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Audi e-tron Spyder Concept: design process

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:11:10 PST

Audi has released an official design story of its e-tron Spyder Concept, presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The material also includes photos from the design and prototype construction process.
The Audi e-tron Spyder Concept was developed from the fist sketches to the final prototype in just five months.

Below we report the official press release from Audi. Apart the self-promotional intent, the document is an interesting reading about the work done by Audi designers, engineers and modelers.
Audi e tron Spyder Concept Clay Model Audi e tron Spyder Concept Clay Model
You can also check the gallery of photos taken during the design process.
From the official Press Release:
The creation of the Audi e-tron Spyder
It is a functional, rectangular building with a gray facade – a hall like thousands of others in the industrial parks dotting our cities. The only sign of any significant activity is a lone Bavarian flag fluttering on a wooden balcony that seems a bit out of place. This seeming wasteland is in reality a place where the future of the automobile is quite literally being made.
Things are much livelier inside the hall. Two designers and four modelers are working on a large block of brown industrial plasticine. The result of their handiwork is pioneering for the design of one of Germany's most successful carmakers. This is where the Audi e-tron Spyder, the latest show car from AUDI AG, is being created.
The faces are drawn with tension at this decisive moment. The modelers and designers are going through the data on screen together one more time. There is no time for lengthy consideration and discussions. Then the decisive click on the "Confirm" button.
The mill mounted on two giant arms goes into motion. Fed with the vehicle data, the mill begins carving the designers' design out of the clay. For the next 18 hours, one layer after another is cut away until the first side of the car stretched over a frame of steel, wood and rigid foam stands on the floor of the hall in three dimensions and in full size.
The mill receives a new load of data for the second half of the model. The designers work on two different vehicle sides in this early form-finding phase, which allows alternatives to be compared directly and makes decisions easier.
Frank Lamberty, a designer at Audi, uses dark adhesive tapes to check the contours of the model carved by the mill. He carefully works until arriving at the perfect line. Again and again he steps back to view his work from a distance and compares it with the cross-section of familiar production models. A show car should also bear the Audi signature.
When describing the form-finding of the Audi e-tron Spyder, Lamberty says, "We were constantly bouncing between two worlds like a ping-pong ball. On the one side was the elegant shape of speedboats. On the other was the radical world of naked bikes (motorcycles without full or partial fairings) or roadsters from the 1960s and 1970s. The Audi e-tron Spyder is the result of this inspiring convergence process and unites these two worlds."
Three months before the start of the show, Lamberty and his team are working time-intensively on the clay model in the hall. That they are concentrating on the design of a show car is already a success in itself. To design a show car is the dream of many automobile designers and thus a coveted job.
"The beauty of a show car is that the initial ideas are often implemented almost unchanged. We are largely free of technical constraints," says Wolfram Luchner, a designer at Audi who played a major role in the creation of the exterior of the Audi e-tron Spyder.
A multi-staged internal competition decided who got to design the car. 17 designers entered the competition.
"The ideas developed were bold and free of constraints. Some of them were even radical. The broad scope of the designs shows the great potential of our designers," says Stefan Sielaff, Head of Audi Design.
He initially chose four teams, who then had two weeks to flesh out their "directions," or initial designs. In the next step, two designers built their designs as 3D data models. For the final choice between the last two designs, the teams projected their computer data on the big screens in the design studio. What just a few weeks ago were the initial strokes on paper was now displayed on the walls as a three-dimensionally tangible show car.
A lot is at stake with the final decision. After all, the chosen design will be catching the eye of thousands of international visitors at the show in Paris.
A second portrayal method viewed under daylight helps to properly evaluate the colors and shapes. The designers build full-size silhouettes of their proposals and position these on a race track. The winning proposal is then chosen in daylight at a distance of approximately 100 meters – a radical and simultaneously emotion- packed design. An open sports car with a distinctive, prominently arched windshield that, like the visor of a helmet, describes speed in its purest form.
Cut off from the outside world, designers and technicians are now working together inside the hall, which is secured by an alarm system.
Technical Development in Ingolstadt had initially developed the undercarriage of the Audi e-tron Spyder separately. The two teams are now working together on site on the clay model.
They measure, discuss and talk about even slightly misaligned contours. Just a few centimeters can mean that the required hardware will no longer fit in the show car. The engineers define the most important structural design data during the first design phase.
The exterior of the Audi e-tron Spyder has roughly 10 so-called hard points – specifications that the designer is not allowed to alter. Everything else is up for negotiation. And because design does not always follow the rules of technical feasibility, these negotiations are not always easy.
"The design freedom is what makes a show car so appealing," says Luchner. "I always have the original design in my head. My objective is to implement this design with as few changes as possible."
The technicians, on the other hand, sometimes have to reign in the creativity of the designers. Although largely made from parts that only exist for this vehicle, the show car must still meet all of the technical requirements. It must be safe and drive in such a way that it can also be used by journalists for filming and photo shoots.
While four modelers apply the finishing touches to the door handles with knives, scrapers and planes, the designers and engineers have turned their attention to a wheel. Delicate struts of aluminum and carbon are reminiscent of a turbine; the delicacy of the material more of a fine piece of jewelry.
Designers and technicians agree that here they together have succeeded in turning what initially seemed to be an impossible idea into reality. This could not have been done in a production model. Whereas the wheels of previous show cars comprised four to five pieces, the wheels of the Audi e-tron Spyder are made up of 66 individual parts.
"The designers were the driving force," says Uwe Haller, who is responsible at Audi for coordinating the construction of concept vehicles. "It became clear to us pretty quickly that this wheel could not be manufactured out of one part, as is usually the case.
*"The design for the wheels was so well received, however, that we did whatever was necessary to turn the proposal into reality. *
"The result is a perfect fit for the Audi e-tron Spyder: sharp contours and visually precise lines combining carbon and aluminum."
Six weeks before the show, the two halves of the model have been combined to yield a painted whole. The modelers' work has paid off. At first glance the modeled clay looks no different than a functional automobile. Even the headlights and door handles have been carved out down to the last detail.
Everything has to be just right, because the model serves as the basis for what is known as the design freeze. This is the first major milestone for the designers, a sort of advance premiere of the show car, with the excitement to match at the presentation. The Audi Board of Management makes the final form-finding decision, and the starting gun finally sounds: Construction of the final show car can begin.
The outer skin of the show car is made of carbon fiber. Because the material can still be modified considerably more easily than steel or aluminum even at a late point in the process, it is ideal for the Audi e-tron Spyder, which must be created in a short period of time. The employees first mill the individual body parts as negative molds from a block of rigid foam. They then apply the carbon fiber fabric, let it harden, trim it, grind it and prime it. Everyone working here is aware of the importance of precision. They are making a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
And not just the final show car is one-of-a-kind. Because there is only one of every component of this vehicle, replacing components in Paris is out of the question. The time pressure is enormous. The date of the show in Paris is steadily approaching. The show car is still just a collection of individual parts waiting to be assembled. It is hard to believe that the Audi e-tron Spyder will soon make its big appearance.
As many as ten employees at the same time work on the showpiece during the final weeks and at least as many again are involved in the background work. They are all experts for their respective components and know precisely what they have to do. In the end they join the pieces together with a precision down to the millimeter. The body is then crowned in silver in the paint shop.
The Audi e-tron Spyder shines at the Paris Motor Show, as do the employees. They have done it. The idea of a hybrid- powered roadster has become a reality. It is on display in Paris: compact, elegant and open to the heavens.
(Source: Audi)

Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet preview

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:12:05 PST

Nissan has revealed the first image of the Murano CrossCabriolet, an open verion of the Japanese crossover that will make its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show and will go on sale in 2011.
Set to go on sale in early 2011, the Murano CrossCarbiolet is described by Nissan as "the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible".

The car can transport four passenger and will offer a large luggage volume even with the top down.
(Source: Nissan)

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:12:35 PST

At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Mitsubishi is unveiling the North American version of the i-MiEV compact electric car. Expected to go on sale in 2011, the model has larger dimensions compared to the European model.

Mitsubishi i MiEV Design Sketch
Compared with the Japanese and European-spec i-MiEVs, the North American model has an enhanced, enlarged body structure that offer ample space for four passengers, better meeting the expectations of U.S. consumers. The front and rear bumpers are also new.
The standard safety equipment includes airbags that detect passengers and control deployment force, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Active Stability Control (ASC).
The interior is characterized by a two-tone color scheme and by a new redesigned center console.

The i-MiEV is expected to go on sale in the US within 2011, with prices starting from about $30,000.
North American Version i-MiEV Main Specifications
* Length : 3,680mm [+285mm]
* Width : 1,585mm [+110mm]
* Height : 1,615mm [+5mm]
* Tread (front/rear) : 1,420mm/1,380mm [+110mm/+110mm]
(Source: Mitsubishi)

Toyota Bionic+ Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:14:18 PST

The Toyota Bionic+ Concept is a design study of a futuristic three-seater vehicle that explores the use of bio-technologies and materials. The author is Coventry University graduate Tomas Jankauskas.
Toyota Bionic Plus Concept Design SketchThe design of the Bionic+ Concept by Tomas Jankauskas takes inspiration from the 1965 Toyota 2000 GT – mainly in the wraparound windshield and curved rear roofline.
The open-wheels layout is combined with a shooting-brake-like body with surfaces defined by straight lines.
Among the distinctive elements are the rear-hinged scissor-doors.

Toyota Bionic Plus ConceptAnother source of inspiration is the Toyota Prius and its tight lines.
The body and chassis are made of a reinforced bioplastic material consisting of kenaf – a plant in the Malvaceae family – and polylactic acid (PLA) – a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester.
The cabin has three individual seats, with the passengers seating behind the driver.
The original driving controls are inspired by kite surfing and the reins used on horse-drawn carriages.

