Car & Dsign

A NEW CONTEST 4 U

2009-01-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hawk Concept

2009-01-07T02:52:00.001-08:00

The Hawk Concept is a three-wheeler single-seat vehicle that combines a motorcycle-engine with the comfort and safety of a car. It was created by designer Alex Hodge.

The Hawk Concept is powered by a Honda RC51 V-twin 999cc engine with 120 hp and a theoretical top speed of 233 km/h.

The 19-inch alloy wheels are equipped with twin rear and front disc brakes.

The outer shell is designed to be made out of fiberglass and mounted on a light-alloy chassis. The interior combines of moulded plastic and leather trim.

About the Designer

Alex Hodge has a bachelor of Product and Industrial design from the Otago Institute of Design.

He currently works as a product designer for Escea gas fires, based in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Lexus Wide-View Cameras

2009-01-07T02:09:00.000-08:00

Nudge forward out of a garage, and cameras mounted on the grille and under the passenger-side mirror on the 2008 Lexus LX57 see around the corners before you do, sparing pedestrians that cross your path. A second camera provides a view of the ground beside the vehicle, so you don’t scuff those new tires on the curb. The navigation screen can display both views simultaneously. lexus.com
Ideas, thoughts, suggestions and questions about Best of What’s New 2008? Post them in the BOWN2008 forum. If you have questions, Popular Science magazine editors will answer them there!

2009-01-06T03:34:00.000-08:00

The top 10 Stories

2009-01-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

The top ten stories of the last year. The most read article was the exclusive presentation of the Ferrari Concept 2008 project designed by Italian Luca Serafini.

http://www.carbodydesign.com/

2009-01-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

UPDATED WEBPAGE

2009-01-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

You can find the newest contests of 2009.

Enjoy...

About Website activity

2008-12-13T03:14:00.000-08:00

This site is deactive until 2009...

Have a nice XMAS Holidays

Dave

Light Design?

2008-12-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

An official document that describes how the emerging LED lighting technology has affected the design of the recent Audi models, becoming an important styling element, and how LEDs will change the vehicle's lighting concept in the next future.
Five years ago, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi presented the Pikes Peak quattro concept study.
This SUV, which provided the inspiration for today’s Audi Q7, had the world’s first fog lights equipped with high-performance light-emitting diodes.
Integrated into the broad bumper as striking strips of light, the fog lights were also aesthetically pleasing and very popular with the public. Soon thereafter, the 12-cylinder Audi A8 went into series production as the world’s first vehicle with LED daytime running lights.
Today all new Audi models are recognizable at a glance thanks to LED daytime running lights, not only during the day but also at night.
Each Audi has its own personality in terms of lighting: the Audi A4 has a sweeping light strip which expresses elegance, while that of the Audi R8 radiates strength and dominance.

The LED technology
A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a semiconductor device – just a square millimeter in size – which can convert electrical energy directly into light with a very high efficiency.

The first LED headlights introduced with the Pikes Peak concept generated 18 lumens per watt.
For the sake of comparison, an ordinary household light bulb generates about 20 to 25 lumens per watt. A modern passenger vehicle’s xenon headlights, on the other hand, are very energy-efficient and create some 80 lumens per watt.

The next generation of white high-performance LEDs will hit the market next year with 100 lumens per watt, thus surpassing the efficiency of xenon lights for the first time.
Today’s xenon and LED headlights are four times more energyefficient than halogen headlights.
By 2018, LED technology should be about eight times more efficient than halogen light. In addition, LEDs excel due to their practically indefinite service life and react up to ten times more quickly than traditional incandescent bulbs.
“Light-emitting diodes are similar to computer chips. Every two years there’s an increase in output of about 30 percent,” explains Berlitz, “and we’ll soon be able to create so much light with LEDs that entirely new applications will become possible.”

Digital light, as Berlitz calls this new light technology, can be made more or less bright electronically and precisely adapted to a driver’s needs. Audi developers are convinced that future generations of headlights will react to weather conditions, a vehicle’s speed, the distance between vehicles, and potentially dangerous objects.
Developers tightly bundle several light-emitting diodes to create modules known as LED arrays.
These arrays are extremely flat, very compact and require much less space than conventional light sources such as halogen bulbs or xenon burners.
Because of this, and thanks to reflectors as well as sophisticated electronic controls, it is possible to realize very complex lighting functions in the tightest of spaces. Cornering light, for example, has traditionally been executed via complex mechanical means in headlights.

Energy Efficiency

LEDs can also reduce a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Vehicles' conventional low-beam headlights, taillights, and license-plate illumination consume some 200 watts – which the alternator must constantly generate.
By comparison, a mere 15 watts is required to power the new Audi A4’s LED daytime running lights, that equates to a decrease of about 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and about 4 grams fewer CO2 emissions per kilometer.
This advantage will be more and more evident when daytime running lights become mandatory in the European Union in May 2011.

LED lights in design

The tiny light sources present designers with spectacular opportunities. Stefan Sielaff, Audi’s Head of Design, explains: “LEDs unlock the door to unrealized design possibilities for exterior design and interiors alike.”

