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Porsche Mission R is ‘just a vision’ – but it is ready to race too

The Mission R concept racing car shown at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich last month drew a lot of attention. It was conceived to give an idea of how the all-electric Porsche racing car of the future could be like. Though the car displayed looked completely ready to be produced, Porsche has stressed that it is ‘just a vision’ – for now. It gives a preview of the design language and future technology that must be under development now.

The design – both the exterior and interior – fascinates, polarises and fuels lively debate. But while most concept cars are just 3-dimensional design studies without and engine or much technology under the skin, the Mission R is a capable racer that can be put on a track today. In fact, it is already being used as a rolling racing laboratory, according to Michael Behr, the technical manager for the project.

“That’s the Porsche philosophy,” he said, “This prototype is, of course, a showcar at this point, yet it also meets the highest technical standards.” Beneath its shell, the car represents the fulfilment of Porsche’s strategy on sustainability and social responsibility. While the company is already operating on an all-electric basis in Formula E, uses synthetic fuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, and is developing a new hybrid racer for endurance events, the Mission R will bring electric technology to customer racing as well.

Even before the car was on display, development engineers were running the platform without the striking shell. Their jobs are with massive deadline pressure, so they need to focus on work as much as possible. The first functional test, less than 6 months before the car’s premiere at the IAA, was a key milestone. Many components were still provisional at that time point and the steel subframe was suffice for the roll-out; the final composite cage has yet to be created. The seat, steering wheel, and pedals were borrowed from existing racing cars, while the rims still lacked the central lock hubs.

The Mission R, as presented, boasts all-wheel drive and 800 kW (1,088 ps) output. The power is supplied by 2 electric motors linked to a single-speed transmission. With a target weight of less than 1,500 kgs, the car should manage the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds. Depending on the choice of gear ratio, it can go beyond 300 km/h.

Thanks to the direct cooling of the stator – the stationary element of the electric machine in which the rotor rotates – the motors deliver exceptionally high continuous power. The racing car makes do with just one oil cooling circuit and without a single drop of water. The direct oil cooling of the high-voltage battery is based on an innovation developed for the 3-time Le Mans winner, the Porsche 919 Hybrid. The chassis, too, is advanced racing technology and features a double-wishbone front axle.

“At the same time, we did our utmost to leverage the last bit of lightweight potential in every detail,” said Behr. For example, the 3D-printed transmission case cover is 30% lighter than a cast one. The additional braking power during recuperation made it possible to shave 12 kgs off the braking system. The composite outer skin is not just feather-light but also sustainable. It consists mainly of natural fibre, supplemented by carbonfibre components.

The natural fibres are roughly as light as carbonfibres and deliver the stiffness required for semi-structural components with a low additional weight of less than 10%. Compared with conventional plastics, natural fibres have an ecological benefit: 85% less CO₂ is generated in their production than in the comparable process used for carbonfibres.

Under the futuristic body, the designers are also exploring a new roll-over protection concept. Instead of a conventional steel cell welded to the bodyshell, there is a cage structure made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to protect the driver. The safety cage is integrated directly into the roof and is visible from the outside via transparent segments.

Over the last few years, the Mission E (2015) and Mission E Cross Turismo (2018) concept studies have been previews of Porsche’s first all-electric sports car model series to come. From them came the Taycan in 2019 and, more recently, the Taycan Cross Turismo which had similarities in terms of appearance and technology. Now, with the Mission R, Porsche is showing the direction it is taking with future racing cars so while they say it is ‘just a vision’, perhaps when the actual production model appears, we will be recalling this concept car of 2021.

Prototypes and studies Porsche has never before shown to the public

Continental AMBIENC3 concept vehicle shows interior of the future

As the actual job of driving a car gets taken over by a computer in future, the interior space will become more than just a place to sit while travelling, it will be a space where the occupants, besides driving when necessary, can relax or work. These three activities are set to merge in the digital, connected and sustainable vehicles of the future.

Continental has been looking at interior spaces which it terms “Third Space”. To show what the future of vehicle interiors could be like, it has built the AMBIENC3, a concept vehicle in which everything is designed and imagined within a shared blueprint. It has stylish, light and robust surfaces for the floor, walls and ceilings, the seats, lounge and tables; natural, subtle and bright colours; warm, clearly defined lighting effects; and unobtrusive sounds.

The AMBIENC3 is full of new surface solutions made from innovative and sustainable materials. It is based on a Volkswagen T2 microvan, a vehicle of rich emotional charm that provides a meeting point for retro appeal and future direction.

“With the AMBIENC3, we are connecting a globally renowned icon of the automotive world with new, intriguing surfaces and future-focused technologies, whose attributes assist driving, working and relaxing as effectively as possible and distinguish them through colour, design and material,” said Ralf Imbery, Global Director Innovation, Transformation & Design at Continental’s surface experts. “With the AMBIENC3 we are demonstrating our expertise in terms of sustainability, design, functionality, ‘third space’ development and customer centricity. It sees us bringing together key drivers for the future of the mobile interior.”

