will.i.am, well known for his association with the Black Eyed Peas which he also founded, is more than just a singer and musician. Today, he’s a tech entrepreneur, philanthropist and was even chosen as the TIME 100 IMPACT Award winner. Recently, he’s been working on a special project with Mercedes-AMG under strict secrecy which will culminate with the presentation of the WILL.I.AMG at the Miami F1 Grand Prix this weekend.
It’s also the sixth collaboration that he is having with West Coast Customs, a customisation outfit in California, to create the one-off vehicle for the project which is known as ‘The Flip – – Innovation for Purpose’. The Flip is intended to give more students from disadvantaged communities access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education in order to be equipped with the skills required for future-focused jobs and to invent new technologies.
“I grew up in a ghetto. I grew up with hip hop. I watched legendary hip hop artist rap about Mercedes, so it was always a dream to own a Mercedes. For a lot of inner-city kids, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancing out of struggle,” explained will.i.am. “Now I’ve reached my goal and pushed even higher by re-imagining and creating my own vision of an AMG model. But I didn’t touch the engine, because AMG really does make the best engines. The story of the founders of AMG truly inspires me and it is energizing to collaborate with like-minded people who also seek continuous improvement.”
Inspired by the Mercedes star logo and the vehicle sound, will.i.am created a bear-like face icon, which has been dubbed ‘BEAR WITNESS’. This icon is also the focal point of the BEAR WITNESS collection that features limited-edition apparel and accessories available at the Mercedes-AMG Experience Centre in Miami and online.
The elaborate conversion and construction of this car, based on Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, has been captured in an extensive 6‑part documentary series, ‘DRIVE’ that will sneak preview at the May 5 reveal event.
All the activities surrounding this one-of-a-kind vehicle influenced by design elements of the G-Class and the legendary SLS Gullwing will benefit will.i.am’s i.am/Angel Foundation to help build a STEAM-ready talent pool that will lift families and communities out of poverty.
Mercedes-AMG is supporting this project because it also fulfils a lifelong dream of 47-year old will.i.am: he is a car guy through and through and a Mercedes-AMG enthusiast who has always dreamed of making his personal Mercedes-AMG vehicle a reality.
Following the presentation of the CURVV concept early in April, Tata Motors recently unveiled a second concept car which will be the basis of a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that will enter the market in 2025. The new concept car is called the AVINYA, the name being derived from the Sanskrit language to stand for ‘Innovation’.
“While making the AVINYA Concept a reality, the central idea was to offer a mobility solution like no other – a state of the art software on wheels that is well designed, sustainable and reduces the planet’s carbon footprint,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors. “Green Mobility is at the nucleus of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM), and the AVINYA Concept is the perfect reflection of what the company stands for – a creation that will not only accelerate the adoption of EVs but also lead this movement.”
Expanding on Mr. Chandrasekaran’s statement, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said: “It is indeed a matter of pride for us at TPEM to present the AVINYA Concept to the world, a vision pivotal in signalling a ‘New Paradigm’. Holding on to its values of Simplicity, Timelessness, Effortlessness and Grace, the AVINYA is not only a concept but is our new identity, an identity which is here to challenge the status quo. It gives me an intense sense of optimism to present a new typology of vehicles that will introduce the automobile industry to options beyond mobility – a tranquil space which will offer you a complete sensory experience while on the move.”
The AVINYA Concept is the first model built on the GEN 3 architecture developed for BEVs. This global platform offers high structural safety and has the next level of waterproofing and dust protection which may be a necessity in India and some other markets.
This architecture is built with the use of next-gen lightweight materials, efficient electronic componentry and proprietary energy management strategies and algorithms for efficiency management.
With this architecture, Tata Motors plans to produce a range of globally competitive EVs. These will have new age technology, software and Artificial Intelligence working in the background. To help in widening adoption of BEVs, Tata Motors aims to make the model fairly accessible to a majority of customers of fast-growing, high-volume segments of today.