For example, a number of lightemitting diodes can be combined to create various shapes, which can ultimately result in a distinctive visual appearance.

The taillights of the Audi A6 Avant are likely the best-known example of any tail end. These light-emitting diodes in a ring-shaped array have become every bit as instantly recognizable as the sweeping LED daytime running lights at the front end of the Audi A4.

Headlights naturally play a pivotal role in a vehicle’s light design. An appealing front end with one-of-a-kind lights makes a car as well as its personality and the brand recognizable at a glance.
Sielaff adds: “LED daytime running lights epitomize this fact. Every light design is different, yet there’s no mistaking that every single vehicle is an Audi.
"Our daytime running lights cemented the visible persona of Audi models on the road and hone our progressive, sporty design.”

Today different configurations of LED daytime running lights now permit distinct differences among the Audi models – even in the dark.
A strip of light can be designed to underscore a vehicle’s character, just as eyeliner emphasizes an eye. This fundamentally alters the body language of Audi models.
“The lighting configuration of yesteryear – the radiator grille along with the round lights – called to mind the face of a friendly bear,” notes André Georgi, Senior Designer of Lighting Systems.
“The LED daytime running lights for the A Series, e.g. on the A4 and A5, look determined, elegant, and dynamic.
"The lights on the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 appear especially broad and powerful.
"And the LED daytime running lights on the R8 symbolize the horns of a bull charging full speed ahead, bursting with vigor and pride.”

The Audi R8 is the spearhead of Audi’s light strategy and is optionally available with the world’s first all-LED headlights.
In addition to the daytime running lights, the turn signals as well as low-beam and high-beam headlights are all executed by means of light-emitting diodes.
Huhn explains: “A lot of people initially viewed this development as a mere marketing gimmick. Yet everyone who has seen these lights in action is not only astonished by the excellent output, but also thrilled with the homogenous distribution of light and the agreeable, daylight-esque color of the light."

Audi’s light strategy also benefits from something quite different, namely a psychological phenomenon: “Bright light created by small, compact light sources is unpleasant for the human eye. The combination of headlights and LED daytime running lights enlarges the light source, thus eliminating a nuisance,” explains Georgi.

Ideas and visions

At Audi the design process is initiated by developing and defining a vehicle’s character. The light designers and engineers from Technical Development play a hands-on role in this process from the word go. For example, one of the engineers – fittingly nicknamed “The Bridge” by his colleagues – works right in the middle of the Design Department.
Conversely, a lot of the technically relevant headlight components are designed by Technical Development. This close rapport ensures that the departments confer with one another every day.
As a vehicle’s exterior takes shape, the proportions of the headlights and the taillights are defined. Georgi says: “It’s a truly intensive process for us to develop new headlights; every idea and every vision from Technical Development and Design come together.”

Audi’s light designers turn to industrial design and architecture when they require inspiration for new ideas.

In fact, more and more architects are integrating high-tech LEDs into their plans for new buildings, thus joining a worldwide shift toward energy-efficient lighting.
Experts forecast that LEDs, energy-efficient and maintenance-free sources of light, will also become the first choice for indoor lighting.

Another source of inspiration for light designers is nature.
“Nature often shows us the way, allowing us to learn just how simply and effectively processes can be executed," explains the light designer Georgi.
The most recent example of this is the taillights we developed for the Audi A1 Sportback Concept, which was inspired by the lattice structure of a dragonfly’s wing.
The design of the taillights impressively demonstrates the relative simplicity required to construct a very large, stable and light surface.
Georgi says: “With our bionic design, we transferred this constructional conception to the Audi A1 concept’s taillights, which needed to be lightweight because they are integrated in the tailgate.”

The headlights of the Audi A1 Sportback Concept are an additional illustration of nature permeating Audi design. Reminiscent of an open pine cone, reflector shells arranged successively in concentric circles harness the light of each individual diode to create lighting which is powerful and consistent.
The headlights in the middle, on the other hand, are shaped like blossoms.
The future

Audi developers think that the future generations of headlights will provide "the right light for every driving situation".
Huhn explains: “We’re striving to create intelligent headlights and taillights which think and anticipate in the interest of enhancing a driver’s safety and comfort.”
For example, there are already high-beam headlights in pre-series development which will allow drivers to navigate roads at night without temporarily blinding oncoming drivers.
This is made possible by a variable distribution of light: An electronic system continuously calculates the distance to any approaching vehicles to ensure that the road ahead is ideally illuminated at all times – without irritating oncoming drivers.
Interior lighting
LEDs also present new opportunities for interior lighting. Similar to interior architecture, lighting scenarios are imaginable which would make it safer to operate the vehicle at night, render the interior considerably roomier, or impart a certain atmosphere.
The optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in the Audi A8 is an example. It gives the possibilities for customizing the interior lights: the driver can dim the light and configure various lighting profiles via the MMI.