Additional technical highlights include a powertrain with a solid state lithium polymer battery and super capacitors and solar cells which use carbon nano tubes.
Toyota Bionic Plus Concept Toyota Bionic Plus Concept Design Panel
About the Designer
Tomas Jankauskas is an Automotive Design graduate from Coventry University.
Contact Details:
* email: jankiz@gmail.com
* web: www.jnkdesignworks.com
(Image Courtesy: Tomas Jankauskas)

Hydra Design Labs launches car design studio

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:15:01 PST

Hydra Design Labs has launched an Automotive Design Studio based in Southern California. The main design team includes former Mitsubishi designers Jon Hull, Mike Desmond, Gary Ragle and Chris Schuttera.
The main team includes automotive designers Jon Hull (Mitsubishi), Mike Desmond (Mitsubishi, West Coast Choppers), Gary Ragle (Mitsubishi R&D), and Chris Schuttera (C & D Zodiac, Ken Okuyama Design and Engineering, Mitsubishi R&D).

Together they have worked on over 25 concept vehicles and over 20 production cars.
Among the past projects are many Mitsubishi concepts, such as the Concept-RA, the MMR25 and the Double Shotz Hot Wheel Concept.

The studio's website offers a comprehensive portfolio featuring over 800 images, including creations for the videogame industry, illustrations, images of concept and production cars developed by the four designers.
President and designer Jon Hull explains "We've put together a unique studio in terms of talent, an all-star team of designers where each member is strong enough to run a studio by themselves."
"Each designer could run an entire project, or collaborating together they could provide a devastating amount of talent."
From the official Press Release:
Hydra Design Labs WebsiteHydra Design Labs takes its name from Lernaean Hydra the mythical creature, and like its namesake is also a multi-headed beast.
Hydra Design Labs focus is to provide all design services needed to take the clients project "from ideation to fabrication."

The company is comprised of four designers each of whom has been working as a professional automotive designer for at least the last decade.
Each designer has worked on both Production programs and Concept cars, designing both exteriors and interiors.
Individually each designer can stand alone, running an entire project from ideation to manufacturing.
But bring the designers together and the full force of the studio can be felt by having all the designers collaborate on one project.
Hydras' design team has an arsenal of skills ready to attack any project.
Their designers specialize in many different aspects of vehicle design including concept and production cars, custom cars, eco-friendly vehicles, motorcycles, and movie concepts.
Mike Desmond, the former Design Director at West Coast Choppers, not only brings his experience as a professional automotive designer, but his motorcycle design skills as well.
Gary Ragle has worked as a car designer in California, Japan, and Detroit. Gary has designed numerous concept and production vehicles and his ability to distill design to its essence while always bringing something new and fresh to the table is a great strength he brings to the team.
Chris Schuttera has worked for several automotive design houses, and has also designed airplane interiors. Chris' knowledge of interior design and ability to rapidly develop themes for even the most complex design challenge is unparalleled in the industry.
The design team was put together by Jon Hull who has had over 14 years experience as a professional automotive designer.
He has worked on both exteriors and interiors for concept cars and production vehicles and is also a CAD specialist with a background in plastics engineering.
"I feel very excited to be leading such a powerful team," says Hull, "and can't wait to show the design community what we are capable of."
(Source: Hydra Design Labs)

Giorgetto Giugiaro receives Honorary Master’s Degree in Architecture

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:17:12 PST

Giorgetto Giugiaro has received an Honorary Master's Degree in Architecture from the Turin Politecnico University for his competence in combining design and technology and in anticipating design and market trends.
Giorgetto GiugiaroOn last Thursday 11 November, at the Politecnico di Torino's "G. Agnelli" Great Hall, Rector Francesco Profumo has confered an Honorary Master's Degree in Architecture on Giorgetto Giugiaro.
"Masterly ability in perception, conceptualisation, connection, integration and design, the capacity to communicate ideas, forms, technologies, production processes, attention to detail and to the relevant context."

These are some of the aspects of Giorgetto Giugiaro's personality that the Second School of Architecture has highlighted and summarised in the rationale for awarding the honorary master's degree:
"For competence in reconciling formal intuition with effective techniques and technologies and for perception in understanding and anticipating culture, economics, demand and the market."
This achievement follows the honorary degrees received in 1984 from the Royal College of Art, London (design), in 1996 from the University of Ruse, Bulgaria (design), in 2002 and 2004 from the Second School of Architecture, Università di Napoli (both in architecture), in 2003 from the University of Córdoba, Argentina (architecture) and, again in 2003, from the College for Creative Studies, Detroit (architecture).
(Source: Italdesign)

Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:17:56 PST

The Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was created together with B.A.D. Company and Even Sienna's online community of fans who provided suggestions and making decisions for this special build.
Based on a 2011 Toyota Sienna SE V6 This special van was stretched by nearly four feet and modified to create a functional family vehicle.

A custom acrylic roof replacement approximately eight feet long was installed to help bring in natural light and create a warm and stylish environment. An airbag suspension system was installed allowing ground clearance to range from 2.5 to 6.5 inches.