The catamaran design served as inspiration for the AVINYA Concept, conceived as a premium hatchback with the versatility of an SUV and the roominess and functionality of an MPV. A significant highlight on the front and the rear of the vehicle is the new identity. Each side has ‘Butterfly’ doors, hinged at the front and at the rear. When both are open, a wide opening is available for entry and exit.
Such a concept is usually shown in concept cars but does not always continue in the production models. There are some models that do have it, like those from Rolls-Royce and as we have seen recently, the new Mazda MX-30.
The AVINYA Concept also has a skydome to further enhance the overall sense of space by letting in natural light from above. Sustainable materials are used, communicating the ethos of the product and as a finishing touch, there is an aroma diffuser.
Tata Motors’ designers have made an interesting departure from the trend of having more display screens (and larger ones too) around the cabin. They believe that less screen time is the way to go, and have minimised this aspect. This will eliminate distractions inside the car and create a stress-free environment for the mind and soul, they feel.
Tata Motors does not say much about the powertrain but intends to provide a battery pack with ultra fast-charge capability that will give a 500-km range in under 30 minutes. Other subsidiaries in the Tata Group will develop the batteries and EV technologies, giving the company an advantage in what will become a competitive segment of the global auto market.
The third of Audi’s ‘sphere’ concept cars showing its idea of premium electric vehicles in future in three different segments has been unveiled today: the Audi urbansphere. Where the 2021 skysphere was a roadster GT concept and the grandsphere that followed was a luxury sedan, the urbansphere takes the form of an MPV.
urbansphere skyspheregrandsphere
‘Co-created’ with Chinese customers
Designed by teams in China and Germany, the urbansphere has been conceived with Chinese customers involvement as well. For the first time, potential customers in China could also take part in the development process, contributing their own perspectives as part of a process known as ‘co-creation’. “In order to meet the demands of our Chinese customers, Audi’s design studios in Beijing and Ingolstadt worked together closely to jointly develop the Audi urbansphere concept car,” said Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Audi Board of Management and responsible for the Chinese market.
It is the largest model in the sphere family and even of all Audi concept cars to date, measuring 5510 mm in length, 2010 mm in width and 1780 mm tall. The silhouette of the body features traditional Audi shapes and elements, combined to create a new composition featuring the signature Singleframe. The implied wedge shape of the vehicle body is emphasized by the large, flat windscreen.
At the front, the Audi Singleframe is shaped like a large octagon. Even though the grille has lost its original function as an air intake because this is an electric vehicle, it still remains prominent as an unmistakable signature of the brand. The digital light surface lies behind a slightly tinted, transparent visor that covers a large area of the front.
The 3-dimensional light structure itself is arranged in dynamically condensed pixel areas. The upper and lower edges of the Singleframe are still made of aluminium and the vertical connections are formed by LEDs as part of the light surface. The lighting units to the right and left of the Singleframe look narrow, like focused eyes.
These digital lighting units, known as ‘Audi Eyes’, echo the brand’s four rings as they enlarge and isolate the intersection of two rings to form a pupil – a new, unmistakable digital light signature. The illuminated surfaces – and therefore the expression of the ‘eyes’ – can be adapted to the traffic situation, environment, or even the mood of the passengers. As a daytime running light, the gaze can be focused or open, and the ‘iris’ can be narrow or wide. A digitally created ‘eyebrow’ also functions as a dynamic turn signal when required.
MPV of the future?
Though it may be considered an MPV by today’s definition, Audi feels that the urbansphere defies classification into conventional vehicle categories. The monolithic design shares commonalities with the other two concept cars, as do the sculpted, soft shape of the wheelarches. Despite the stately proportions, elegance, dynamism, and an organic design language should come to mind.
‘Third living space’
The 3.4-metre long wheelbase allows a spacious interior designed as a lounge on wheels, serving as a third living space during the time spent on the roads of densely populated cities like Beijing. It can also have a role as a mobile office in which occupants can have meetings or work while moving around. Four individual seats in two rows offer first-class comfort and the seating can also cater to passengers’ changing social needs in a variety of ways.