These profiles respond as appropriate to certain driving situations – when a vehicle’s interior is illuminated by lighting within cities, for example, or becomes dark on unlit rural routes.
When it comes to the lighting in vehicle interiors, developers are confronted with few limits. Safety and comfort are top priorities.
Berlitz explains: “Think of a mountain hut at night. As you’re passing through an alpine meadow, you spot the warm light glowing through the hut’s windows. The light triggers that same cozy sensation you feel when you arrive home.”
“Just imagine: You press a single button on your remote control and the entire vehicle springs to life. The ‘headlight eyes’ awaken and an inviting light fills the vehicle’s interior as if to say: Welcome home!”

Mazda 3 Sedan: the design

2008-12-01T02:03:00.000-08:00

A set of design sketches and the official information on the Mazda 3 Sedan, the 2010 global model unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

From the official Press Release:
Describing what it takes to develop a true 'world car', Mazda 3 Programme Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says: "The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed. That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals.
"Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the Mazda 3's renewal effort and the development of the company's new world car."

Exterior Design
Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu's mission was to remain faithful to the Mazda 3's existing visual identity while evolving its appearance with richer, bolder design strokes. Infusing each subsequent new model with more emotional aesthetics is a longstanding Mazda tradition.

The key Mazda 3 exterior design highlights are:
A move toward a more unified Mazda global 'family face'
A reinforced frontal identity which integrates the lower air intake with a more emphatic and instantly recognizable five-point grille
Major design elements focus on, or flow toward, the vehicle's central axis, to stress power and dynamism. At the front, fascia lines converge on the centrepoint at the bottom of the grille. At the rear, the boot lid's surface has a distinctive centre crease
A compact cabin, high deck surfaces, and flowing C-pillar features, which were inspired by the classic coupe profile, as seen on the 2009 Mazda 6
Hood and side surfaces which are shaped to reflect light and physical surroundings
A subtle wedge-shape and curving side character lines which are shared with other Mazda models, giving the Mazda 3 Sedan a strong sense of impending motion - like a predator poised to strike
A new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling bi-xenon headlamps - added as standard on Grand Touring models.

Exterior design elements which contribute to the car's function by minimizing aerodynamic drag and lift while providing the powertrain, chassis, and interior with adequate air flow for cooling and climate control.
To supplement the four-door sedan introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a five-door hatchback Mazda 3 will arrive later.

Interior Design
Inside, the new Mazda 3 Sedan offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin - the dash sweeping dramatically from its centre to the sides of the cabin. The large gauge instrument cluster and centre stack are positioned to tightly link the driver's limbs and senses to the car's instruments and controls.

Studies into the range of motion helped position all controls at an ideal reach, while the slant of the instrument panel optimises operating efficiency and provides an attractive focal point. Key knobs and switches are positioned at the same level as the steering wheel and the gear level as part of an interior design which is based on Mazda's Human Machine Interface concept.

All the information a driver needs is readily available in one concentrated area - thereby minimising distractions from the road ahead.
A Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the centre portion of the instrument panel to further reduce distraction.
The front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch (compared to the outgoing car), in order to provide improved thigh support. Backrests are 1.4-inches taller and re-contoured for improved driving posture.
For the higher grade models, the upper side bolsters have been canted inward for heightened torso support during aggressive cornering. A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats - another first for the segment, and not offered at any price on any competitor's compact car. Upon approach to the car, the driver's seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognising the code of the key fob.
To provide a top-quality interior appearance, the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture. An interactive lighting system enhances the cabin's ambience and sense of tranquillity. Upon entry, illumination rises in intensity in a programmed manner. Occupants are welcomed by foot-well and door-handle lamps. Next, instrument cluster, centre stack, audio and climate controls brighten. When a driver or front seat occupant touches an audio or AC switch, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.

Other special features that distinguish this car include: a BOSE 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio. An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.Other special features that distinguish this car include: a BOSE 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio. An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.

Mazda Kaan wins LA Design Challenge

2008-11-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

The Mazda Kaan has won the Design Challenge at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.The 2025 futuristi race car was designed at Mazda North American Operations by a team led by Jacques Flynn and Carlos Salaff.

The Los Angeles Auto Show has awarded the Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) design team top honors for the Mazda KAAN - the company's rendition of a 2025 race car.
With eight other Southern California automotive design studios, including Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen in the running, KAAN took first place for how well it integrated a high level of innovation and technology into the design, as well as its truly unique styling.

Taking into consideration key racing principles like speed, power, performance and safety, the MNAO design team lead by Jacques Flynn and Carlos Salaff created an electric race car designed to compete in the 2025 season of E1 races, a time when California freeways have been resurfaced with a sub-level electro-conductive polymer that powers the electric cars of the modern world.
Mazda's patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions.
The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.
Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.
The team included Jacques Flynn, Carlos Salaff, Minyong Lee, Greg Lee, Tim Brown and Jordan Meadows.
(Source: Mazda)

NEW DSIGN Contest for Interior Designers

2008-11-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

http://wsca.world.co.jp/

A GREAT DESIGN COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS WANT TO CONTINUE MASTER'S

2008-11-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

Domus Academy and Audi Group have launched the second edition of the Desire Design Competition, which asks participants to create a dream car and offers sholarhips for the 2009-2010 Master in Car Design. The deadline is 15 January 2009.

