Ο 7ος διαγωνισμός LA Auto Show Design Challenge, ανέδειξε δύο νικητές για πρώτη φορά φέτος, τα Cadillac Aera Concept και Smart 454 αφού ισοβάθμησαν στην ψηφοφορία. Ο διαγωνισμός για πρώτη φορά φέτος ήταν παγκόσμιος και έτσι συμμετείχαν 9 αυτοκινητοβιομηχανίες (General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Toyota και Volvo). Στόχος τους ήταν να δημιουργήσουν αυτοκίνητα το οποία θα είναι φιλικά προς το περιβάλλον, να μπορούν να μεταφέρουν με ασφάλεια 4 ενήλικες, το βάρος τους να μην ξεπερνά τα 454 κιλά (1.000 pounds) αλλά να είναι σε θέση να προσφέρουν ταυτόχρονα μια απολαυστική οδηγική εμπειρία.
Το Cadillac Aera Concept είναι ένα 2+2 coupe όχημα βάρους 454 κιλών με αυτονομία 1610 χλμ, το οποίο έχει την σχεδιαστική φιλοσοφία “Art and Science” που είδαμε και στο Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept.
Από την άλλη το Smart 454, είναι ένα φουτουριστικό buggy με αφαιρούμενα ανακυκλώσιμα πλαστικά και υφασμάτινα καλύμματα το οποίο κινείται με έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα 15 kW ο οποίος τροφοδοτείται από μπαταρίες λιθίου, με τι ζάντες του να είναι κατασκευασμένες από carbon. Αναλυτικά για τα μοντέλα μπορείτε να διαβάσετε στα δελτία τύπου στη συνέχεια.
Cadillac Aera
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Cadillac Aera
1000lbs/1000mi
The Cadillac Aera (Aero + Era) launches Cadillac’s philosophy of “Art and Science” into new territory by taking an innovative and stylistic approach to ultra-light weight vehicle design. Aera is a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe, with a range of 1000 miles before refueling; attributes achieved without compromising size, capacity and safety.
Optimum efficiency, minimum parts
Aera’s highly advanced body structure utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame. This polyhedral structure is similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed from unique, alloy-utilizing, semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong, extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially “grown” into a single part lattice structure.
Renowned Cadillac smoothness and quietness are accomplished using the harnessed power of compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System (PDS). Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000 mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.
Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) promotes active safety.
The Cadillac Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist approach to long distance luxury touring.
Design Team
- Frank Saucedo – Director
- Phil Tanioka – Project Manager
- Jussi Timonen – Vehicle Designer
- Brent Wickham – Concept Strategist
- Shawn Moghadam – Layout Designer
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Smart 454
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Smart 454 by Weight Watch Technologies
(454kg is about 1000lb)
West coast fun and innovation meets German technology, design and grannies’ hand knit socks.
Manufactured by incredibly high-tech robots that look as friendly and cuddly as our grandmothers, the Tridion-frame (chassis) is knit by our “Smart Granny Robots” (otherwise know as SGRs) out of carbon fibre. The knitting can create complex shapes and forms, enabling the geometry to be optimized in strength and weight.
We use different materials for each individual part to give every piece of the car its own specific properties and look. Each part is manufactured with the exact material necessary for an optimal balance between weight and function. Windows, fenders and bumpers are all made of recyclable plastics with ingrained colors. The roof is a thin, but highly durable recycled textile that comes with different prints and weavings.
Construction of the WWT carbon fibre wheels with integrated suspension are very lightweight and make it also impossible to run a flat tire. Our unique SGR technology allows for truly unique looking rims and the best lightweight technology in a rim.
The modular “clip-on” construction principal allows easy and endless customizing: a typical WWT of Sindelfingen and smart signature. The doors, roof, engine and drive-train are also very easy to remove or exchange, allowing for perfect functionality, looks, fun and the best tuning for any occasion.
Lightweight, fun and clever: Smart, the WWT from Germany.
Hand knit socks and grannies have never been so much fun…
Design Team
- Mr. Emiel Burki
- Mr. Sylvain Wehnert
- Mr. Gabriel Nemeth
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