The interior of the urbansphere is not subject to the dimensional constraints nor limited by the physics of driving. The interior designers had what is the largest interior space in an Audi vehicle to date to prioritize occupant comfort. To this end, it can be a mobile interactive space that provides a gateway to a wider digital ecosystem.
“To make e-mobility even more attractive, we think about it holistically and from the customer’s needs,” said Duesmann. “More than ever before, it is not just the product that is decisive, but the entire ecosystem. That is why Audi is creating a comprehensive ecosystem with services for the entire car. The Audi urbansphere concept offers everyone onboard a wide range of options to use that freedom to provide a highly-personalized in-car experience: communication or relaxation, work or withdrawal into a private sphere as desired. As such, it transforms from being strictly an automobile into an ‘experience device’.“
Customized infotainment offerings are available, such as the seamless integration of onboard music and video streaming services. There is a large-format and transparent OLED screen that pivots vertically from the roof area into the zone between the rows of seats. Using this ‘cinema screen’, which occupies the entire width of the interior, the two passengers in the back row can take part in a video conference together or watch a movie.
Wellness zone, suggested by Chinese customers
The urbansphere also qualifies as a wellness zone, thanks to digital options that emerged in no small part through input from the co-creation process with Chinese customers. Stress detection is a prime example – this adaptive program uses facial scans and voice analysis to determine how passengers are feeling and offers personalized suggestions for relaxation, for example with a meditation app that can be used via the personal screen and the private sound zone in the headrests.
Many of the materials in the interior, such as the hornbeam veneers, come from sustainable sources. This choice of material makes it possible to use wood that has grown close to the site, and the entire trunk can be utilized. No chemicals are used during the manufacturing process.
Audi Light Umbrella
As a special tribute to China, the designers provide a luminous accessory that passengers can take with them when they leave the urbansphere – the Audi Light Umbrella. This self-illuminating umbrella inspired by traditional Chinese umbrellas acts as a protective companion and multifunctional light source. The inner skin is made of reflective material, so the entire surface acts as a glare-free lighting unit.
Because the urbansphere has level 4 autonomous technology which frees its occupants of the need to be directly involved in its operation, it can pick up passengers at their home or office and independently takes care of finding a parking space and charging the battery.
Premium Platform Electric
The urbansphere is a concept and design study so much of what it shows are proposals for the future. However, the Premium Platform Electric or PPE is something that is already in use by Audi and Porsche. It has been specifically designed for battery-electric drive systems and the is a battery module between the axles. Audi has succeeded in achieving a flat layout for the battery module by using almost the entire base of the vehicle between the axles.
The battery module can store around 120 kWh of energy to power 2 electric motors capable of delivering a total system output of 295 kW/690 Nm. There is one electric motor on each of the front and rear axles which, by means of electronic coordination, implements the permanently available all-wheel drive as required. The motor on the front axle can be deactivated as required in order to reduce friction and thus energy consumption when coasting.
The powertrain has 800V charging technology which will make it possible for recharging with up to 270 kW at fast-charging stations in the shortest possible time. This will enable charging times to approach those of a conventional stop to refuel a car powered by a combustion engine. Just 10 minutes would be enough to charge the battery to a level sufficient to cover more than 300 kms. Audi expects that a fully charge battery module would be able to provide a range of up to 750 kms, even when used for more energy-intensive city and short-distance trips.
“These concept vehicles embody our brand strategy. They show how we imagine the near future of premium mobility,” said Henrik Wenders, Senior Vice-President of the Audi brand. For him, the future is a design space to offer people new experiences in ‘spheres’ during their journey.
While the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was in the spotlight being announced as the 2022 World Car of the Year award at the New York International Motor Show, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be liked.
The concept car reflects Genesis’ principle of reductive design with Genesis’ wings and Two Lines prominent, while an hourglass silhouette gives the car its muscular presence. It was born out of a ‘freestyle’ design exercise based on the Genesis X Concept and inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.
Inspired by passion for motorsports
The name ‘Speedium’ was inspired by the passion for motorsports which Genesis designers felt at the Korean racetrack. It also encapsulates the brand’s belief that the emotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification, while the addition of the ‘coupe’ further accentuates the enjoyment of driving through aesthetic designs.