The brief: design the most desirable car ever

"Among the mass production objects, cars are the most diffused, the most expensive, the most technologically advanced and above all still the most desired.

"What makes a car desirable? What makes a vehicle the actual platform of our dreams? What makes car design a promise for a forthcoming future? Desire Design is a competition project that aims at rediscovering the fundamentals of car design."
Participants are requested to submit a design project of a car with a strong emotional impact. Any dimension or typology of cars are accepted as long as they represent a vehicle that people could dream about.
The aim is to find out what makes a car a living object with a soul out of a mechanic components assemblage.
The project should express a good balance of proportions, graphics, materials and technology, ideally creating an object which is able to move passions and desires.
About the Competition
The prizes are:
One scholarship covering 70% of the total tuition fee of Euro 17,000 + VAT 20% for Domus Academy Master in Car Design.
One scholarship covering 50% of the total tuition fee of Euro 17,000 + VAT 20% for Domus Academy Master in Car Design.
One scholarship covering 30% of the total tuition fee of Euro 17,000 + VAT 20% for Domus Academy Master in Car Design.
The scholarships are intended only for the Academic Year 2009/2010 (April - March).
All the participants will receive an award consisting of 10% discount on the tuition fee to attend the Master in Car Design.
The winning projects will be selected by Marco Bonetto (Domus Academy, Master in Car Design Director), Walter De Silva (Volkswagen Group, Director of Design), Wolfgang Josef Egger, (Audi Group, Head of Design), Fabrizio Giugiaro (Italdesign Giugiaro, Style Director).
The deadline for submission is January 15, 2009. Candidates will be informed on the results of the competition via e-mail by January 31, 2009.
For additional information visit http://www.domusacademy.it/. or download the official announcement in pdf format.
About the Domus Academy Master in Car Design
The Master in Car Design (April 2009 to March 2010, in Milan - Italy) aims at strengthening participants’ design competencies together with the development of their professional profile.
At the end of the program, they will be ready to work as car designers within the framework of a company or design studio, and they will be able to effectively interact with the marketing, production and finance functions.
The Master follows the approach of “learning by designing”, where participants learn by a direct, active involvement in several design experiences. The program is articulated into 4 sections: Induction (lectures, testimonials and field visits), Workshops, Focus and Final Master thesis.
During workshops, from May to December, students work on different areas of project in collaboration with well known car designers and the partner automotive company. Every workshop includes lectures, meeting with automotive sector experts and a design project developed with the supervision of experienced designers.
In the last 3 months of the course, the students will be asked to choose a design theme to be developed in a final thesis.
(Source: Domus Academy)

A NEW DESIGN COMPETITION

2008-11-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

Do you wanna participate in a creativity design contest?
Check the advertising...

A NEW DESIGN CONTEST FOR DESIGNERS

2008-11-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

Furniture Design Award 2009 (Open Categories), Furniture Design

http://www.singaporefurniture.com/design/fda_2009.html

The Parajet Skycar: From London to Timbuktu on Biofuel

2008-11-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

A 3,700-mile intercontinental journey in a high-tech swamp boat?

The Parajet Skycar: From London to Timbuktu on Biofuel: The Skycar Expedition Team plans to cover the distance of 3700 miles from London to Timbuktu in a vehicle resembling a high-tech Everglades swamp boat. Its builders say the two-seat Parajet prototype will drive on land or reach 100 mph at 2,000-3,000 feet in the air. Skycar Expedition

If you were wondering, Timbuktu isn't some mythical city with a skyline of emerald buildings housing a race of unicorn-men. It's a real place, situated in the west African country of Mali, a city historians cite as an intellectual and spiritual center of the 15th and 16th centuries. It's also some 3,700 miles from London. Keep that in mind when you consider a scheme to cover those miles in a car that looks like an Everglades airboat designed by Luigi Colani.
The plan's proponents call themselves the Skycar Expedition Team, a name that could have figured in a Gerry Anderson TV show. But they're serious about the trip. Skycar designers include aviation engineer Gilo Cardozo, who says the Skycar will be able to toggle between "road mode" and "fly mode" in three minutes. Cardozo is best known for flying to Mount Everest in his Wankel rotary-powered Parajet, a personal aircraft he designed.
What makes the Skycar different from other flying cars is its unorthodox method of staying aloft. Still in the prototype stages, the vehicle uses a similar method of flight as Cardozo's Parajet -- a parawing that's force-fed with air by a large fan. In the case of the Skycar, that fan is driven by a 140-horsepower Yamaha sportbike engine set up to burn ethanol. The team says an air speed of 100 mph is possible at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 feet.
Skycar is also expected to generate sports-car performance on terra firma, with a zero-to-60 time of around 4.5 seconds and similar off-road capability as a motorcycle or dune buggy. That kind of thing should come in handy in the Sahara.
The Skycar Expedition Team says it expects to get underway sometime in January 2009.
[via AutoblogGreen]

Ferrari Zobin a nice Design from an Iranian Engineer

2008-11-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

The Zobin Concept is a design study of a single-seater aerodynamic sportscar inspired by Ferrari Formula 1 cars. The author is Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi.

