Car Designers Get Wild For The LA Auto Show
Home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of automobile manufacturer design studios, Los Angeles is consistently ahead of the next trend, spawning ideas to help solve tomorrow’s challenges today.
This century’s more eco-friendly vehicles are only the beginning of transforming the future of driving into an environmental experience.
For the third consecutive year, the Design Challenge has Los Angeles design studios shaping their vision of the future by creating a vehicle that is environmentally aware of its global footprint. Nine participating studios are exploring this new futuristic frontier by imagining a time when all vehicles have technology allowing the public to enjoy the distinctive Southern California lifestyle and unique environment without harming it.
Environmental Sustainability
These multi-purpose, environmentally sustainable design entries are as diverse as the beach, mountains and deserts that represent the geographic diversity of LA. They include such design visions as the vehicle with interchangeable, fully recyclable body coverings, another which runs on pedal power and a vehicle with algae-filled panels that transform harmful CO2 into pure oxygen.
Designers thrive on participating in the Design Challenge because it enables them to explore far-reaching, creative ideas in automotive design without any restrictions on them.
Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans
The Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans is the perfect test bed for new material development and clean energy that is ready to perform under the most extreme conditions.
By utilizing molecular nanotechnology, a compact fuel cell can be made possible, thereby making vehicle packaging efficient. New strong, lightweight materials derive from various sources and are 100 percent recyclable. The hydrogen fuel cell power plant tests its performance in the most grueling endurance race in the world – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The FCX is a notion of Acura’s commitment to a cleaner environment.
Honda Research & Development
Designers: Leon Paz
Joe De Natale
David Cheng
Audi Dynamic Space Frame
Looking far into the future, the is an aerodynamic, stealth-like speedster that’s environmentally responsible and forward-thinking. The rapid prototyping manufacturing process of the Audi is streamlined by integrating parts and processes that are typically separate.
The Dynamic Space Frame integrates all fluid and electrical channels within the frame, a hydraulic fluid drive in place of a traditional driveshaft and suspension/body components filled with fluid that responds to electrical current to control the ride. A new level of individualization is achieved by its dynamic space frame made of an “all-inclusive” single material used for both the interior and exterior.
To offset the resources used for this concept, Audi purchased domestic wind power from Renewable Energy Choice and planted trees through Trees for the Future’s Global Cooling Program.
Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
Designers: Patrick Faulwetter
Daniel Simon
Ian Hilton