On the front, Genesis’ signature Two Lines lamps have evolved into a full-width element that encompasses the shape of the crest resembling the Genesis Crest Grille. It is designed to carry the brand signature of the wing face for the electrification era by integrating the daytime running lamps with the low beam and high beam together. It carries an EV face that symbolizes Genesis’ transformation towards becoming an all-electric car brand with a 6-model line-up by 2030.
From an overhead perspective, the hourglass silhouette is evident, while the curvaceous and sensuous form accentuates the wheelarches creating muscular presence. Viewed from the side, the Parabolic Line extending from the front to the rear of the car maintains a certain tension in the design as a classic car would.
The concept car’s metallic emerald green shade is referred to as ‘Inje Green’. The reference to a Korean racetrack is seen in the colour which encompasses the mountainous landscape where the track is located.
According to Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.
Genesis House in New York
The X Speedium Coupe was unveiled at Genesis House in New York, a cultural space which opened in 2021as the brand’s home in the USA. Measuring 4,340 square metres and consisting of 3 floors, it has been a venue for numerous events held in collaboration with various artists and the local community. The environment at Genesis House also allows guests to enjoy a Korean cultural experience with a restaurant and Tea Pavilion.
Besides a library, there is also an exhibition space displaying the Genesis line-up of existing models and concept cars. Tessellated mirrors set off the design of the cars on display, and a curator is on hand to provide detailed explanations in various languages.
SUVs makes up the largest market segment today and this is the case in every market in the world, even in India where foreign brands have been introducing new SUV models in recent years. The Indian carmakers also have their own SUVs although most are still the more ‘traditional’ type designed more for ruggedness than style.
But that will soon change if a new SUV concept by Tata Motors is any indication. The concept, called CURVV, has a design more like the crossover SUVs of today. It’s an edgy sporty look with a coupe profile that is typical of modern SUV typology. Presumably, the design has been done in-house and is proposed with an electric powertrain as well as a combustion engine powertrain.
In keeping with its SUV image, there is extra ground clearance so it stands tall, with a large offset for the front and rear ends. Cladding with a grooved pattern below the sills give a a visual sense of ruggedness. At the lower front and rear, the protective panels also have a similar pattern.
The lighting concept at the front is unique and whether it will actually be in the production model remains to be seen. There is a thin line that runs across the edge of the bonnet and is illuminated with ultra slim LEDs. Together with triangular shaped headlamps, there is a visual signature for the model. The same full-width LED feature is used at the rear as well, with the LEDs illuminating in red.
Much thought has gone into aerodynamic efficiency and airflow around the pillars has been made as smooth as possible. The wheels also have ‘aeroblade’ inserts to close off the openings which can cause micro turbulence.
The interior has been kept simple with a clean dashboard although the production model might not be as clean when equipment like the audio system and air-conditioning is added. But what is important, according to Tata, has been the integration of new technologies and the Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Apart from more efficient interior packaging, the designers have also aimed for a more premium feel through the use of high quality materials and finishes. To brighten up the interior, there’s a panoramic sunroof which covers much of the roof.
From statements by senior Tata executives, the concept model seems very much like a preview rather than just a showcar. In fact, it is expected to become a production model within the next two years.
“With this magnificent Electric SUV Concept – CURVV, our focus has been to enable customers with a product option that is the perfect amalgamation of modern functionality and design. With a robust SUV DNA at its core, and a plethora of new age materials, features and interfaces, we are confident that this concept will redefine mainstream SUV design,” said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.
“Furthermore, with the concept CURVV, we now enter the Generation 2 EV architecture which will further enhance the adoption of EVs in India by overcoming the current barriers. With this new architecture, we will strengthen the key pillars of range, performance and technology, while retaining safety and reliability,” he added.
Alpine, a brand within the Renault Group, has many talented designers who regularly come out with new models. The designers have a deep understanding of the DNA and traditional characteristics of the brand that was founded in 1955. Occasionally, Alpine also looks outside the company for new ideas and collaborating with IED (Istituto Europeo di Design), the well known design school in Italy, they have been presented with a supercar concept by 28 Masters students studying Transportation Design. The student-led project came up with a hydrogen-powered, 2-seater supercar, based on a brief from the Alpine design team.
