2006 LA Auto Show Design Challenge

[Overheat]

The theme of this design challenge is "An LA Adventure." Today we showcase the work of 10 automotive manufacturer design studios in interpreting this theme.


2006 Audi Nero



(from LA Auto Show) The Audi Nero (Latin for black) concept is an evolution of the 1930s streamlined record-breaking Auto Union racers. The aerodynamic surfaces, covered wheels and low ground clearance create a stealthy modern interpretation of its inspirational ancestors. The carbon black color reflects the LA mood, while its strong silhouette is punctuated with compelling technical details. The aggressive front end is followed by a translucent hood that showcases its powerful engine. The Nero super coupe is an expression of pure power, speed and style that turns any LA night into an adventure.

Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
Designers: Jess Harder, Raul Cenan

more pictures here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Audi-Nero.htm


2006 GMC PAD



(from LA Auto Show) Why commute? Adapt. That’s the thinking behind the GMC PAD, which offers an innovative look at an urban loft with mobility. It’s a home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller. The GMC PAD features a diesel-electric hybrid system for propulsion while in DriveMode, and serves as a generator for the onboard power grid for LifeMode. The media rich environment is unlike any other, and comes with an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options. With the GMC PAD, home is where you want it. And commuting is what other people do.

GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio
Designers: Steve Anderson, Senon B. Franco III, Jay Bernard, Phil Tanioka, Sidney Levy, Brian Horton, Alessandro Zezza, Christine Ebner, Frank Saucedo

more pictures here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-GMC-PAD.htm


2006 Honda LA Rolling Film Festival






(from LA Auto Show) The Movies! That’s one common worldwide attribute of LA. So the designers of Honda, in honor of LA’s movie persona, created vignettes of vehicles and lifestyles for several of the cultures, lifestyles and images of LA. And they designed them with the imaginative consideration of the second most important characteristic of LA – living on roadways. For the fitness crowd there’s “The Running Bus,” an ingenious human-powered hybrid that features 10 stationary runners inside the bus for power; or the “Jacarzzi,” which is a sleek sports car that doubles as a hot tub. And, the vehicles are presented in the best language of Los Angeles – the Movie Poster.

Designers: Honda Research & Development

more pics here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...m-Festival.htm


2006 Hyundai Gator



(from LA Auto Show) What happens when drag racing moves beyond internal combustion and nitrous oxide? The Hyundai Greenspeed Gator, which pushes the boundaries of design and fuel cell performance. Inspired by the top fuel racers of the ‘60s, this alien shape is rooted in pure function. The overall design consists of a main fuselage with integrated roll protection and “seat sling” that hangs underneath, tied together by a center spine chassis with integral fuel cells. The giant hood blisters house the hydrogen storage tanks, and the rear wheels house gargantuan electric motors.

Hyundai Kia America Design Center
Designer: Eric M. Stoddard

more pics here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Hyundai-Gator.htm


2006 Kia Sidewinder



(from LA Auto Show) This Kia is a two-seat, lean, mean, drifting machine! The Sidewinder’s power comes from a compressed natural gas turbine, which feeds electricity to a series of in-wheel, high torque, electric motors. This environmentally-responsible vehicle would surely grab the most attention while carving lines sideways through the race course. Kia chose drift racing as its theme for the “LA Adventure,” because Los Angeles was the scene of the first officially-sanctioned American drifting event.

Hyundai Kia America Design Center
Designer: Marc Mainville

more pics here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...Sidewinder.htm


2006 Maybach California Gourmet Tourer



(from LA Auto Show) The Maybach California Gourmet Tourer is the ultimate machine to enjoy a culinary adventure. Fully automated, the Maybach is safely chauffeured by software using GPS guidance. Offering panorama style windows to enjoy the scenery, it comes fully equipped with every onboard feature imaginable to store and prepare food and wine. It features refrigeration, espresso machine, microwave, wine rack, food preparation area, recycler, foldout tables and other accessories to make any picnic an unforgettable adventure.

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Designer: Andre Frey

more pics here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...met-Tourer.htm


2006 Mercedes-Benz Mojave Runner



(from LA Auto Show) The gas-electric hybrid Mojave Runner is designed to thrive in extreme heat, rough terrain or unpredictable weather. It features night vision, sandstorm radar and GPS sensors and is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell generator to provide electrical power for tools and rescue equipment. The strong, lightweight exoskeleton frame is a combination of carbon-fiber and pressurized aluminum tubing that stores air for pneumatic power tools. Its off- and on-road capability is optimized by intelligent adaptive tires that automatically changes tread depth for top performance.

