LOS ANGELES – Oct. 20, 2008 – Today’s race cars have ground-breaking technology to improve speed, power, performance and safety but what a difference 17 years into the future can make.
The theme of the 2008 Design Challenge was to predict how auto racing will change by the year 2025, by imaging race cars that go beyond the expectations and challenges of today racing, such as never needing to stop for re-fueling or collision avoidance assistance technology for enhanced safety.
Nine of Southern California’s automotive design studios (Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen) have participated exploring new ideas in automotive design.
Design Challenge Entries
Designed by Mazda Research and Development North America, Kaan is a single seater electric race car with an electronic tire system and a design inspired by electric fields and natural textures.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 18,143
Created by the Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California, the Bio Runner concept features a motorcycle-like driving position, with the rider positioned inside a protective cage and controls attached to the hands and feet. Wheels are controlled via synthetic muscle-based suspensions.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 8,022
The Mitsubishi MMR25 is multi-terrain futuristic vehicle with omnidirectional wheels made of eight independently-controlled motors, allowing for a 8x4 wheel drive so that the car can be driven forward while pointing in any direction.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 11,433
Created by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer is based on the idea of reusing ordinary materials such as old oil barrels and barbecue lids as main components for the body and wheel discs.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 4,613
Honda Research and Development North America has created a futuristic racing vehicle to compete in the Great Race 2025, circumnavigating the globe in 24 hours on land, by sea and by air.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 7,816
Designed by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America, the Formula Zero luxury racer combines elements from the Formula One and Yacht Racing worlds with the track dynamics of the bobsled.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 4,684
Designed by GM Advanced Design, California, the Chaparral Volt collects and generates its own energy from three different renewable California resources: Earth, Wind and Fire to create a new racing category: the eco-triathlon.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 4,073
Created by Audi of America Design Center California, the R25 was designed to compete in futuristic racetracks with high-velocity tunnels which allow cars to race inverted. Among the features are a Dynamic Space Frame and active surfaces which optimize airflow.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 7,598
The Toyota Le Mans Racer a race car concept powered by hydrogen fuel cell electric motor, with body surfaces that integrate photovoltaic panels which supply electricity when extra energy is needed.
Published on 21 October 2008 | Page views: 5,919
“Automotive designers have always been fascinated with Motor Sports and this year’s Design Challenge has provided them with the opportunity to use their creative talent to look at these cars with new eyes, using innovative technologies and approaches,” said Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles and partner in The Design Academy, Inc.
“This adds to the excitement, interest and personal involvement in the sport that has thrilled people of all ages for many years...and many more years to come.”
Entries will be judged by Tom Matano of San Francisco’s Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design. Daniel Simon, an established car designer and founder of Cosmic Motors, is the special guest judge this year. Simon began his design career at Volkswagen and recently published his first book: Cosmic Motors-Spaceships, Cars and Pilots of Another Galaxy.
The winning design will be announced at the Design Los Angeles conference Nov. 20 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
About the Design Challenge
The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers’ conference that has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Entering its fifth year, Design Los Angeles provides designers with leading design speakers and the opportunity to address common issues. More than 500 designers attended last year’s event.
For more information visit Los Angeles Auto Show's official website.
(Source: LA Auto Show)