Focus on sustainability
One highlight of the concept vehicle from Continental is a light and sound concept that creates different moods. Natural and renewable raw materials are used for the surfaces, as well as recycled and reclaimed materials – with no compromise in quality. Passengers in the AMBIENC3 can breathe clean air, thanks to low-emission, low-pollutant materials.

Light surfaces also help to lower the vehicle weight. This reduces energy consumption – and, by extension, CO₂ emissions – and therefore also increases the driving range of electric vehicles.

Natural, subtle, bright colours, plus gently flowing forms are defining elements of the AMBIENC3 interior and give it a cozy yet modern feel. The interior helps motivate passengers to work, but also encourages them to relax. Although the functions in the AMBIENC3 are always intuitive to use, there are no permanently visible controls. In fact, buttons and switches are nowhere to be seen. This is ‘Shy technology’ in use where, in OFF mode, the functions in the surfaces are invisible.

Design and function go hand in hand
Other innovative highlights of the concept vehicle include a light and sound concept that creates different moods, and heatable materials. Made using functional printing methods, these can generate heat in seconds. Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 are distinguished by special attributes such as optimized soiling characteristics, maximum abrasion resistance and even self-healing in the event of damage.

The AMBIENC3 sets new standards in customer orientation. With solutions and surfaces that can be customized using digital printing techniques, Continental offers automakers with a host of options when it comes to tailoring vehicles to their customers’ individual requirements, upgrading interiors with new and surprising functions, and ensuring connectivity.

For example, staynu (stay new) technology makes surfaces more dirt resistant, easier to look after and more robust than ever. As the name implies, this technology helps the material to stay (and look) ‘as new’ for longer. Material equipped with this protection is used for the driver’s seat in the AMBIENC3. Stains are no longer an issue, and the material is long-lasting, low-cost and environment-friendly.

Other surfaces in the AMBIENC3 use laif technology, which delivers outstanding breathability –allowing air and water vapour to pass through – and an exceptional soft feel. An agreeable side effect of this new technology is that the breathable surfacing provides passive temperature control. Offering the look and feel of real leather, surfaces with laif technology provide an excellent alternative for which no animal needs to give up their life.

External designers create Virtual Interiors for Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

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Porsche Mission R concept sportscar cockpit can also be a standalone simulator

Even before e-sports or digital motorsports, as the FIA has termed the activity, started to increase to the popular levels of today, carmakers were already using simulators for drivers to train in as well as being a tool for engineers. Time spent in the simulator helps a driver prepare virtually for the next race and become familiar with the environment.

Simulators are usually standalone machines with sophisticated computer hardware and software. But in future, it may be possible to have the simulator as a module which can be used for training and then installed in the car for an actual race.

Physical racing and e-sports merge
This is the idea which Porsche is showcasing its Mission R concept study for a future all-electric GT racing car. In the Mission R, physical racing and e-sports merge as the driver cell monocoque is designed as a self-contained module. It can even be set up outside the car for use in esports events

The seat, steering wheel, controls, adjustable pedals and screens form a compact and lie on the same axis as the driver. This allows the driver to concentrate on essentials during the race. At the same time, this driver module design enables a second driver’s cell to be used outside the Mission R as a racing simulator.

With the aid of movable, electrically controlled supports, the dynamic forces that impact on the driver can be simulated – when braking, for example, or as a result of rolling motions during fast cornering. Due to the familiar surroundings with identical display and control elements and the same full bucket seat, this kind of training can be extremely realistic and highly effective.

3D-printing for racing seat
The full bucket seat offers high protection potential for the driver. At the same time, it has an innovative design and is produced in part using additive manufacturing processes known as 3D-printing. The seat shell is made of the same natural fibre-reinforced material as the add-on parts in the exterior. The centre section of the seat, ie the cushion and backrest, is partly produced by a 3D printer.

Available from Porsche Tequipment
Porsche initially showed this alternative to the conventional upholstery used for bucket seats as a concept study in 2020 and conducted trials with selected customers during a test phase. As part of the new Performance Parts range, the 3D-printed bodyform full bucket seat is now available from Porsche Tequipment for all 911 and 718 models for which the current full bucket is offered.

In the Mission R, the driver’s seat is actively ventilated and upholstered in a breathable fabric that is made using a resource-saving 3D knitting process. The 3D-printed lattice structure also contributes to a good seat climate. These black, coarse-meshed elements are located in the area between the cushion and the backrest.

Maximum driver focus
The key displays and controls are located along the same axis. This reduces distraction and helps the driver to improve performance by speeding up their reaction time. The information is hierarchically clustered into three levels. Top priority is given to the 6-inch multifunction OLED racing display. It sits directly between the steering wheel controls and, as such, is placed in the driver’s immediate field of vision. This is where key data such as speed, lap time, tyre pressures or State of Charge (SoC) are displayed, along with information on ABS and traction control.

A second screen is mounted on the steering column behind it. Its curved shape is reminiscent of the Taycan’s large central display. This is where the images from the two exterior cameras are combined into a single image. Through this digital rear-view mirror, the driver can see what is happening on both sides and behind the racing car. A third, centrally positioned, rear-facing camera is mounted below the rear window.

If radar sensors and cameras detect an imminent collision during the race, the Collision Avoidance System alerts the driver to the danger by means of coloured markings on the edges of the race display.