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Designer: John Gill

read more here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...ave-Runner.htm


2006 Mitsubishi Roadster Konzept



(from LA Auto Show Design Challenge) The Mitsubishi Roadster Konzept (MRK) is a sporty hybrid compact that combines LA’s hip stylish image with a sophisticated look. Environmentally-responsible, all four wheels are equipped with Mitsubishi’s AWD in-wheel electric motor technology. The 280 hp provided by the in-wheel motors combined with the 80 hp rear-mounted engine brings an impressive 360 hp to zip around congested freeways. The MRK has two front sport seats, plus rear rumble seats, which allows for two rear passengers or extra cargo space for Southern California adventures.

Mitsubishi Research & Design of North America
Designer: Mark Kim

more pics here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...er-Konzept.htm


2006 Scion Exile



(from LA Auto Show) The Scion Exile is designed to whisk its individualistic occupants to the snowy slopes, sandy beaches and hip nightlife all in the same day. To appeal to the upscale/sport crowd, the cab-forward Exile is proportioned similar to that of more expensive and impractical exotic sports cars, yet with a go anywhere attitude. A clever trunk doubles as a moveable cargo pod that can be extended, lowered and wheeled as a portable mobile storage locker. With so many activities to choose from in a single day, the Scion Exile accommodates all LA has to offer.

Calty Design Research
Designer: Matt Sperling

read more here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-2006-Scion-Exile.htm


2006 Smart Rescue Vehicle



(from LA Auto Show) From Smart comes the ideal cruiser for crowded Southern California beaches. The Smart Rescue Vehicle is designed for the adventures and tasks that a lifeguard endures on a daily basis, such as first aid, beach patrol, safety and water rescues. The driver sits high in a personal water craft-styled seating position, and can accommodate four passengers. Its mid-engined 800cc turbo Smart engine sits between the front and rear foam seats and can do double duty by powering the jet pump when in amphibious mode.

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Designer: Hubert Lee

read more here: http://www.seriouswheels.com/top-200...ue-Vehicle.htm



so do you think any of these will make it to production?

[jayjaya29]

None of these will make it production, but they sure are cool. I like these wild and wacky concepts, it shows what people are thinking up. Neat stuff.

[bihus]

I can see the Audi Nero front appearing in future Audis. Probably in the new TT.
And I like it that way. Oh, and the 3rd brake light, too.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

The first Honda one looks like it was 3D-modeled by an eight year old.

[bone]

5th element, here we come

that kia looks realy cool though

[fbc]

Originally Posted by bone

that kia looks realy cool though

Agreed - but I'm a bit worried that I like a Kia

[Phix]

The Kia fails, in my opinion.

Look at how bizarre (and crappy (cough PAD cough)) the others are then the Kia one is so subdued. Something that seems quite possible either in race car form or what not.

[Lilleput]

The Merc and the Gator is my favorites.

[BlaRo]

That bus scares me.

[bone]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

That bus scares me.

what will be the point of taking the bus?

you'll have to walk anyways, even worse, you'll have to run

[mautzel]

Weird stuff - I like the idea of the human powered hybid best

[logo]

best thing in those pic are the tires on the merc concept

[bihus]

Originally Posted by logo

best thing in those pic are the tires on the merc concept

Yeah, talk about smooth riding.

[Overheat]

The GMC Pad concept has won the California Design Challenge at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Pad, developed by a team from GM's advanced design centre in the state, is a futuristic camper van/mobile home/office on wheels; "an urban loft with mobility", a "home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller." It even, say its creators, "represents a reasoned solution to the problems of urban sprawl, development and its damaging effects on the region's environment." So forget the condo or the split-level detached executive home with a view: buy a giant camper van.

The Pad features (hypothetically) a diesel-electric powertrain, which can double as a generator to produce electricity to power its various house-style functions. Its solar panels also collect energy and GM says that it can carry fuel and water supplies that could last for weeks, or even months, on end. It has a kitchen area, a bathroom and electrochromatic glass that can turn translucent at the touch of a button, plus a host of digital devices, including TV, satellite radio and wi-fi, a continual internet connection and full telecommunications kit. Or for simpler pleasures, perhaps when parked out in the desert or besides a beautiful beach, you could just chill out on the roof deck.

It's solely a concept at the moment, but the Pad is technologically feasible. And who would buy such a thing? It "could easily be adapted for use in government roles such as disaster response and emergency housing", says GM, but its role is probably more "for the entertainment industry or on-site management offices for events, construction and media." Yes, it's the Hollywood Portakabin.

for more information on the designs, check out this feature on 4car: http://www.channel4.com/4car/feature...ign/index.html