April 21, 2010
April 9, 2010
Element-C
Another entry for a Local Motors competition, this time for the Pacific NW. The theme of the competition was "Pacific Motors: thrive in the elements".
The Element-C is a 4WD SUV with the stance of a Coupé. The DLO stretches from the A-pillar all the way to the back, accentuating the fast roof and tail of the body. Insipired by the Rally Fighter, the LM Line can be recognized along the side, and is then reinterpreted and used for the shape of the shoulder line.
The key feature of the Element-C is the totally convertible panoramic roof. If it's cold outside, but sunny, one can turn off the electronic opacification of the roof. However, if one wants to enjoy the pleasant air outside, the roof can fold completely to the front and the rear window to the back, tucked away inside the tailgate. For the ultimate outdoor experience, the rear seats rise just enough to look above roof and the tailgate can be used as a shading screen.
And because no driving experience is complete without sustainability, the Element-C has a Bio-diesel/electric hybrid engine; its structure and bodywork are made of lightweight (assuring 30% more mileage) recycled materials. Its interior has also eco-friendly features: the upholstery is made of recycled leather residue and the whole cockpit is lined with foam impregnated with micro-encapsulated Phase Change Materials - if interior temperature drops below the comfort zone, PCM's will release heat; and if it becomes too hot, that heat will be absorbed so that temperature peaks are supressed, saving energy.
Here is a sketch with doors open. Because it's a large door, it's better to open in like that than in a conventional way. A section of the body also opens for extra storage space, just above the taillights.
The Four Elements were missing the Fifth... the Element-C. ;)
The Element-C is a 4WD SUV with the stance of a Coupé. The DLO stretches from the A-pillar all the way to the back, accentuating the fast roof and tail of the body. Insipired by the Rally Fighter, the LM Line can be recognized along the side, and is then reinterpreted and used for the shape of the shoulder line.
The key feature of the Element-C is the totally convertible panoramic roof. If it's cold outside, but sunny, one can turn off the electronic opacification of the roof. However, if one wants to enjoy the pleasant air outside, the roof can fold completely to the front and the rear window to the back, tucked away inside the tailgate. For the ultimate outdoor experience, the rear seats rise just enough to look above roof and the tailgate can be used as a shading screen.
And because no driving experience is complete without sustainability, the Element-C has a Bio-diesel/electric hybrid engine; its structure and bodywork are made of lightweight (assuring 30% more mileage) recycled materials. Its interior has also eco-friendly features: the upholstery is made of recycled leather residue and the whole cockpit is lined with foam impregnated with micro-encapsulated Phase Change Materials - if interior temperature drops below the comfort zone, PCM's will release heat; and if it becomes too hot, that heat will be absorbed so that temperature peaks are supressed, saving energy.
Here is a sketch with doors open. Because it's a large door, it's better to open in like that than in a conventional way. A section of the body also opens for extra storage space, just above the taillights.
The Four Elements were missing the Fifth... the Element-C. ;)
The SnowRaptor
This is my entry for the Local Motors - Alaska Motors competition.
The Snow Raptor is built to cope with all kinds of terrain and conditions. It has two modes of operation: in normal mode, it works as an off-road vehicle, with suspension arms with variable height, to achieve maximum possible speed; in Glider mode, the front wheelarches are inverted and used as skis under the front wheels while the thread of the rear wheels expand to maximize grip in snow powder or ice.
For best performance, driver and co-pilot positions are displaced to give the driver a better view of surroundings and a narrower cockpit. Its glazed surface that goes from front to back is equipped with PV cells and a solar concentrator membrane that intensifies sun light, thus optimizing battery recharging.
Beware of the Snow Raptor. This is where weak racing cars are separated from deadly winning machines. ;)
The Snow Raptor is built to cope with all kinds of terrain and conditions. It has two modes of operation: in normal mode, it works as an off-road vehicle, with suspension arms with variable height, to achieve maximum possible speed; in Glider mode, the front wheelarches are inverted and used as skis under the front wheels while the thread of the rear wheels expand to maximize grip in snow powder or ice.
For best performance, driver and co-pilot positions are displaced to give the driver a better view of surroundings and a narrower cockpit. Its glazed surface that goes from front to back is equipped with PV cells and a solar concentrator membrane that intensifies sun light, thus optimizing battery recharging.
Beware of the Snow Raptor. This is where weak racing cars are separated from deadly winning machines. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)