High performance, low environmental impact
Alpine challenged the students to design a ‘super berlinette’ for 2035. The supercar was to be a high-performing vehicle both in terms of performance and environmental impact. After the brief was given last year, students worked individually to come up with their own interpretation and present it to the brand.
Alpine then selected a combination of the two main ideas. Based on the two selected proposals, the young designers created the ‘A4810 Project by IED’. During the design phase, the students sought to combine vision and innovation, without losing sight of the traditional roots of the Alpine brand.
Berlinetta of the future
The A4810 Project by IED explores the experimental combination of the shape of a berlinette with a hydrogen powertrain. While the engine and fuel tanks are built like those on a typical hypercar, the subtraction process is proof of strong innovation. The design alternates between empty and full spaces, giving the vehicle a lightweight look and aerodynamic features inspired by Formula 1 models.
The A4810, which provides a glimpse into the future supercars, embraces next-generation technologies while and is also environmentally friendly. It enables Alpine to broaden its horizons to new generations of designers and drivers, and raise awareness of the innovative project presented by talented students.
The French spirit has been skillfully preserved; while avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary formal elements, the young designers focussed on the overlapping layers and sculptural aspects of the car’s silhouette. The bi-tone colours, matte black, and carbonfibre highlights create a bold contrast with each part of the car, making them stand out according to their function – aerodynamic, mechanical, or merely formal.
Multinational team of students
The team of students from European countries as well as the USA, India, Taiwan, China, Mali and the Dominican Republic used digital tools for their design work. By incorporating hydrogen power supply, it means that they developed a full-fledged concept that is almost ready to take to the roads of a much more sustainable future – without atmosphere-damaging emissions.
Furthermore, they chose a name that conveyed the brand’s legacy. In fact, ‘4810’ is the height (in metres) of the Mont Blanc – the highest and most emblematic peak in the Alps that sits at the border between Italy and France, like a bridge connecting IED and Alpine. The brand, Alpine, is named after the very same mountains and evokes the joy of driving along their winding roads.
“Collaboration with IED and its students has been a great experience. It was a ‘filter’ for us to see the brand through the eyes of the younger generation, but it was also an opportunity to share our passion and know-how, and give them sound advice for a successful career in automotive design,” said Antony Villain, Alpine Design Director.
Like many other carmakers, Audi too has firm plans on electrifying its range and within this decade, it will have a range of models running only on electric power. The models will come under the ‘e-tron’ umbrella which is the name Audi uses for its battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Some are already in the market, the first having been launched in 2018, and more are on the way.
Not just a design exercise
The A6 Avant e-tron concept shows what a future BEV stationwagon will be like and Audi says it is not just a simple design exercise. Its lines and proportions preview future Audi production models which Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform developed jointly with Porsche. The lines are a consistent development in Audi’s contemporary formal language, and significant elements like the closed Singleframe and the continuous strip of lights in the rear link it to the other e-tron Audis.
The concept car appears monolithic, as if from a single mould – particularly when viewed from the side. The gently backward sloping roof arch with the slanted D-pillar is a typical feature of Avant window design; the D-pillar rises from the stable base of the vehicle’s back end in an especially streamlined manner. The eye-catching quattro wheel arches effectively accentuate the width of the body and are simultaneously integrated organically into the side surfaces.
The wheel arches are connected by the specially sculpted battery area above the rocker panel, which is highlighted with a black inlay – a design element that is now a hallmark of the Audi’s fleet of BEVs. Also typical of e-tron models are the sleek, camera-based virtual exterior mirrors at the base of the A-pillar.
Advanced lighting units
The lighting units at the front and rear are technologically advanced. Digital Matrix LED and digital OLED technology make it possible to achieve maximum brightness and a wide range of features even with a minimal surface area while, at the same time, offering customizable light signatures.