To the right of the driver and inclined towards them is a control panel with buttons and an integrated screen. It represents the third information level. This is where the driver’s biometric data is displayed. This includes body temperature, which is detected by sensors in the seat.

Also fitted are motorsports equipment such as a 6-point safety harness, longitudinally adjustable pedals, safety nets and an extinguisher system. A special feature is the combination of helmet holder and dryer, allowing it to be disinfected and then dried when not being used in a race. No more sweaty helmets after the race!

For taxi rides, a second seat can be mounted on the passenger side. The control units, including a cooler, which are combined into one electronic module, are located in the footwell. The driver’s water bottle is also integrated into the seating arrangement. The expansion tanks for battery coolant, brake fluid and dampers are all neatly arranged beneath the rear window.

Livestreaming from the cockpit
The interactive possibilities offered by the Mission R are also aimed at the young and enthusiastic motorsports community. It is set up to provide a livestream broadcast from inside the car, and the driver can connect with their fans at the touch of a button. Fans can in turn communicate directly with the driver, for example, by sending them likes in real time.

Two small cameras mounted on the roof frame and on a rail above the passenger seat can show what is happening inside the car during a race in real-time. The live images can be transmitted directly to the community using a livestream button in the control panel.

*The Mission R concept study is proposed with two electric motors able to generate up to 800 kW (1,088 ps) and provides a preview of what future all-electric GT racing cars could be like.*

Porsche Taycan does 165 km/h inside a building – a new Guinness World Record (w/VIDEO)

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Audi grandsphere concept shows Audi’s future electric flagship and technology

Audi calls it ‘the private jet for the road’, offering the sort of suite you would find in First Class in an Airbus A380. Called the grandsphere, it’s the second of three ‘sphere’ concept cars from the brand, following the skysphere concept unveiled last month in California. The shared root word ‘sphere’ in their names emphasizes all three designs’ focus on the new interior concept and the holistic digital ecosystem for a new world of experience on board.

Prioritising the cabin in design
In fact, the drive system and the handling are no longer at the top of the design specifications in this future generation of cars. Instead, the starting point is the interior, the occupants’ living and experience sphere while traveling. Their needs and desires shape the space, the architecture, and the functions.

With that reassessment, the design process itself changes. At the beginning of all discussions, the focus is directed toward the interior and its design. Only after that do the Audi designers conceive the package, exterior lines, and proportions that shape the car into a total work of art, along with the technological premises.

Preview of a future luxury model
The grandsphere concept is presented as a luxury car of the future and Audi confirms that the technologies and design features in it will appear within a few years in future models. Among the technologies will be Level 4 autonomy, which means the car will be able to operate on its own without human control. Audi is working with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software think-tank, toward introducing that technology in the second half of the decade.

Having autonomous capability for the car allows the interior space of the traditional driver-oriented cockpit and passenger seats to be changed into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals are reduced. At the same time, it opens up new levels of freedom in interaction, whether they want to communicate, work or just be on their own. Audi believes this transforms a traditional automobile into an ‘experience device’.

Thanks to Audi’s own services and the ability to integrate digital services, the possibilities are nearly endless. These can be used to access a variety of service options related to the current trip – such as designing a spectacular scenic route, as well as restaurant or hotel options. The vehicle also takes care of everyday tasks that go beyond the journey itself. For example, the grandsphere concept can pick up its passengers with information about their current destination and independently handle parking and charging.

The doors of the grandsphere concept are reversed so front and back touch and there is no B-pillar in the middle. Even before arriving at the car, the passengers are provided with a pathway identification that opens the doors and welcomes them with individually staged displays and ambient light. The driver and passenger positions are automatically detected and an array of personal comfort features – such as the climate control settings and the seats – are adjusted for the individual seats.

At the same time, the infotainment system accesses the passengers’ most recently used services and seamlessly resumes them inside the car. For instance, a video that a passenger was streaming on a tablet is automatically played back over the display surface. On the driver’s side, the projection surface automatically picks up on displaying the news the occupant was reading before getting in.

Unique space for four
The open, broad interior supports the impression of a unique space and the lack of a steering wheel, pedals, or conventional dashboard create a feeling of openness and breadth. The lines on the decorative surfaces and functional elements are emphatically horizontal. The large glass surfaces, expansive windscreen and transparent ceiling also emphasize the open feeling, along with the specific geometry of the side windows where the widest part is just slightly above eye level. It is a trick that Audi demonstrated for the first time in 2017 with its AI:CON concept car.

The 2+2 interior appears particularly wide when the two individual front seats are pushed all the way back. An upholstered, 2-person bench with an armrest that goes around the side is integrated as a seating option in the back, while both front seats are designed for first class comfort and space.

Outlets for air that is filtered and temperature controlled – even scented, if desired – as well as speakers that are inaudible to other passengers and allow for a private aural zone are all integrated. Between the front seats – normally concealed under metallic trim – there is a compact, onboard cooler with two glasses and a designed, elegant bottle for soft drinks.

