Auto Design

After the news, that we brought to you long time ago (previous post), here comes the car.

The Rinspeed iChange all-new electric car, designed to minimize energy consumption by optimising its aerodynamics. Indeed, in addition to a powerful electric motor with a Subaru gearbox and Lithio Ion batteries (of two different sizes) iChange displays and demonstrates a complete catalogue of energy saving solutions, as well as energy enrichment and conservation: from solar cell to low-consumtion entertainment centre. The details will soon be available, as we approach the opening of the Geneva Motor Show.

For the time being we let the images speak for the car itself. Only a couple of notes: the transparent roof is electrically opened to grant access  to driver and passengers and where the driver takes a passenger or two with him the roof is lifted in the back to grant convenient head clearance to the rear passengers.

Click on Image below for complete photo gallery:

The American congress will have to say yes to the rescue of the American car industry. If not under the Bush administration, if will happen after Barack Obama replaces him at the White House.

Their 14 billion dollars “helping hand” is mainly going to save General Motor from bankruptcy and perhaps give some support to Chrysler (which will likely be the first victim of the current hurricane). Ford, for the time being, is resisting on its own as an independent company to maintain respect and credibility. It would just be happy with a favourable “credit line”, which is all right. If it happens, the sale of Volvo will give them additional breath and reach.

The government might eventually take a 20% stake into GM and become the largest (and ruling) shareholder. In addition the USA government is appointing a “Czar” to supervise the development of the American car industry, according to a policy that will give priority to the benefits of the nation, its environment, its economy at large, rather than short term profits for the management (first) and the shareholder (next). The top executives will see their unrealistic salary drastically cut. If they are allowed to keep their jobs.

Executives will see no bonus until their company (and the industry at large is well on its feet again) and shareholders may forget their dividends for a while. Read the rest of this entry »

Swiss entrepreneur Frank M. Rinderknecht to steal the show with concept car introducing fully variable body design.

The creative and trend-setting Frank M. Rinderknecht of Rinspeed is ready to anticipate what he will be showing at the forthcoming Geneva International Motor Show (March 5th thru March 15th 2009). Read the rest of this entry »

In Singapore, late last month, the Pininfarina Sintesi concept-car unveiled last March at the Geneva Motor Show has been selected for “Red dot Award” among a selection of 1900 design concepts from 48 Nations.

The Pininfarina Concept-car has been elected for its innovative technology and Pininfarina vision of the car of the future. The international jury quoted: “for the excellent quality of its design and the outstanding innovation of its technological content”. Read the rest of this entry »

Audi introduces the R25, the latest prototype in its legendary race- car line-up.

Read the rest of this entry »

 In time of global villages, Fiat has unveiled a unique Concept Car for Latin America at the latest international motor show of Sao Paulo in Brazil, on the even of the final race of this year dramatic F1 championship. Read the rest of this entry »

The Michelin Active Wheel challenges a lot of conventional wisdom about the car, according to its maker, who says: «with the integration of the Michelin Active Wheel, an EV can be redesigned from top to bottom since all key components—the engine, electrical suspension systems, tyre and brakes—are now integrated in the wheel.

In this way, the Michelin Active Wheel opens new possibilities for creative solutions in at least five different areas:

-         Design.

-         Energy savings and pollution abatement.

-         Safety.

-         Comfort.

-         Adapting vehicles to usage needs.

Simplifying vehicles creates new opportunities in vehicle design by freeing styling teams from constraints previously thought to be inevitable. These include the elimination of the engine block, a considerable reduction in weight, the possibility of a totally flat floor on future prototypes, and chassis design that is fully focused on interior space and passenger safety.

A lighter vehicle also means a sharp reduction in energy consumption.

In fact, an EV emits no pollutants when on the road. Its environmental impact depends solely on how the electricity is produced. For example, using the WILL in a country where electricity is produced by hydroelectric power plants or renewable energy sources will result in very low indirect emissions of CO₂ per km. This would represent less than 10g in Sweden, 20g in France and 80g in Germany.

This reinvented wheel also makes unprecedented improvements in active safety, meaning the avoidance of accident risks. The integrated electrical suspension system with four independent wheels is perfectly adapted to controlling pitching and rolling motions. This new electrical chassis control enhances vehicle stability and road holding. As for passive safety (i.e. protecting passengers in the event of an accident), the front of the vehicle where the engine was previously located is now entirely dedicated to impact absorption.

The permanent control of chassis movements and noise-free electrical engine combine to provide unparalleled comfort.»

“Technology is not a constraint but a further incentive to designer’s creativity.”

“Before the end of 2009, we will be offering the Pininfarina electric car.”

Andrea Pininfarina, 2008.

In this interview, published in Spring 2008, Andrea Pininfarina how the company is changing:  from the futuristic concept car Sintesi, to the challenge of the  electric car, from the development of the brand to the expansion of services for the world automotive industry… Read the rest of this entry »