Three small, high-resolution LED projectors are built into each side of the body, transforming the ground beneath them into a stage when the doors are opened – small, extended, dynamic lighting effects greet the occupants with messages in their own language. The projectors also display warning symbols on the ground to warn a bike rider that the car door is about to open, for example.
Another four high-resolution LED projectors – inconspicuously integrated into the corners of the vehicle – generate turn signal projections. The design of these projections can be modified to address different markets and approval regions as required.
The Digital Matrix LED front headlights deliver almost cinematic quality. If, for example, the car is parked in front of a wall during a break to recharge the battery, the driver and passengers can pass the time playing a video game projected onto it. Instead of on a small screen in the cockpit, they’ll see their current game’s virtual landscapes projected onto the wall in XXL format – and all this via the Digital Matrix LED headlights.
The rear end of the concept car features a new generation of digital OLED elements that, as a continuous strip of lights, act as a display for various digital light signatures and even dynamic lighting displays. The 3-dimensional architecture of the digital OLED elements – adapted to the shape of the body – makes it possible to perfectly integrate the night design into the overall look. This makes it possible to experience the dynamic light show not only in two dimensions – as was previously the case – but with an impressive, 3D spatial effect.
Cd of 0.22
Aerodynamics have always played a key role in Audi’s designs. The cd value of the 100 (C3) sedan at 0.30 was the lowest in its day back in the early 1980s. Now the electrically-powered Avant e-tron concept has a value of 0.22, said to be unprecedented in the electrified C-segment. This means greatly lowered aerodynamic drag, which initially translates into lower energy consumption to help extend range.
As this is a concept car, performance numbers quoted can be taken as targets: 700 kms of range with an 800V system, with 2 electric motors are capable of delivering 350 kW (469 ps) of total output and 800 Nm of torque to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.
High degree of variability inside
The Avant concept has the high degree of variability that has been a hallmark of this line of models since 1977. ‘Avant’ is a term derived from avant-garde and a 1995 Audi ad slogan. Measuring almost 5 metres in length and almost 2 metres in width, the A6 Avant e-tron is certainly a large and long car. It will not only provide comfortable accommodation but also take lots of cargo, just like the other Avant models past and present.
At motorshows and other exhibitions, carmakers often display concept cars which have advanced designs that suggest what cars will look like in future. They have various bodystyles, suggesting that there will still be variety, and sportscars are popular subjects for futuristic design studies.
The carmakers’ studios have numerous designs for the future but sometimes they also go outside the company to get ideas which may be of value. For instance, Hispano Suiza has worked with students of the ‘Istituto Europeo di Design’ (IED) in Turin, Italy to develop a creative project linked to the 120th anniversary of the brand, which will be celebrated in 2024.
The third-year students of IED Turin Triennial Course in Transportation Design, thanks to their knowledge and imagination, have risen up to the challenge of reinterpreting the Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII, built about 100 years ago, and adapting it to the near future.
The Spanish King in the Hispano Suiza sportscar which was named after him.
World’s first sportscar
The model, also known as the Type 45, was produced between 1911 and 1920 and is considered the first sportscar in automotive history. It was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII of Spain himself, who was passionate about cars and also the brand. His brief was simple: he wanted a sporty and agile model.
The 2-seater Hispano Suiza met his expectations. With its 3616 cc 4-cylinder engine and 60 ps that powered the rear wheels, it was able to reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h, certainly quite a high speed at that time. 500 units were produced up till 1920 and the King allowed his name to be used for the model. Not surprisingly, some of the cars were also used in races and were victorious.
What would the car look like today?
With the car’s significance, and following the collaboration agreement with the IED in Turin, Hispano Suiza invited the students of the Triennial Course in Transportation Design to reinterpret the Alfonso XIII. The students were asked to explore and design the exterior, interior and describe the user experience of the Alfonso XIII of the future, using the technology currently available, as well as their imagination.
Francesc Arenas, Design Director of Hispano Suiza, has worked closely with the students involved in recent months, advising them, applying his invaluable know-how and experience in collaboration with the IED in Turin.