No screens, no displays unless wanted
One surprise when looking around in the ‘reduced-design’ interior is the absence of instruments nor black screens for virtual display concepts are visible before activating the driving functions. This is a contrast to many visions of future vehicles which have screens to provide information and entertainment. However, the displays are still present; with the touch of a fingertip, they appear in the form of projections on the wooden surfaces under the windscreen.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept — Interior

Alternatively, the projection surfaces can also be used – in automated driving mode – as CinemaScope screens for infotainment content or even as screens for video conferences. In addition, a sensor bar is integrated under the projection surfaces for quick switching between content such as music or navigation.

Control panels are also integrated into the armrests on the doors. That way, the car always offers passengers invisible touch surfaces using an optic indicator to show their position. At the same time, there are VR glasses in the armrests on the left and right doors that can be used in conjunction with infotainment options.

Dynamic monolith
At 5.35 metres long, 2 metres wide, and 1.39 metres high, the grandsphere concept’s measurements are comparable to Audi’s flagship A8. However, it has a longer wheelbase of 3.19 metres, which is even longer than the extended version of the current A8. Its form is nothing like a traditional sedan, but rather more like 4-door GT born in the wind tunnel.

In the front end, there is an innovative interpretation of the Singleframe that defines Audi’s look. Shaped like a flat hexagon, the interior surfaces, behind a transparent covering, are indirectly lit from above while driving to give a distinctive, extremely 3-dimensionally structured visual effect.

The headlight units on the upper side of the Singleframe look narrow, like focused eyes. The lighting units reference the four rings brand logo: they enlarge and isolate the intersection of two rings into a pupil – a new, unmistakable digital light signature. This means that the size of the light areas can be adjusted according to their function as daytime running lights or as dynamically staged blinkers, depending on the traffic situation.

Drive system with quattro, of course
The technology platform of the grandsphere is what is known as the Premium Platform Electric, or PPE. It has been conceived exclusively for battery-powered electric drive systems, with the key element being a battery module between the axles that holds around 120 kWh of energy. A flat battery layout is possible with the entire base between the axles.

Being an Audi, the grandsphere would also have a quattro drive system, in this case a fully electric one. This is achieved by having separate electric motors mounted on the front and rear axles that use electronic coordination to deliver all-wheel drive on demand. The 2 motors in the concept car are capable of delivering a total output of 530 kW/960 Nm, taking the car from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4+ seconds.

Fast charging, high range
Like other carmakers, Audi is also working hard on the issue of recharging since this is something that cannot be long for electric cars to be accepted. In the case of the grandsphere concept, there is 800V charging technology and the battery can be charged with up to 270 kW in a very short time at fast-charging stations. The time taken will be close to that of a car with a combustion engine pumping in liquid fuel. A 10-minute charging period would be enough to power the car for more than 300 kms, it is claimed, with a maximum range of more than 750 kms with a fully-charged battery pack.

Audi Charging Hub concept could be refuelling station of the future

MINI STRIP – showing a sustainable approach to automotive design and manufacturing

It’s all about sustainability today, using materials and processes that do not deplete and to preserve the environment for future generations. In the auto industry, sustainability is pursued seriously in all areas and with the MINI STRIP, the British brand showcases inspirational ideas for a more sustainable method of automotive design.

A custom-made, one-off model co-created by MINI and Paul Smith, a well known fashion designers, the MINI STRIP is guided by the theme of ‘Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability’. As the name suggests, the process began by completely stripping down a MINI Electric and reducing it to its structural essence. Only then were the elements that the designer viewed as absolutely necessary defined and implemented – with sustainability as the top priority.

Incidentally, the original Mini was also a model of simplicity, with a very basic but functional design that was space-efficient as well. Sir Alex Issigonis, the designer, made it easy to build and even thought that placing the speedometer in the centre would simplify having lefthand drive and righthand drive versions. It’s a feature which continues to this day in the modern MINI though not for the same reason.

An outside perspective
As a designer with a passion for bicycles, books and much more, Smith asked questions that provided fresh energy to explore beyond the obvious. The joint design process applied the principles of maximum reduction, to produce a minimalist, high-class design with a fresh and unconventional appeal.

Raw materials are a very deliberate part of the exterior design – the body was left in its unfinished state with no coloured paint applied, but instead just a thin film of transparent paint to protect against corrosion. Grinding marks from the factory have been consciously left intact on the galvanised steel panels to clearly identify the car as a functional object. This intentionally rough-hewn effect was dubbed ‘the perfect imperfection’ by Smith.

‘Unaffected expressiveness’ of the materials
Parts of the MINI black band have been 3D-printed from recycled plastic and their basic material qualities have been left exposed – like the metal panels. Visible screws in the add-on parts show how simple dismantling would be and how easily the vehicle could be reincorporated into the raw-material cycle at the end of its service life. The functional and distinctive front and rear apron inserts were also manufactured via a 3D printing process, which produced their striking texture.

The blanked-off radiator grille and its wheel covers help to reduce drag, thereby increasing its theoretical range. The grille trim and aerodynamic covers on the wheels are made from recycled Perspex, saving both weight and resources. Recycled perspex was also used for the large panoramic roof that allows curious eyes to view the largely bare structure of the bodyshell inside.