The interior of the Sienna Swagger Wagon Supreme was designed to provide functional versatility to both adults and kids.
The passenger area includes two swiveling captain's chairs. The custom cabinetry for added storage finished in cherry veneer with an integrated glass-front refrigerator and DuPont Corian countertop that can have multiple uses such as food and drink prep, a kid's activity area, a mobile office, etc.
The floor was lowered, leveled and finished in Brazilian cherry hardwood.
The infotainment system features a 23-inch HP TouchSmart computer featuring multi-touch support in Windows 7; an Xbox 360 gaming system with DVD player; and a custom JBL audio system specifically designed and tuned by JBL sound engineers to provide a home theater atmosphere.
(Source: Toyota)

Toyota Tundra Sportsman

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:19:31 PST

The "Tundra Sportsman" concept pickup truck was developed in collaboration with Bass Pro Shops and their RedHead Pro Hunting Team members.

The vehicle is inspired by the outdoor tradition of hunting.
Toyota used a 2011 Tundra Double Cab 4×4 equipped with the TRD Rock Warrior Package and 5.7-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission as the canvas for the concept truck.
In addition to the performance modifications, the exterior uses a muted color palette of Grays and Blacks to blend in with the wooded environment without the cliché of camouflage to sustain curb appeal.

Inside, the truck was designed to be a command center for extended hunting trips. It includes a weather station and GPS system.
The truck bed was modified to serve double-duty as the ultimate sportsman fantasy transport and base camp.
Everything required for conventional firearm and bow hunting is included as well as an area for meal preparation.

RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:36:49 PST

The RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition is a special two-door version developed by RK Collection (RKC).

The project was developed with the dual purpose of building and running a high-performance street legal Toyota Camry with a NASCAR engine.

The exterior shell of the vehicle is a custom made 2010 Camry two-door body sheet metal. It is combined with several race car features including a custom body kit, carbon fiber brake ducts with fog lights and TRD emblems.

The engine is a TRD NASCAR V8 engine that measures 358 cubic inches and delivers 680 horsepower at 8500 RPM. The engine is mated to a Tremic T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission with a Ram dual-disc street clutch.

After its debut at the 2010 SEMA Show the RK Collection Toyota Camry NASCAR Edition will race during this weekend(12-14 November 2010) at the Phoenix International Raceway.

Yaris GT-S Club Racer

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:18:42 PST

This racing-version Yaris was created by SportsCar magazine, starting from a 2006 Yaris five-door liftback.

The name is an homage to the popular GT-S grade Celica's of the 1980's and 90's.

The Yaris GT-S Club Racer has 400 kg of weight savings, and an exterior with a Molly Designs inspired graphics that pays homage to Dan Gurney's All American Racers-built IMSA GTP Toyota Eagle Racers of the 1990's.

Additional exterior features include a Seibon carbon fiber hood and hatchback, AeroCatch hood pins, Racing Lifestyle fender flares, I/O Port Racing Supplies tow hooks, and Lexan side and rear windows

Underneath the hood is a Toyota 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i.

The Yaris GT-S Club Racer won its very first race, topping the competition at Willow Springs Raceway in Southern California.

Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:14:12 PST

The Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package is a new hybrid performance line by Toyota Racing Development (TRD).It offers accessories that add sporty look and performance handling. Toyota Prius PLUS Performance Package These include a seven-piece aerodynamic body kit with a uniquely styled rear diffuser and race-inspired 17-inch forged wheels. The PLUS package deliversimproved handling without sacrificing any fuel efficiency. The package also includes exclusive floormats with a "PLUS" logo and a unique "PLUS" exterior badge.

The new PLUS brand of accessories from Toyota will be available in limited production beginning in April 2011.

Four Wheeler Magazine Toyota 4Runner Backcountry

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:42:11 PST

Four Wheeler Magazine's Project Toyota 4Runner Backcountry is a special version focused on exploration. The 4Runner was lifted approximately 2.5-inches, using Old Manu Emu (OME) suspension system with heavy-duty springs and special shock absorbers.

The P285/70R17 Falken WildPeak A/T tires are mounted to 17×8 Teflon-coated ATX Mojave wheels.

The factory rear locker is complimented with an ARB front Air Locker and a Warn XD9000 winch mounted to an ARB Deluxe Bull Bar front bumper. Also mounted to the front bumper are two 6×9 KC HiLiTES HID driving lights.

The interior featuresa Cobra CB radio for trail communications and a dash-mounted Garmin GPS as a primary navigational aid. The rear cargo area includes a Power Tank on-board air system for airing up tires.

Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:36:27 PST

The Prius C&A Custom Concept vehicle was developed by the Conversions and Accessories group at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.

Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept

Exterior areas equipped with carbon fiber include aero side skirts with vertical spoilers, front bumper and fender flares with radically large air intakes, the engine hood, roof, rear hatch, rear spoiler, rear bumper with vertical spoiler, and rear garnish.

Other exterior features include an outside mirror CCD camera system, smoked rear combination lamp with a translucent rear side spoiler, styled exhaust tip and front and rear lighted Toyota badging.

Among the details are the 18-inch, forged wheels with aluminum aero rings and sport suspension by TIEN that lowers the Prius concept by four inches in the front and six inches in the rear.

Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race)

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:32:51 PST

The Tacoma X-Runner RTR (Ready to Race) project pickup truck is a high performance vehicle made using almost only Toyota standard parts.

