also signals the arrival of an exciting new range of environmentally friendly Ford EcoBoost petrol engines which use the same efficient principles already making an impact on our larger North American models.

“The next 18 months will see some exciting new models with clean and affordable technologies arriving in the Ford of Europe range,” Fleming adds. “When we say ‘Feel the Difference’, our European customers will know we mean it!”

Concept Car : Designed Especially For Superheroes


So far we have presented you many cool concepts like cars, bikes, and others. Today it’s time for another car concept which was designed especially for superheroes. I’m not a superhero, but I would become one if somebody would gift me this super car concept. The vehicle has an aerodynamic shape as it has to be very fast in order to help superheroes catch the bag guys on time.


It was designed by Matus Prochaczka and I don’t understand why doesn’t have any names. Well, no problem with that, every superhero can name it however he wants. All cars of the future will be green, and this one will be the same - the engine will be a hybrid based on biodiesel and electricity. Another reason for the car to be green is that superheroes are role-models for kids and they will follow their example and buy green cars when they grow up.


I don’t know what you think, but the design doesn’t look feasible to me and it’s very likely that this concept car will remain only a concept and we will be only see it in cartoons. I would like to be proven wrong and to see this green vehicle on the roads of my country in the near future, but first the designer has to find a car manufacturer to build it.



Monday, April 6, 2009

Concept Car : Frank Gehry's


Maybe someone should "encourage" architect Frank Gehry to retire. This new concept car he designed with the M.I.T. Media Lab basically looks like a mishmash of every building he's ever designed, just on lime-green wheels. Thankfully it turns out all the good ideas have a less to do with the car itself and more with the information network infrastructure that the car is supposed to connect to, like wireless tags that let you know where the free spaces in a parking lot are and social networking software to make carpooling more efficient.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Concept Car : Peugeot RD 3 ,One Passenger, Three Wheels

So many three wheel concept cars lately… Must be a new trend, like the touchscreen is for mobile phones. Well, at least this Peugeot concept looks fairly good and it’s been designed by Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar.
Bear in mind that the Peugeot RD 3 can become more compact during crowded traffic and low speeds, making it the ideal ride for a long distance travel.


The RD 3 displays information regarding the road you’re on, plus any other data you might require via vocal command. The RD isn’t the speedster you’re dreaming of, nor is it tomorrow’s supercar, but rather an useful urban vehicle, perfect for suburbs and sneaking in front of other automobiles.





Friday, April 3, 2009

Concept Car : Porsche Carma


Here's a nice concept car done by some design students called Porsche Carma. Although it looks a bit too much like a Dodge Viper to us, it definitely has some potential. Keep on working on it!


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Concept Car : Toyota RiN


Designed to promote harmony with nature and evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, the eco-friendly Toyota RiN concept car features heated ergonomic seats, an oxygen level regulator, a spot humidifier, a “mood training” steering control system that monitors the driver’s psychological state, and greenish glass that protects against UV and infrared light while enhancing the natural beauty of the view outside. The exterior design was inspired by Japan’s old-growth Cryptomeria trees known as yakusugi, which are found on Yakushima island, a natural World Heritage Site known for its pristine, ancient forests.

Concept Car : Embryo Eco Friendly



Concept Car Embryo is powered by fuel cells which uses clean fuels like hydrogen. It is completely ecological as it is made of recyclable aluminum and silicon materials used mostly for interior elements. Design wise, it looks like an organism, however safety wise too, it derives the same thought. Soft material is used for exterior while inside it has a protective layer to absorb the impact and keep the passengers safe. The safety system also acts as a communicating system for information like speed, distance etc. and if necessary auto pilot also reacts to avoid possible accidents. With all these safety and design features it surely is a winner in robotic era.More info on Tuvie








Saturday, March 28, 2009

Concept Car : Pininfarina's "Nido"



Pininfarina's "Nido" concept car is a Smart-like urban 2-seater with an egg-shaped design and a spring-buffered passenger compartment.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Concept Car : Airwaves Futuristic Compact City


Designer Lei Liu has put his thought upon giving form to an elite city car concept that would offer a stress-free ride even amidst jammed roads and digging space for itself in tight parking lots. Called Airwaves, this miniature coupe does away with the tension of bearing the awful jams and freeing you from the risk of dents and scratches. Instead of hinging outward, its electronic door spins upright to avert others being “doored”.

Besides considering the safety of its passangers, it gives equal amount of attention to other commuters on the road. The backside of Airwaves features LCD screen that keeps the onlookers engaged during traffic jams with useful information displayed related to weather reports, news or greeting words from the driver.

This people friendly car gives a deserving trinute to environment as well by making 0% emissions. I think you would agree with me that the safety of small cars is really important; therefore an accessibility of the special lift mechanism in Airwaves can offer good safeguard for the driver, passengers and pedestrians. It workd like this: The minute driver uses emergency brake, the car hits pedestrian and the cabin will lift up by inertia. During that hour, the outside and inside airbags will be unconfined to defend the people inside and outside.






Consumers Concept