‘Simplicity and Transparency’ inside
Smith calls the MINI STRIP a ‘classic with a twist’ – both refer to unexpected details that are only revealed through the designers’ work at a second or third glance. Opening the doors reveals the signature Paul Smith stripes in a vivid composition of 5 colours; the charging flap adds a splash of neon green when opened, while the engraved drawing of an electric plug on the flap is Smith’s own work.

Inside, all trim parts have been purposefully omitted (with the exception of the dashboard, topper pad and parcel shelf), turning the bodyshell into the dominant visual feature of the cabin. It has been coloured blue at the explicit request of Smith, producing a particularly eye-catching effect. The exposed, basic material and intense blue tone give the interior an aesthetic appeal all of its own; it is bare yet feels ‘dressed’ at the same time.

Instead of the usual multi-part design, the dashboard consists of one large, semi-transparent section with a smoked-glass finish. Taking its cue from MINI design’s traditional use of circular elements, the geometry has been simplified with a graphical interpretation. However, the classic centre meter is omitted, leaving the driver’s smartphone to take centrestage instead. It is placed where the centre display would normally be, connects automatically to the car and becomes the media control centre. The only physical controls in the interior are located lower in the centre stack, where the toggle switches for the power windows and the start/stop function can be found.

Innovative materials

Alongside the minimalist design inside the MINI STRIP, the use of recycled, environment-friendly materials also underpins the car’s sustainability credentials. The interior is free of both leather and chrome, with the seats upholstered in a knitted fabric. The completely mono-material design for the seat coverings means they are fully recyclable – including the piping – allowing material circularity to be maintained.

The floormats are made from recycled rubber with their terrazzo-like pattern a by-product of the recycling and manufacturing process, positively showcasing the multi-coloured constituent elements enjoying a second life as part of this material.

Minimalist and functional
The steering wheel, which is also a focal point of the interior, has been reduced to the most essential functions. Its rim has been wrapped in handlebar tape in true road bike style. Three aluminium spokes connect the rim to the steering wheel’s impact absorber, whose mesh covering makes it possible to see the airbag behind.

As on the outside of the car, there are visible screws showing how easy it would be to dismantle the steering wheel at a later date and reuse the aluminium. The door panels are made from the same mesh material that covers the airbag, enabling the door structure to be clearly seen behind the mesh panels, which are held within a frame. The transparency of the knitted mesh changes according to the angle of view, adding a further dimension to the interior’s appearance.

The pull handles in the door shoulders are made from wound climbing rope and, together with the matching seat belts, liven up the interior with their bright orange finish. Like the pull handles, the door openers in milled aluminium are housed in the cork door shoulders and provide a high-class finishing touch for the door area.

As the eye wanders further up the door, it arrives at the exposed airbag unit in the roof pillar. This has the same effect as the visible cable routing in the interior – deliberately drawing attention to functions that are normally concealed during manufacture.

The MINI STRIP translates MINI’s ‘Creative Use of Space’ philosophy into a radical and fundamental redesign of a MINI – especially in the interior. As such, it can provide a catalyst for more sustainable use of resources in automotive design.

MINI Vision Urbanaut concept

Audi unveils the Skysphere roadster concept

Going fully electric is like starting all over again in designing cars. Many of the constraints developed over the years by the conventional combustion engine and drivetrain no longer need to influence the design, and new approaches can be taken. There are also new technologies and materials to use, providing greater efficiency, safety and comfort.

Audi, like other carmakers who are rapidly electrifying their range, has been developing new models for this new ‘electric age’. With its products catering to the upper end of the market, the focus is on luxury models and the company has a new family of concept vehicles to show the world how its future designs will be.

The three Audi concept cars are the Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere, and the common use of ‘sphere’ in their names refers to the space surrounding the passengers. Thus, much attention has been given to interior design.

The Skysphere is the first one to be revealed and its unveiling took place this Friday at Audi’s new design studio in California, where it was conceived and designed. The concept car will also be on display from this Friday at the Monterey Car Week in the same American state.

A roadster with variable length
The Skysphere has the form of a roadster and offers two different driving experiences: a grand touring experience and a sports experience. This makes use of a technical detail – the variable wheelbase. Electric motors and a sophisticated mechanism with body and frame components that slide into one another make it possible to vary the wheelbase itself and the exterior length of the car by 250 mm. At the same time, the ground clearance is adjustable by 10 mm to enhance comfort and driving dynamics.

With the touch of button, the driver can choose either the 4.94-metre long e-roadster in ‘Sports’ mode with a reduced wheelbase, or be chauffeured around in a 5.19-metre GT in the autonomous ‘Grand Touring’ driving mode. In both modes, the open top maximises the sense of freedom.

Lightweight strategy keeps weight to 1,800 kgs
Under the long bonnet are the electric systems and components, with most of the mass situated between the front axle and the windscreen line. An electric motor is positioned on the rear axle, delivering 465 kW (632 ps)/750 Nm to enable acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in a projected 4 seconds. An aggressive lightweight strategy helps keep the overall weight of the large car to around 1,800 kgs, with 60% on the rear end.

The Skysphere’s battery modules are primarily positioned behind the cabin – an ideal configuration for the centre of gravity and agility. Additional modules can be found between the seats in the center tunnel of the interior – another position chosen in favour of vehicle dynamics. The battery’s capacity is expected to be more than 80 kWh, giving a range of more than 500 kms using the most economical mode.