The Zobin design study by Iranian engineer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi is an aerodynamic single seater with compact dimensions (4,114mm long and 1,855 mm wide).
The exterior design is characterized by the original front structure made of a metal band, which supports the headlights and integrates the front spoiler and the front fenders, and gives the car an "open-wheels" look.
Focused on efficiency, the car is powered by a compact unit mounted in mid-rear position.
About the Designer
Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi (33 years old), from Iran, graduated in mechanical engineering 10 years ago.

He is currently working in the Iranian car industry (Saipa-Zamyad) and looking for master course or a job in transportation design.

Muscle car meets computer mouse

2008-11-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2008 If hot-rod screen-savers just aren't enough to satisfy your automotive-obsession while perched in front of the computer, it might be time to branch out into peripherals. The new Road Mice series from Four Door Media is range of a wireless car-shaped computer mice (complete with working headlightshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headlamp ) officially licensed by some well-known auto manufacturers, including Corvettehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvette , Chevrolethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet and Ford.
The RF wireless optical mouse has 800-dpi resolution and officially licensed models include the Chevrolet Camaro Concept, a Corvette Z06Inexpensive-High-End-Sports-Cars Nov-07 , the Dodge Charger SRT8 and SRT8 Super Bee (think “Dukes of Hazzard”), a Dodge Viperhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Viper SRT10 and a Ford Mustanghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang GT. The Chevy Camaro and Dodge Charger are also available in either authentic Highway Patrol or City Police designs. All makes and models are available in multiple colors, except for Highway Patrol.
Additional features include individual (VIN) serial number, built-in automatic timer shut off, on/off switch for LED headlights, and personalized registration and title.
Road Mice retail for US$44.95. Four Door Media plans to add more models to the range on a regular basis.

http://www.gizmag.com/

We Are Sorry and We have a new Competition for you

2008-11-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Now, A new design competition is here:

iF - lebens(t)räume 2009, Product Design

http://www.ifdesign.de/projects_lebenstraeume_index_en

Compressed-Air Cars Planned for Airport Test, US Launch

2008-11-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

If Luxembourg's Motor Development International gets its wish, the next wave of alternative-energy vehicles will be a real bunch of windbags

The idea of using compressed air to propel a passenger car has been kicking around tech circles for years. Now, Luxembourg's Motor Development International SA (MDI) may have the first viable angle to launching a first wave of air cars: airport transportation. Behold the AirPod, a four-wheel, multipassenger minicar set to be built in Nice, France. It's one of the brainchildren of Guy Nègre, a former aeronautics and Formula One engineer who's been messing around with compressed-air technology in passenger cars for nearly two decades.
Nègre and company assert the AirPod can hit 43 mph, by way of MDI's 5.45 hp compressed-air motor with traditional pistons like an internal combustion engine. At 15-20 miles per hour, they say, the AirPod has a range of 130+ miles per tankful. Sporting a body of plastic composite, the AirPod is just 82 inches long, 63 inches wide and 79 inches high, and expected to come in passenger and cargo versions, each weighing under 500 pounds.
Not quite built for the interstates, the AirPod will be the focus of of a joint program with AirFrance/KLM airlines starting next Spring, in which a number of the vehicles will haul passengers between arrival and departure gates in Paris and Amsterdam airports.
The AirPod is just one of several compressed-air vehicle (CAV) prototypes MDI has in development. And the firm is serious about making such air cars a viable alternative energy, er, alternative. Reports earlier this year confirmed the company has sold the rights to build the cars to firms including US-based Zero Pollution Motors and India's Tata Motors.
Zero Pollution Motors' ambitious plan calls for production of up to 8,000 compressed-air vehicles a year beginning in 2011, with plants spread out among nearly every US state. That car, larger, more powerful and with a longer range than the AirPod, will cost in range of $20,000. As the largest potential market, California could have as many as 17 air car manufacturing plants, with 12 planned for Florida, eight for New York, four for Georgia, and two for the Connecticut/Rhode Island areas. Indian carmaker Tata has bought the rights to make air cars for the giant Indian market.
One thing air cars' proponents insist the vehicles are not: vaporware.

Design Studios Around the World

2008-11-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Motorcity Europe

Motorcity Europe is a UK Company with experience in Design-Styling, Engineering and Fabrication. It can develop any automotive project from initial sketch concepts to clay modeling to engineered CAD sufarces.

Link: http://www.motorcityeurope.com/

Design Studios Around the World

2008-11-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

WITHOUT EXPLANATION JUST SEE

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio - Como, Italy

Exclusive: Interior Motives Design Awards 2008

2008-11-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

An extensive report on the Interior Motives Design Awards 2008 competition, whose final ceremony was held during the Paris Motor Show. All the details about the winning entries and a selection from the finalist projects.

