GT Crossover Concept

Tags: new designers Published on 18 August 2009 | views

The GT Crossover is a design study of a vehicle based on the literal meaning of the "Sport Utility Vehicle" definition. Among the features are the asymmetrical design and the 1+1 seating layout. The author is Coventry graduate Sam Johnson.

The GT Crossover is a Performance SUV that takes the "sports utility vehicle" definition in a literal sense, offering a combination of sporty features and everyday usability.

As Sam Johnson explains, "The GT Crossover is a reaction to the existing Sport Utility Vehicle market. With the recent trends of SUVs being designed for urban use rather that sports utility a new approach is needed. Starting the preconceptions of what a SUVs and designing a vehicle around modern sports and realistic usability."

The asymmetrical design is characterized by a 1+1 seating layout and by additional storage spaces located above the car side sills.

The GT Crossover can be used as a city commuter vehicle during the week - costing as little as £3.00 to charge - and as a performance GT car at the weekend.

The car adopts an electric powertrain with a 190 hp motor that allows to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds. The total weight is 950kg and the loading capacity is 556 liters.

The main dimensions are a length of 4,500mm, a width of 1,800mm, a height of 1,380mm and a wheelbase of 2,880mm. The tires are mounted on 24 inches wheels.

The vehicle is targeted to customers between 25 and 45 years of age, and has an estimated price of £30,000.

"Over recent years Big 4x4s have become “soft roaders”, loosing there off road capabilities in an attempt become cheaper and more accessible to a wider market.

"But I feel that at no point has any manufacture has started the design process with a clean approach, by taking the sport utility vehicle in a literal sense.

"This project shows that car categories need not be so restricted and by looking at existing models from a new perspective you can produce radically different results. Results which defy the existing boundaries and automotive trends."