“I am extremely proud to collaborate with the IED of Turin and to be able to offer the necessary tools to its students so that they let their imagination fly. Innovation and passion for design are key elements in the history, present and future of Hispano Suiza. For me and for everyone in the Hispano Suiza team, being able to advise, work and inspire these new talents has been a stimulating and very rewarding experience,” said Arenas.
“The implementation phases of the project represent, for the students, the moment to be free to express their creativity and the skills acquired during the technical, instrumental and theoretical classes,” explained Michele Albera, Coordinator of the IED Turin Triennial Transport Design Course. “The collaboration with Hispano Suiza has allowed the students to face the demands of a legendary automotive brand, pioneer of excellence in the automotive sector, and the needs of an international market, bringing out their personality and passion.”
Polestar, the Swedish car brand in the Geely Group, began its existence as a racing team before its expertise was used to start developing high-performance Volvos. It must have done pretty good work that Volvo decided to acquire it in 2015 and designate it as a high-performance division. After Geely acquired Volvo, Polestar was made a company on its own specialising in electric vehicles. And as its background was in high-performance products, it is focussed on high performance.
So far, the company has come out with two production models with others on the way. It has shown a concept car called Precept which will become a production model eventually. And more recently, it surprised the automotive world with a second concept car, this time a roadster. Called the Polestar O2, this is a hardtop convertible which shows that even with in the electric age, there will still be sportscars that can offer driving pleasure.
‘Hero car’ for the brand
“Polestar O2 is the hero car for our brand,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. “It opens the door to our ‘secret chamber’ of future potential. This is a taste of what we can design and engineer with the talent and technology we have in-house. It looks incredible, and being able to lower the roof and not hear an engine promises a superb sensation.”
The driving experience with the O2 is designed to be lively, light and full of confidence. Predictability and playfulness are core to exciting, spirited driving. Tight body control, high rigidity and intuitive dynamics are inherent benefits of the bespoke bonded aluminium platform, which is adapted from the upcoming Polestar 5, developed in-house by the R&D team in the UK.
The high quality and rigidity of the bonded aluminium platform are geared towards heightened dynamic response. Handling dynamics are taut thanks also to small roll angles and high roll damping, and the agile, direct steering feel is linear, with great steering torque build-up.
Related to Precept concept
Clearly related to the Precept concept car but with its own distinct character, the look of O2 shows how Polestar’s evolving design language can be adapted to different bodystyles with a strong family resemblance. The low and wide body with an assertive stance, compact 2+2 cabin design, minimal overhangs and a long wheelbase, embody classic sportscar proportions but with a clearly modern, electric feel.
Aerodynamics are manipulated to maximise range, thanks to disguised design features like integrated ducts that improve laminar airflow over the wheels and body sides, and the rear lights that function as air blades to reduce turbulence behind the car.
Sustainability and technology
The O2 also showcases advances in sustainability and technology. A new thermoplastic mono-material features extensively in the interior. The term ‘mono-material’ describes the use of a single base material to manufacture different components. In the O2, recycled polyester is the sole material used for all the soft components of the interior: foam, adhesive, 3D knit fibres and non-woven lamination. This simplifies recycling and is a significant step towards greater circularity, while also reducing weight and waste.
Polestar’s sustainability teams believe that materials should be recycled, not downcycled. In the O2, they have integrated a new method of controlling recycled content and improving circularity of metal components. Different grades of aluminium are used throughout the chassis to help deliver a thrilling driving experience.
These different grades are labelled, allowing them to be recycled more effectively and for their properties to be retained. High grade aluminium remains high grade, while other grades maintain their varied characteristics, allowing for greater material efficiency and a lower requirement for virgin aluminium.
Integrated autonomous drone
As a special feature, the O2 features an autonomous cinematic drone integrated behind the rear seats. Developed in collaboration with Aerofugia’s consumer electronics brand Hoco Flow, the concept drone can be deployed while the car is moving. An integrated aerofoil can be raised to prevent turbulence behind the seats where the drone launches from.