The 6th edition of the Interior Motives Design Awards ceremony was held at the Club Med World Paris, during the second press day of the Paris Motor Show.

The Jury, which included high-ranking design professionals such as VW's Flavio Manzoni and Faurecia's Andreas Wlasak, selected winners in 11 different categories.
The theme of this year edition of the contest was "Design for Life".
Participant students were asked to explore designs that would improve the travelling experience by making it easier and more sustainable, while encompassing the ever expanding technology used everyday.

The Winners

The Overall Winner of the contest was Pierre Sabas (Royal College of Art - UK) with his Free Form Concept.
The award includes a $5,000 prize and an intership at VW Group and VW's Future Design trendlab in Wolfsuburg.
Sabas was selected for his intelligent approach to design and also received the first place in the Best Safety Interior category.
Euan Sey, chair of the judjing panel and Interior Motives magazine editor, commented: "Pierre is an inspirational designer, whose creation demonstrated innovation by taking credible technologies a step further. [...]
"With its simplistic interior, free from gadgets and clutter, this conception really does push the boundaries of desBelow we report the complete list of the winning entries in the different categories:

Best Conceptual Interior: Opel Siderium Concept by Vinicius Barbosa Crepaldi and Tiago Aiello Tomé De Souza (UNESP - Brazil)
Best Conceptual Exterior: Volkswagen Nepenthes Concept by Joon Hyung Park (Hong-Ik University)
Best Innovation: VW Slimo Concept by Young-Roh Yoon and Sung Uk Kim ( Seoul National University of Technology)
Best Eco Design Concept: Leaf Touch by Xiaosong Qian (Beijing Institute of Technology)
Best Lifestyle Interior: T6 Concept by Alexander Zhukovski (Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts)
Best Production Interior: My Lounge by Ilaria Sacco (Royal College of Art - UK)
Best Personalisation: Wigloo by Ralph Tayler-Webb, Kyu-Han Choi and Carl Saunders (Royal College of Art - UK)
Best Safety Interior: Free Form Concept by Pierre Sabas (Royal College of Art - UK)
Best Use of Ambient Lighting: Soul Concept by Dalim Seo (Pforzheim University - Germany)
Best Use of Technology: Helios Concept by Kim Gu-Han (Universität Duisburg-Essen - Germany)
Best Xperience: i-Shoes Concept by Yang Liu (Northumbria University, UK)

Design Competitions part has UPDATED

2008-11-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Check the Design Competitions part at the end of the page (YELLOW BOX)

Technology Introduction (City Safety by Volvo)

2008-11-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

These are a selection of the press release issued by Volvo during 2007. They contain a wealth of information, both of a general and technical nature.
City Safety. Volvo Cars presents a unique system for avoiding collisions at low speeds

Volvo Cars unveils a unique system that can help the car driver avoid the sort of low-speed collisions that are so common in urban traffic and in slow-moving traffic queues. If the driver is about to drive into the vehicle in front and does not react in time, the car brakes itself. The system is called City Safety and Volvo Cars’ aim is to use it to help avoid half of all rear-end collisions.
The new system is part of the XC60 Concept and Volvo Cars plans to introduce City Safety on the market within the coming two years. "The system offers benefits to all involved. For the occupants of the car in front, the risk of whiplash injuries is avoided or reduced. What is more, the system can help reduce or sometimes even eliminate the cost of repairs to both vehicles," says Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes and the City Safety senses that a collision is likely to take place it will pre-charge the brakes to help the driver avoid an accident by braking or let the driver steer away from a potential collision. However, when the system senses that a collision is imminent, the car will brake automatically through hydraulic pump activation. Statistics reveal that 75 percent of all reported collisions occur at speeds of up to 30 km/h. In addition, the consequences of small impacts are often so limited that not all are reported to the insurance companies. However, even the smallest collisions cost time and money to repair. City Safety is active at up to 30 km/h. If the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 15 km/h, the system can help the driver avoid the collision entirely. Between 15 and 30 km/h, the focus is instead on reducing speed as much as possible before the impact.

Optical radar monitors traffic in front of the car

The system keeps a watchful eye on traffic in front of the car with the help of an optical radar system integrated into the upper part of the windscreen at the height of the interior rear-view mirror. It can monitor vehicles that are up to 6 metres in front of the car. City Safety operates at speeds of up to 30 km/h and the system is programmed to respond if the vehicle in front is either at a standstill or is moving in the same direction as the car itself. Based on the distance to the object in front and the car’s own speed, the system runs a calculation 50 times per second to determine what braking speed is needed to avoid a collision. If the calculated braking force exceeds a given level without the driver responding, the danger of a collision is considered imminent. In such a case, City Safety helps avoid or reduce the consequences of a collision by automatically activating the car’s brakes or by auto-braking and switching off the throttle.