It is powered by a stock Tundra 5.7-liter V8 engine coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. A Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Supercharger Kit was added, bringing the power output to 504 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. The truck runs on premium gas rather than race fuel.

The exterior body panels of the Tacoma X-Runner remain untouched. A silver and red paint scheme applied by Five Axis was inspired by classic low cost but ready-to-race sports cars, including the late 1960s Dan Gurney Cougar XR7-G.

Inside, all non-essential equipment was removed to make the vehicle as light as possible.

Renault Sandero Stepway Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:51:00 PST

At the Sao Paulo Motor Show Renault Brazil ha unveiled the Sandero Stepway Concept, a show car produced by Renault Design America Latina and based on the Dacia Sandero model. Among the features is the three-tone paint scheme.

Renault Sandero Stepway ConceptBased on Renault/Dacia Sandero Stepway (35,000 cars sold since 2008), the Sandero Stepway Concept features some special materials & colours.

These include the gloss black titanium hood, tailgate & roof, which make a strong contrast with the matt copper color of the doors.

The bumpers & body lower parts are platinum finished while the cabin features a blend of anodised aluminium & satin-finish titanium.

Additional details of this style study are the distinctive blueish LED headlamps and the flower-themed graphics.

The concept has been presented at the recent Sao Paolo Motor Show (27th October – 7th November 2010).

(Source: Renault)

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento confirmed for production (unofficial)

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:47:01 PST

French AutoMoto.fr has revealed that Lamborghini has given the green light to a limited series production of the Sesto Elemento concept, presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The estimated price is 2.5 million Euros.

According to the source, the carmaker will build the Sesto Elemento in a limited run of up to 10 cars.

Presented as a show car at the last Paris Show, the Sesto Elemento (Sixth Element in Italian) is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine with 570hp and thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber has a total weight of just 999 kg.

The extreme performances include a 0-100 km/h time of 2.5 seconds.

The projected price for the production version is about €2.5 million / $3.4 million.

(Source: AutoMoto.fr via Autoblog.it)

Volvo Air Motion Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:41:30 PST

Presented at the 2010 LA Design Challenge, the Volvo Air Motion Concept is a two-seater open sportscar targeted to driving enthusiasts, with a carbon fiber body and a powertrain with compressed-air motors.

Volvo Air Motion ConceptFor the "1,000 lb car" brief of the 2010 LA Design Challenge, California-based Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) has presented the Air Motion Canyon Carver, a design study of a futuristic open sportscar running on compressed air.

The carbon fiber body takes inspiration from Scandinavian design heritage and is "sculptured like a clam shell."

Aimed at minimizing weight and complexity, while maximizing driving enjoyment, the concept is powered by simple compressed air motors. These motors cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for heavy cooling systems.

An integrated approach to the chassis, interior and suspension design also contributes to the overall efficiency.

Volvo Air Motion Concept Volvo Air Motion Concept Wheel assembly

The air needed for the centrally mounted air tank is compressed using Air Replenishment Sites, which are equipped with wind-powered air turbines floating 1,000 ft. in the air.
Design Team:

* Chris Benjamin
* Dean Bakker
* Steve Goodrich
* Bjorn Wessman
* Doug Frasher
* Dean Shaw
* Geza Loczi

(Source: Volvo)

BMW previews hybrid sportscar

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:30:06 PST

BMW has announced that it will produce a 2+2 sportscar powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid system and based on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car presented at Frankfurt in 2009.

At the Leipzig trade fair centre BMW is presenting a road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept.

The ActiveHybrid powertrain features a 3-cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle, for a total output of 241 kW/328 bhp.

The main performances are a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds, average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.76 l/100 kilometers and a CO2 emission rating of 99 g/km.

The BMW Group is undertaking extensive field tests in regular traffic, with the MINI E and -soon – the BMW ActiveE.

The first purely electrically powered model – called Megacity Vehicle – will be produced at the Leipzig plant from 2013.

(Source: BMW)

Toyota NORI Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:24:39 PST

Created by Toyota's Calty Design Research for the 2010 LA Design Challenge, the NORI Concept is a futuristic four-seater with a body and chassis integrated into a single lightweight component made of carbon fiber and seaweed.

Toyota NORI Podular StructurePresented at this year's Design Challenge at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Toyota NORI Concept features a structure called Podular form which integrates both the body and the chassis.

The component allows for weight optimization and reduction of number of parts. It is made of a bioplastic material that combines "nori" (the Japanese word for seaweed) combined with a carbon fiber weave.

The concept is powered by four electric wheel motors coupled with a removable battery pack. Woven into the PODULAR form are solar cells that capture and generate supplemental solar energy.

"The PODULAR forms are grown at factories located nearby the sea. Seaweed grows prolifically, and using it as a bioplastics source is an effort to minimalize the impact on the food chain (corn/soy etc) that has previously been used for bioplastics. The solar cells are embedded as part of the growing/manufacturing process."

Toyota NORI Manufacturing Process"PSI's (partial shape insets) are utilized to shield or expose passengers to the elements and address vehicle regulations (such as covered wheels), while serving as a new form of personalization.