Steer-by-wire
The steering system is steer-by-wire and controls both the front and the rear wheels. Because the system is not mechanically connected to the front axle, the driver can select different steering ratios and steering settings, all at the touch of a button. This allows the steering to be adjusted from extremely direct to comfortable, while high self-aligning forces can be changed to minimal self-aligning forces when parking, for example. The rear-axle steering and adaptive wheelbase also contribute to the car’s small turning radius.

The latest evolutionary stage of Audi’s adaptive air suspension has been implemented in the concept car and features 3 independent air chambers to provide a comfortable base suspension. Individual chambers can be deactivated for a more sporty ride with fast acceleration. The result is that the characteristic curve of the spring becomes more progressive, reducing roll and pitch to a minimum. Lowering the body by 10 mm reduces aerodynamic drag – particularly relevant when driving long distances.

Two dashboard layouts
Within the Skysphere, control elements such as the steering wheel and pedals can be swiveled into an ‘invisible’ position and thereby completely absent from the interior. This adds to the spacious environment inspired in many areas by the Art Deco universe. The comfortable seats boast the visual elegance of designer furnishings, yet fulfill the functions of a car seat in driving mode without any compromises. They are upholstered in sustainably produced microfibre fabric and, thanks to their variable position in the interior, offer the kind of freedom to move and legroom that can otherwise only be experienced when flying first class on an airplane.

Should the driver be in control, then the interior transforms into an ergonomically perfect driving machine cockpit. Together with the chassis and body, the instrument panel and the monitor panel on the centre console also move to the rear. Large touch monitors are used to manage the car and infotainment systems. In Grand Touring mode, this can be used to display content from the Internet, video conferences, or streamed movies.

A few weeks later, the second concept car, the Grandsphere, will be presented at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany. In the first half of 2022, the Urbansphere will follow as the third concept car, perhaps at an event in China.

Three new concept cars show design of Audi’s future luxury models

Three new concept cars show design of Audi’s future luxury models

Audi has created three new concept cars to show how the brand will design its future luxury cars. The concept cars have a lot of focus on interior design which has been planned for Level 4 autonomous driving which will have much reduced driver involvement.

The three concept cars are called Skysphere, Grandsphere and Urbansphere. The shared root word ‘sphere’ in their names emphasizes all three designs’ focus on the new interior concept and the holistic digital ecosystem for a new world of experience on board.

With the transition to electromobility and, in a few years, to automated driving, this aspect of the car will change more dramatically than it has at any time in recent decades. And with the interior and the spatial architecture, a new overall car concept will also emerge in which the inner space becomes the core of new vehicle design. A digital ecosystem will also make personalized services possible beyond the car.

Each of the vehicles interprets this paradigm shift in design differently – created with resolute dynamism, distinction, or even long-distance travel in mind. In each case, the passengers’ needs and quality of experience are at the very top of the priority list. To achieve this, technological innovations and the highest quality materials and workmanship envelop the passengers in all areas.

Level 4 autonomy means that they can enjoy the freedom to drive themselves or – if possible – to simply disconnect from traffic and let the car drive itself. When autonomous mode is in use, the interior then changes its functionality. It becomes a free space for relaxing, networking, or even actively communicating.

“These concept vehicles embody our brand strategy. They show how we imagine the near future of premium mobility,” said Henrik Wenders, Head of the Audi brand. For him, the future is a design space to offer people new experiences during their journey. Audi is calling these newly designed car interiors – referred to as spheres – that envelope the passengers.

The first two concept cars will make their appearance during August. The Skysphere will be unveiled at Audi’s new design centre in California and also shown at the Monterey Car Week. A few weeks later, the second concept car, the Grandsphere, will be presented at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Munich. In the first half of 2022, the Urbansphere will follow as the third concept car.

Unlike ‘vision cars’ like the Audi AI:CON or AI:ME, these three showcars are not trying to look into the distant future. Instead, they are presenting lines, technologies, and spaces for experience that are likely to be seen in some production models from the mid-2020s.

Audi A6 e-tron concept (w/VIDEO)

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Designing the Porsche interior of the future

Regardless of whether we continue to be in control driving cars or a computer does the driving, the interior of a car will remain an important aspect of car design. In fact, as autonomous motoring grows, the driver may spend less time at the steering wheel and more time with the other occupants. In this case, the cabin layout may have to change to be more suitable.

The Renndienst study
At Porsche’s Weissach Development Centre in Germany, designing interiors is just as important as exteriors and for interiors, the User Experience (UX) is a vital part of the brand experience. In the book Porsche Unseen, the sportscar manufacturer recently published fifteen previously secret design studies. Among them is the Renndienst study. The 6-person van concept is reminiscent of the Volkswagen racing service van that once served the factory racing team as a service vehicle. On the outside, it’s futuristic and edgeless but on the inside, it’s a modular travel cabin.

For the Renndienst study, the designers at Style Porsche journeyed far into the future of mobility. They considered design visions for the day after tomorrow in order to derive steps for tomorrow. They asked themselves how far they can expand Porsche’s design language and to which products it could be applied.