Certain limitations

City Safety has the same limitations as all conventional radar systems, that is to say the sensor’s capability can be limited by fog, mist, snow or heavy rain. It is therefore essential to keep the windscreen free from dirt, ice and snow. If the sensor is blocked, the driver is alerted via the car’s information display to clean the windscreen. The system works equally well by day or night. "It is important to emphasise that the system does not absolve the driver from driving with adequate safety margins in order to avoid collisions. The automatic braking function is only activated when the system assesses that a collision is imminent. The system then steps in to limit the consequences of – or in some cases totally avoid – the imminent collision," explains Ingrid Skogsmo.

Preventive system in focus

Volvo Cars has previously presented active safety systems that help the driver avoid and reduce damage and injuries from collisions. Collision Warning and Brake Support alerts the driver via audible and visual signals if the gap to the car in front is being reduced so quickly that an impact is likely. At the same time, the braking system is pre-charged so that braking is as effective as possible in this emergency situation. The system was introduced in the new Volvo S80 in early 2006.

(From: http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/)

(You can read about High-Tech and I.T based car systems from now on this site)

Steaming Down the Road

2008-10-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ten years of toil for a ride lasting less than two minutes -- that's the trade a team of Britain's finest engineers, mechanics and speed junkies have made for a chance to break the century-old speed record for a steam-powered vehicle. Using propane to turn 10 gallons of water a minute into superheated steam, they expect their 25-foot-long Steam Car to top out at 170, shattering the record by more than 40 mph.
The pet project of auto aficionado and British nobleman Edward Montagu, the machine was built from a mishmash of donated, salvaged and new or custom-fabricated parts that seemingly have no place working together: steam valves from a nearby power station, a fire engine's water pump, heating elements from tea kettles. The group also designed 12 suitcase-size stainless-steel micro-boilers, where a mixture of propane gas and air flows in and ignites at temperatures nearing 2,000ºF, generating a whopping three megawatts of heat. "We couldn't just pick a boiler design out of a book. It didn't exist," says lead engineer Matt Candy. "We had to create it."
At press time, the Steam Car team had yet to give it a full test run, holding off until trying for the record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in September. Why wait? Because the Flats are one of the only places in the world with a smooth, unobstructed surface that's long enough: The 360-horsepower car needs a full three miles to get up to speed before it makes the mile-long record run, and another three to slow down.

A NEW DESIGN CONTEST

2008-10-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

WANTED: Ambitious students who want to participate in the DESSO 2008 Cradle to Cradle Design Award

http://www.desso.com/DESSO_CRADLE_TO_CRADLE_AWARD

Tokyo Designer's Week 2008: Kicks off Today

2008-10-31T02:31:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Designer's Week & Design Tide Tokyo (pictured above) kicked off today and Core will be on the ground over the next few days seeking out the freshest work and talent. Design Tide wins hand down for exhibition design, it's hard to tell from the photo but the stands divided by sheets of transparent fabric--a commercial cloth material used in water filters--are entirely suspended by balloons filled with helium. It looks awesome and yes the base is weighted to hold it in place. Click through for more pics.

Any finally, Toyota launched their ultra-compact 'iQ' car which will be available in Japan next month and in Europe next year.

Nissan 370Z preview

2008-10-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Nissan has released the first official images of its 370Z model, which will debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show and will go on sale in 2009. The release includes pictures and a video trailer from Electronic Arts's Need for Speed Undercover.

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z is the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model. It debuts at the LA Auto Show in November and will go on sale in early 2009.

According to the first unofficial information, the 370Z will be powered by a 3.7 liter V6 engine coupled with a manual 6 speed or a sequential 7 speed gearbox.

Nissan 370Z featured in EA's Need For Speed Undercover

the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z. was revealed by Nissan together with Electronic Arts Inc.This is the first time an auto manufacturer has partnered with a videogame company for the world premiere reveal of a car. The Nissan Z will be available exclusively in Need for Speed™ Undercover, available in North America on November 18 and in Europe on November 21.
With the signature boomerang headlights and taillights to the enhanced powertrain, Need for Speed Undercover designers worked closely with Nissan to accurately replicate the overall look, feel and performance of the all-new Nissan Z.

(Source: Carbodydesign)

CAR RANDO TUTORIAL

2008-10-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

IT does doesn't need to explain

For your questions please leave your comment

PININFARINA DESIGNS

2008-10-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

We want to publish and discuss about the best designers and studios of the world from this time.

Now you can see some high quality Pininfarina design works. Each week we'll post some new works from other famous designers and studios.

LEAVE COMMENTS ABOUT RANDO AND SKETCHES

WE"LL PUBLISH PICS AND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS

SEND YOUR COMMENTS IN THIS REGARD AND TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE

THANKS

Seat-less bike design promises fitter children

2008-10-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

The “Taurus” is a futuristic bicycle concept from Julia Meyer which promises to keep kids fit through its seat-less design. The forward-leaning configuration means you stand on the bikehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike in the optimumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/optimization position for giving your leg muscles a solid workout as well as ensuring correct posture.
The upright stance is assisted by angled handlebars and the pedaling action is more like operating a stepperhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stepper machine than a traditional bicycle.
The back wheel hub of the bike also stores the energy generated by pedaling which can be called upon when you get to the next steep climb and a readout on the bike shows the amount of energy created and stored with the aim of encouraging kids to pedal harder.
Designed specifically for children, the Taurus is designed to be easily transported in a car as the handlebars and wheels can be removed.