"The color/graphics of NORI can be changed through an electronically generated data charge sent into the surface. There are no doors: ingress/egress is achieved by stepping over and into NORI's PODULAR form."
Design Team:

* Craig Kember
* Erwin Lui
* Kevin Hunter

(Source: LA Auto Show)

Smart 454 WWT Concept

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 03:24:17 PST

Presented at the 2010 LA Design Challenge, the Smart 454 WWT Concept is a design study of a futuristic 2-seater with plastic body panels and a frame made of carbon fiber manufactured by knitting robots.

The Smart 454 WWT (Weight Watch Technologies) was designed by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany for the Design Challenge hosted at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The car is a 2-seater features a Tridion-frame which is knit by so-called "Smart Granny Robots" (SGRs) out of

carbon fiber.

Smart 454 WWT ConceptThe knitting can create complex shapes and forms, enabling the geometry to be optimized in strength and weight.

Each part is made of a different specific material, which gives the car an original look and allows to optimize the balance between weight and function.

Windows, fenders and bumpers are all made of recyclable plastics with ingrained colors. The roof is a thin, but highly durable recycled textile that comes with different prints and weavings.

The modular "clip-on" construction concept allows easy customization: the doors, roof, engine and drivetrain can be easily removed or replaced.

The wheels with integrated suspension are made of carbon fiber and their construction makes it impossible to run a flat tire.
Design Team:

* Mr. Emiel Burki – Senior Designer
* Mr. Sylvain Wehnert – Designer
* Mr. Gabriel Nemeth – Designer

(Source: LA Auto Show)

Mercedes-Benz confirms CLS Shooting Brake production

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:58:04 PST

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the CLS Shooting Brake, previewed by the Shooting Break Concept at Auto China 2010, will be produced starting from 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Shooting Brake ConceptAs Mercedes-Benz executives reported, the company's intent is to repeat the success of another high emotional appeal vehicle: the CLS presented in 2004, which created a new segment and quickly became a design reference.

The design is based on the homonymous concept presented at Auto China in April 2010 and will be launched in 2012.

The CLS Shooting Brake is characterized by coupé-like proportions, with a long hood, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear; all combined with four doors and a large rear lid.

The new model will be built at the Mercedes-Benz Plant Sindelfingen, which is currently building the C-Class saloon, the E-Class saloon and estate, the S-Class and the coupés CLS and CL as well as the Maybach models and Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles.

The origins of the name "Shooting Brake"

Break, or the homonym Brake, was the name once given to carriages used to "break" in wild horses and also to restrict (or "brake") their urge to move, so that they could be put to use as work horses.

Since the carts could easily be broken as part of this process, people tended not to use ones which they may have urgently needed for other purposes.

Where necessary, "Brakes" were often fitted out with variable bodies, which were only really used to carry along anything that may have been necessary for the hunt, for example. Any such vehicle which was used when going out shooting was called a Shooting Brake or Shooting Break.

In the 1960s and 1970s motorised Shooting Breaks were popular in Great Britain – exclusive crossover vehicles, which combined the luxuriousness of a coupé with extended space on offer and additional variability.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

Audi A7 Sportback

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:00:50 PST

Audi's latest example of micro-nicheing made its motor show debut here in Paris. Outside, it's striking how low this car appears to sit (although, at 1420mm high it's taller than the A5 Sportback by 29 mm), an impression aided by the graceful arc of the beltline front to rear and its low-set intersection with the trailing edge of the trunk. One is drawn to the superb surface transition from fender to C-pillar, the helical detailing within the tail lamps and surface intersections radiused so tightly that they could almost be lead-filled and hand-finished. The stance of the vehicle is without reproach, appearing muscular and exceedingly elegant.

From the front we again had to play a game of guess-the-Audi, but the designers have shown as much restraint as is possible with their aggressive house DRG style. There are, of course, wonderfully intricate headlamp cans which, when specified with LEDs give a vision of a future where cars start to lose their human or animal facial characteristics, gaining something far more bionic instead.

Inside we find Audi at its predictable best with two surprising caveats. Firstly, while we welcome a return to the discretion of a fully retractable, integrated navigation screen, the chrome appliqué that crosses the IP and screen housing draws unnecessary attention to a surprisingly large gap. Secondly, in the press material Audi constantly references this car against the A8, but in execution and design the A7 is far more A6.

It's fair to say that the A7 represents Audi at their current best and, unlike the quattro concept, the A7 only pays the subtlest of compliments to the first 100 coupé. The CDN team and many we spoke to felt the car remarkably Italianate for a brand, traditionally at least, so German. With Mercedes appearing increasingly Baroque and BMW returning to their southern European roots, maybe there's room for Audi to return to the modern G-factor that made it so beguiling in the first place.

Audi e-tron Spyder

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:56:12 PST

Where the quattro Concept caused a certain amount of consternation for its brutal graphics and overt retro-ness, the e-tron Spyder draws subtle nods of appreciation – surely a more appropriate reaction to an Audi.