“We thought about how we could still give a distinctly Porsche flair to a passenger compartment that is so far removed from the classic sports-car interior. And how autonomous driving could be designed, but we don’t assume that our customers want to give up using a steering wheel,” chief designer Michael Mauer explained. “In order to be able to think freely about the future, boundaries must be crossed when carrying out these ‘finger exercises’. This is how the central driver position of the Renndienst came about.”

“When I want to drive, I have more cockpit feeling than in any other car. And when I don’t, the driver’s seat can be rotated 180 degrees—with one swivel, it turns to face the other passengers. We worked on materializing these basic ideas for about a year,” he elaborated further on the study.

Looking at next overall innovation
The overall UX, when it comes to interior design, is dedicated to the digital lifestyle and the relationship between driver, passengers, and vehicle. “In the Taycan, we have shown how much we think ahead,” said Ivo van Hulten, Director of UX Design. “So we were looking at a possible next overall innovation. For this, we thought and worked from the inside out.”

The side windows are designed asymmetrically. “One side is closed; passengers can retreat there,” explained Markus Auerbach, Head of Interior Design. “The other side enjoys a large window bank for an unobstructed view outside. When we close the doors, the interior feels like a protective capsule.”

A feeling of security and comfort dominates the modular interior. The passengers in the first row sit offset to the right and left in ergonomically shaped bucket seats. They can enjoy an unobstructed view of the road ahead and of their own dashboard screens. The rear seat headrests are installed in a floating position, which allows a clear view through the rear window. The luxury of adaptable space is made possible by the powertrain which is fully electric and hidden in the underbody.

UX as a success factor
The customers of the future will be the smartphone generation. “In the past, the hunger for something new was satisfied with the purchase of the product. Today, many young people are no longer just fascinated by the aesthetics of a product, but by the opportunities it offers them,” said van Hulten.

The aesthetics of the interior therefore depend on many more factors than just shapes and materials. “The questions are: Is the interior modular enough to adapt to changing circumstances even a few years after purchase? Will I be able to run updates remotely and around the clock?” Van Hulten is confident of finding answers in the form of a new aesthetic.

“A digital journey can open a gateway to a universe for us, but it can never replace the physical experience. A car is a space that moves whether I’m driving it myself or not. The seats in this van have been designed for movement; they hold and support the body,” added Auerbach.

“The bench seat allows a different sitting angle due to its curved sides—we can turn towards each other. It is a particularly communicative area that invites relaxation, offering alternative seating positions for talking, working, and relaxing,” he explained.

The visions on which the specialist departments work together are complex because they design spaces where people sit. “Cars with an unsatisfactory interior do not survive for long – because no emotional connection can be built with them,” Auerbach noted.

Inspired by ‘Knight Rider’
In the next step, van Hulten wants the Renndienst to gain a soul. He remembers the American TV series Knight Rider, which he enjoyed watching as a child. “K.I.T.T., the talking car, fascinated me. The strong team of the protagonist and his vehicle really captured my imagination. I connected with the car because it had a soul,” he said.

Referring to the study, he asks the question: “What kind of daily interactions do we plan – in 30 years, will we call our car and then it will come around and pick us up?” From this grand vision of the day after tomorrow, the design team is now moving backwards in time to get the specific answer for tomorrow.

The materials of the future under consideration include renewable resources such as wood, reinterpreted and combined with metals or sustainable plastics. Wood was once banished from vehicles but could soon make a comeback. Auerbach also relies on what are known as ‘smart materials’ which can do something special—for example, such materials can respond to external factors and light up without being directly illuminated. Or materials that repeatedly change their shapes to perfectly fit the ergonomics of the occupants.

The designers constantly keep their minds fresh with the ‘first principle thinking’ method. In doing so, they move away from familiar analogies and break hypotheses down into their smallest components. They focus not on familiar forms but on functions that might be of interest in the future. They ask themselves what a Porsche could be—and what it could not be. This process provides answers to questions that no one has asked before.

Prototypes and studies Porsche has never before shown to the public

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but carry and spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Yuhan Zhang’s eVOITURETTE vision becomes a full-size model displayed at Skoda Museum

What began as a young designer’s vision of the car of the future has been transformed into a real model called the eVOITURETTE. The vision was created as part of Skoda Storyboard’s Icons Get a Makeover series and is the work of Yuhan Zhang, a member of the interior design team at Skoda.

Zhang was inspired by the Czech brand’s first-ever production car, the Voiturette A produced by Laurin & Klement (Skoda Auto’s original name) in 1905. It was her aim to create a modern take on one of the legends in the carmaker’s history, fusing traditional design in a futuristic carriage.

2021 Skoda eVOITURETTE by Yuhan Zhang (3) — Yuhan Zhang in one of the 44 units of the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A produced between 1905 and 1907. The first car made by the original Skoda Auto company, it had a V2 engine with 7 hp engine that took the car to a top speed of 40 km/h.

The idea to convert the VOITURETTE A into such an unusual vehicle came to Zhang fairly quickly – around 20 hours of work to convert the idea into a sketch. “I started with a pencil on tracing paper – the first thing I worked on was the exterior. I scanned the sketch into the computer and carried on from there,” she explained, adding that the initial outline makes up around 20% of the development of this kind of sketch, and is the most important part.