Once in the air, it can follow the car at speeds up to 90 km/h and be set to autonomously record video from above. A control panel on the dashboard allows the driver to choose between an atmospheric sequence – great for a coastline cruise – or a more action-filled sequence with a sportier expression. After filming, the drone can autonomously return to the car. Video clips can be edited and shared directly from the 15-inch centre display when the car is parked.
“We wanted to emphasise the experience you can have with a car like the Polestar O2 in new and unusual ways,” said Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design. “Integrating an autonomous cinematic drone was something that allowed us to push the boundaries on the innovation front. Not needing to stop and off-load the drone before filming, but rather deploying it at speed, is a key benefit to this innovative design.”
Polestar has not said it will make the O2 for sale but given the enthusiastic response to it, perhaps they may consider. In any case, there are three cars confirmed over the next 3 years and each ‘has potential to gradually realise some of the ideas presented by these concept cars’, the company said.
Pick-up trucks are big business in the US market and have been top-sellers for decades. Their popularity made the Ford F-Series the bestselling vehicles on the planet (though almost entirely sold in North America). While the Big Three – GM, Ford and Chrysler – have long dominated this segment of the market, newcomers from foreign brands like Toyota and Nissan have also made inroads but the American trucks are still firmly entrenched.
Now comes the next wave of competitors in the segment and they are not only entirely new players like Tesla, EdisonFuture, Canoo and Rivian but they are also starting off with electrically-powered trucks so they are positioning themselves for the future. Ford and GM are already on the starting line as well with their own fully electric pick-ups that have seen soaring orders – to the extent that Ford had to stop taking orders for its newF-150 Lightning.
Most of the products of the new players are not in the market yet but have been shown at motorshows and drawn tremendous response. Orders are flooding in for vehicles that will begin to reach customers later this year and in coming years. Clearly, American buyers are receptive to the idea of electrically powered trucks even though, traditionally, such vehicles have had huge engines to give them their workhorse capabilities.
As EV technology is still developing and evolving, there are many approaches being taken and some are innovations too. One of the innovative new trucks is from a start-up called EdisonFuture. It’s a 2-year old company established and based in California but if you follow the ownership trail, it will lead back across the Pacific to China’s SPI Energy.
The Chinese company also owns Phoenix Motorcars, which has specialised in developing medium-duty electric vehicles for commercial markets over the past two decades. So EdisonFuture is already starting off with access to substantial technological resources for developing its products which are trucks.
EdisonFuture is working on at least two models, both of which have been shown in concept form. The first is the EF1-T which has a solar charging capability which will provide up to 55 kms of range per day. The integrated solar panel over the vehicle can be pulled out over the rear bed and locked into place to protect the contents. The unique panel is called ‘Armadillo Armour’ and presumably has a tough construction.
Utilizing the same chassis and platform of EF1-T, the EF1-V Delivery Van is a robust and modern multi-purpose van. It can be used for work as well as travel or personal use in varying road and environment conditions from city streets to off-road.
As it functions as a delivery van, the EF1-V is given an enclosed body with sliding side doors and varying cargo volumes within a space-efficient container that is almost 2 metres long. The entire top of the cargo box is covered with solar panels so the battery pack can be recharged while parked.
EdisonFuture will offer three different powertrains to suit different requirements with either one, two or three motors. Power and torque outputs have not been revealed yet but there is a claim of up to 725 kms on a fully charged battery pack for the tri-motor version. There will also be a choice of battery packs up to 180 kWh.
Since appearing at the Los Angeles Auto Show late last year, EdisonFuture has seen encouraging response though most of it has been for the pick-up rather than the delivery van. Perhaps there are also proven and cost-effective electric vans already in the market and fleet operators are satisfied with them, and expect to keep them in use for a while longer.
The designs that were shown are still conceptual and works in progress. Icona Design, an Italian group, has been brought on board to collaborate on the exterior design of the two vehicles. As the production models won’t be on sale till 2025, there will still be time to get feedback at motorshows and from fleet operators to get the design right.
“Our vision for EdisonFuture and Phoenix Motorcars is to be leaders in sustainable transportation with focus on energy efficiency and innovative design,” said Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman & CEO of SPI Energy earlier this year.