Rather against the expectation offered up by the potential of a compact mid-engined sports car, the e-tron Spyder (or R4 as many now refer to it) is a car that takes some time and exploration to appreciate – a refreshing change from the in-your-face obviousness served up by many. The e-tron Spyder has a beguiling subtlety that reveals itself in layers the closer you get.

Lead exterior designer, Wolfram Luchner, has created an incredibly technical-looking car that harks back to the reassuringly detail-obsessive Audi of a decade ago, yet its form language is also perfectly aligned with the technology-rich e-tron label. Its surfaces – the doors in particular – are sheer in a way that's reminiscent of the first-generation TT. It is on the verge of looking rather too solid, an accusation it averts by virtue of its expressive, yet wonderfully taut fenders.

If only its DRG were as restrained. We found ourselves blocking the e-tron's face with our hand in order to appreciate the rest of the car; such is its abrasive character. It is too aggressive for such a refined design, with the expression of a mechanical piranha. The mechanical aspect is an admirable visual identifier for 'e-tron', but the flesh-eating fish connotation is unpleasant. It's representative of a wider need to progress from the state we find ourselves in where extreme aggression is seen as positive. Here it is the exact opposite and is totally at odds with the car's character.

The interior design – the work of Ivo van Hulten – is another Audi triumph, with a design that is clean, technical and sophisticated, yet with a visual lightness that's entirely appropriate for a compact sports car. The instrument binnacle is particularly successful with its minimal instrumentation, touch-sensitive secondary switches and metal detail that we find repeated on the passenger's side of the IP.

The e-tron Spyder demonstrates Audi's most successful exploration of its e-tron aesthetic to date and also demonstrates a very welcome return to the marque's famed surface discipline that had begun to wander around like an A5's beltline. All it now needs is a more approachable DRG.

CDN and Opel/Vauxhall Interactive Design Competition Update

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:17:04 PST

Seats, relationships, city life, the virtual world and new materials exploration: one month into the Car Design News-Opel/Vauxhall interactive design competition, launched on 11th October, these are a few of the themes student designers are exploring, in answer to the question 'What do you think is our lounge style?'.

The competition, a collaboration between Opel-Vauxhall and Car Design News, is an interactive design competition for students who are studying design - of any discipline - at a college in Europe. The winner of the competition will work as a paid intern at Opel/Vauxhall design center in Rüsselsheim.
Iranzo's simple 'opel.net' is an ultra-lightweight seating concept, which eschews upholstery and cushioning
Dsoranio is thinking about the overall experience - beyond the physical space, exploring smell, lighting, visibility
A section of Chiayuan Lu's board. He plans to explore how the interior could be better orientated around families with children
Markus's board
Renowned editor and writer, Guy Bird, forms part of the judging panel
Grettve's board looks at the key themes a lounge could have

This week, the four judges began to comment and interact on the site. Watch out for their 'Tips from the top' blogs, which will appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the site's home page. Judges are commenting on individual entries and giving guidance on how to develop ideas, which is why we are encouraging students to upload their ideas as they develop them throughout the course of the competition, rather than on the closing date of 10th December.

Over 200 students have so far registered to enter and follow the competition. Unsurprisingly - given the lounge theme - seats are a primary concern in many of the entries. Entrant Albizu gets straight to the point with the statement at the top of his board: 'the seats: the main part of car interiors'. Meanwhile, Iranzo uploaded a simple, elegant structure termed 'Opel.net' - an 'ultra lightweight seating concept' which eschews upholstery and cushioning and has sparked an interesting discussion among fellow entrants and commentators.

Victor Uribe was one of those to comment on Iranzo's concept; his own entry begins from the interesting starting point of questioning how we get into the car in the first place. Yet it's the digital world, and its potential effect on both the car interior and the experience of driving that Uribe appears most keen on exploring.

A special mention, too, to the competition's very first entrant, Gsagoo, whose board exploring how city life relates to technology, energy sources and inspiration shows what a powerful graphic a simple, monochromatic mood board can make.

Elizabeth Wetzel, Director of Interior Design, Opel/Vauxhall - based in Russelsheim, Germany - leads the judging panel. Wetzel was previously Director of Cross Brand Strategy Design, where she led two of General Motors' Global Design Departments - Color and Trim, and Interior Components & User Interface. She is joined on the panel by Anne Asensio, Vice President of Design Experience at Dassault Systèmes in France. Also judging are Guy Bird - renowned design editor and writer, for Wallpaper*, Design Week and Intersection (to name just a handful of his titles) - and the editor of Car Design News, Eric Gallina.

Don't forget that even if you're not a student, or you're outside the EU, we want you to get involved by commenting on the site. This week, we've added functionality to allow tagging on individual entry images, so you can comment on and address a specific element of an entrant's mood board or design.

Commenting is easy. Simply register for the site, and once you've received your details and logged-in, hovering over an individual entry board will bring up an orange pin. Click exactly where you want to place the pin and comment, and add your thoughts. Alternately, you can simply add your general comments below each entry.

Remember, the person judged to have made the greatest contribution to the community wins a year's membership to Car Design News.