Design freedom
After the exterior, she used the same process on the car’s interior, consulting design chief Oliver Stefani. As this was a vision of a car of the future without a strict brief, his comments were minor. “He told me to get rid of some details that resemble solutions we were still working on for our mass-produced cars,” Zhang recalled.

It was this freedom she had when creating her vision of a futuristic car that was a nice change for her. “A lot of our work is secret and has a very clear brief. Our day-to-day work doesn’t leave much time for projects that show off our vision and talent. But this time, there was a surprising amount of freedom,” she said.

It took 400 difficult hours of work to produce a full-sized model of the eVOITURETTE. “Due to the model’s delicacy but intended long-term use as an exhibit in a museum, emphasis was placed on high-quality workmanship,” says Vlastimil Pazout, the model’s construction coordinator.

“The designer worked closely with us from the beginning. She prepared the basic data in a 3D sketch, which we then converted into production data before actually making it,” said his colleague Lukas Hrncir.

Made of artificial wood
The need for quality and durability persuaded the modellers to use a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The main body of the model – a relatively bulky part – is milled from ‘artificial wood’, while many parts come from a 3D printer.

“For example, we printed the logo and some of the finer parts, such as the holder of the interactive display that forms the dashboard,” said Zhang. One special feature of the model is the LED backlighting of certain parts. In her sketches, the artist included the LEDs as a kind of communication tool between the vehicle and its surroundings, so the modellers incorporated them into the real-life model.

10-kg full-size model
In addition to the designer, modellers and constructors, other members of the Skoda Design team, such as those from the Colour & Trim department, were involved in the creation of the model, as well as members of the Skoda Museum team. Measuring 688 x 355 x 327 mm, it weighs almost 10 kgs.

“After consulting with experts from the museum, we changed the model’s colour scheme. Unlike the original design with its shades of blue, we opted for a more distinctive red and white colour combination that reinforces the link between past and future,” explained Zhang. But in all other regards, the model is faithful to the sketch, including all details and proportions, which remained unchanged.

During the construction process, however, some specific parts were modified to make the model look as good as possible. “Probably the most important change was to the surface of the seat. It was originally supposed to be painted but, in the end, we covered the seat with fabric in cooperation with the Colour & Trim department,” said Pazout. The seat has additional stitching buttons so it looks very realistic indeed. “Due to the thickness of the fabric, this made it necessary to remake the 3D printed parts of the seat,” said Hrncir.

“It was a short and intense project, which brought my dream to life. It was fun to let my imagination run wild and not have to stick within today’s technical limitations,” said Zhang, who is originally from China and joined the company in 2015.

On permanent display at Skoda Museum
The eVOITURETTE is on permanent display at the Skoda Museum and Ferdinand Porsche Birth House. The museum is so named because that is where Porsche was born in 1875. The building, which has been owned by Skoda since 2011, shows visitors Czech industrial traditions, engineering and enthusiasm for technology.

Suzuki Misano Concept – merging adrenaline rush of 2 wheels with driving experience of 4

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

Although Suzuki is well known for motorcycles, its first motorised vehicles were actually cars and that was way back in the late 1930s. It only began making motorised bicycles in the 1950s and went back to making cars in the 1960s and accumulated experience in 2-wheelers and 4-wheelers.

So it’s not surprising that the Misano concept, a design project by 24 students at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin, Italy, in collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer is a car that has inspiration from motorcycles. Motorcycle racing fans will, of course, know that the name is also that of a racetrack in Italy.

Only 1 metre at highest point
The Misano concept is around 4 metres in overall length and is just 1 metre above the ground at its highest point (which is the top of the roll-over hoops). The topless design adopts the classic barchetta silhouette which gives very good aerodynamics but what is unusual is the tandem 2-seat layout – like a motorcycle.

It’s not the first concept car with the passenger sitting directly behind the driver – some others that come to mind are the Volkswagen L1, Nissan Land Glider and Mercedes F300 Life Jet.

*Other concept cars with tandem seating – Nissan Land Glider (top), Mercedes F300 Life Jet (above left) and Volkswagen L1 (above right)*

Offset seating area
Unlike most of the other concepts, however, the width of the Misano is more generous with space. The seats are positioned on the left side while the right side of the cockpit us used for luggage space and to accommodate a battery pack.

Access is through the single door on the left side of the car which has a glass panel to give the driver a feel of being closer to the road. The windscreen is also motorcycle-inspired, shielding the driver’s side but not extending the full width.

No steering wheel
Another motorcycle element is the steering control. Instead of the conventional steering wheel and pedals, there is a control stick to ‘merges the adrenaline rush of two wheels, with the driving experience of four’, according to the designers. Today’s generation will probably be fine with that, having grown up on computer games and joysticks.

Eye-catching S-shaped headlights on either side of the nose and there is no grille since the Misano Concept is meant to be electrically powered. Powertrain details are not available suggesting that this is nothing more than a design study – which is very appealing.

The concept car is currently being shown to the public at Mauto, the Italian national automotive museum in Turin.

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