The competition is a collaboration between Opel/Vauxhall and Car Design News, to use social media and web-based tools to help develop car designs. The competition is supported by our partners, Dassault Systèmes and Dinamica by Miko

Keep those entries coming in, and good luck!

www.cardesigncontest.com

Umea University students complete Saab collaboration project

vio_lest@yahoo.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:08:44 PST

A selection of first-year students from Sweden's Umea University have completed a 10-week collaborative design project with Saab. Tasked with exploring new directions for the brand, students were encouraged to investigate the interplay of brand and identity. Each of them was assigned a non-automotive brand to reflect on parallels that could be established between that brand and Saab, whilst also capturing the essence of the Swedish carmaker through their project's concept, its proportions, surface language, details, graphics, functionality and material choices. Aeronautic heritage was extensively expoilted by the students The Nespresso concept's unusual storage solutions and interchangeable 'flavors' are direct brand crossovers The Gillette-inspired project was designed specifically for the Chinese market Center console is split and relocated to the outside of the seats, moving passengers further into the safety of the cabin Students present their projects to Saab designers in Trollhättan Dramatically opening canopy grabs onlookers' attention By-wire technology allowed Yong-Fei Han to rethink and declutter the driving environment White body panels with fluorescent green highlights add to the product design feel Nespresso Eric Leong Leong identified that home coffee machine manufacturer, Nespresso, allows its customers to experience a sophisticated product in the comfort of their own home via an innovative design solution.

The idea of offering a wide range of 'flavors' is directly influenced the customizable DRG, wheel rim and upholstery panel designs. A pull-out trunk and flexible loading deck add the sort of innovative solutions he was keen to transfer between the brands. Meanwhile, in-keeping with Saab's oft-cited aerospace heritage, modern fighter jet design cues are mixed with the classic Saab wraparound windscreen and 'hockey stick' C-pillar. A solar 'fin' covers the rear deck when not in use, helping to power the owner's house when the car is parked. Gillette Kosin Voravattayagon While its exterior may be accused of failing to capture the essence of Saab, the interior of Voravattayagon's project more than compensates. Indeed, it was awarded the 'Student Design of the Year' and 'Best Production Interior' at this year's edition of the Interior Motives Design Awards in Paris. The concept is inspired by Gillette's material use as well as its design purity – both traditional Saab values. Meanwhile, the center console has been pushed to the outer edge of the seat frames, optimizing the safety credentials Saab is famous for. Voravattayagon designed his project specifically for the Chinese market.

Qatar Airways
Daniel Gunnarsson
Given Qatar Airways as his non-automotive brand, Gunnarsson identified the company's commitment to provide travelers with five-star levels of service. As such, the concept has been designed from the inside out to provide occupants with the finest possible experience with a B-segment platform. A calming, simplistic IP reflects the understated elegance offered by both brands, while advanced infographics are displayed both across the IP and in a sophisticated HUD. The seating design is of particular note: super-thin so as to be stackable should more cargo space be needed and with a swiveling cushion which doubles as a child seat.

H&M
Travis Vaninetti
High visibility and common exclusivity are the key attributes of Swedish fashion retailer H&M, according to Vaninetti's research. The dramatically opening canopy – reminiscent of fighter jets and Saab's own Aero X concept – grabbing onlookers' attention and bringing "refreshing exclusivity" to all four passengers. Like H&M, the concept is designed to appeal to both individuals and families alike. The Kamm tail not only plays on Saab's aerodynamic heritage, but also its reputation for practicality. While its DRG is quite clearly derived from Saab's current design language, the more powerful rear – its flared fenders in particular – visually identify it as being four-wheel drive.

Apple
Yong-Fei Han
Many parallels can be drawn between Apple and Saab. Both are focused on offering reliable, simple, yet highly functional products. Meanwhile, the American computer giant's emphasis on design has enabled it to move not only into a more premium market space, but also a more profitable one. Inspired by Apple's simplifying technology applications and legitimized by Saab's own aerospace technology, Han has employed advanced by-wire technology to rethink and declutter the driving environment. A fully reconfigurable environment enables the driver to sit where he likes – left, right or center. Other aircraft references include a redesigned 'wing' grille graphic and an afterburner wheel design that reconfigures to cool the brakes. In side profile, the concept employs the traditional Saab proportions and graphics, while the unusual concave rear screen – nestling between a pair of buttresses – is a neat reference to the 1970s 99 model.

Nintendo
Jan Christian Osnes
Games console-manufacturer Nintendo inspired Jan Christian to create a social and fun city car that's also able to venture into the wilderness to afford its occupants the sense of adventure offered by video gaming. The use of customizable graphics in the concept's DRG and rear hatch screens reflects the online avatars offered by Nintendo. White body panels with fluorescent green highlights add to the product design feel. Its DLO and stylized three-spoke wheels are resolutely Saab.

Doro
Youngjun Byun
Although assigned Swedish mobile telephone manufacturer Doro as his reference brand, Byun cites the sunny streets of California as inspiration for his two-seat commuter vehicle. "[My design] can successfully work as an introduction for the brand", says Byun. "An entry model Saab offers great potential and creates opportunities for the company. This project looked at the American market and young customers." A full-width IP display and touch-sensitive controls reference Doro's technologies.

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