(From: http://www.gizmag.com/ )

Zero to 1,000 in 40 Seconds

2008-10-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

More than a decade after the Thrust SSC project exceeded Mach 1 on land, Richard Noble and company plan to go really fast

Back in 1997, RAF wing commander Andy Green proved breaking the sound barrier on land wouldn't destroy the universe. Now, a successor to the ThrustSSC, the jet car Green piloted a decade ago on Nevada's Black Rock Desert, is in the works. Target: 1,000 mph.
It's dubbed the Bloodhound Project, a three-year effort headed by ThrustSSC developer Richard Noble. Noble will again tap commander Green, who reached 763 mph in the Thrust car, powered by twin Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines from the British F-4 Phantom II jet fighter. The Bloodhound SSC vehicle is expected to reach Mach 1.4, marking the greatest incremental increase in the history of the World Land Speed Record. A press release claims it will also exceed the low altitude speed record for aircraft of 994 mph. The release also highlights specs as follows:
""The 12.8m long, 6,422kg (fueled), jet and rocket-powered vehicle will be more advanced than most spacecraft and faster than a bullet fired from a handgun. Its 900mm diameter wheels will spin at over 10,000rpm, generating 50,000 radial g at the rim. The car will accelerate from 0 – 1,050mph in 40 seconds and at V-max (maximum velocity), the pressure of air bearing down on its carbon fibre and titanium bodywork will exceed twelve tonnes per square metre. At this speed, Andy Green will be covering a distance equivalent to over four football pitches every second, or 50m in the blink of an eye."
It's not just about winning a numbers game. Proponent Lord Drayson, UK Science Minister, says it's about inspiring the next generation of British aerospace engineers.
In addition to sponsorship funding from Swansea University, STP, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Serco and the University of The West of England, the team must raise 10 million pounds, or more than $16 million.

A NEW BLOG FOR DESIGNERS

2008-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

A new Blog for all designers and design students. Leave your comments in this regard.

http://sketchology.blogspot.com/

CONTROL YOUR CAR!

2008-10-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Do you like to have a control car for less than 1000$?

Top speed (All cars): even more than 90 km/h

Leave your COMMENTS in this regard

A great Opportunity

2008-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Which of them are more interesting for you to buy by your credit cards?
(All of them are high quality photos)

1-Collection CD of the Best and the most famous cars of the world
2-Collection CD of the Best Motorcycles
3-Collection CD of Ital Design from the first up to now
4-Collection CD of Design Tutorials
5-Collestion CD of Top Gear & 5th Gear (Super Sports) best Videos
6-Collection CD of SCANIA trucks
7-All of them

Leave your Comments by Clicking

LA Design Challenge 2008

2008-10-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

All the entries submitted by nine Californian automotive design studios for the 5th edition of the Design Challenge, part of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The theme was to imagine futuristic racing cars for the year 2025.

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 20, 2008 – Today’s race cars have ground-breaking technology to improve speed, power, performance and safety but what a difference 17 years into the future can make.
The theme of the 2008 Design Challenge was to predict how auto racing will change by the year 2025, by imaging race cars that go beyond the expectations and challenges of today racing, such as never needing to stop for re-fueling or collision avoidance assistance technology for enhanced safety.Nine of Southern California’s automotive design studios (Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen) have participated exploring new ideas in automotive design.

Design Challenge Entries

1-Mazda Kaan

2-Mitsubishi MMR25

3-GM Chaparral Volt

4-Toyota Lemans Racer

5-Volkswagen Biorunner

6-Audi R25

7-BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer

8-Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero

9-Honda's The Great Race 2025

Aston Martin One-77 2008

2008-10-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Fear not; that nomenclature is merely a working title, helping to express just how limited this car's production will be. At the very most, only 77 examples will be lovingly crafted by Aston's workers.
We're told the One-77, which uses a carbon-fiber chassis, will utilize an all-aluminum body that's completely hand crafted. From the shadowy figure released by Aston's PR office, the car looks somewhat similar to current Astons, albeit with a more muscular stature.
Like the rendering, much of the car's details also lurk in the shadows. Aston Martin says the One-77 will use a 7.0-liter V-12, which we hear may produce close to 600 hp. Rumor has it the car will achieve a 0-62 mph time in four seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph - placing the One-77 squarely in super car territory.
Of course, the power and prestige comes at an expense - a price tag rumored to be over 1 million, which converts to somewhere around $1.9 million. There's no word on if the car will come stateside, but if you're seriously hoping it does, you may want to hit the car's website at www.one-of-77.com and start contacting Aston's salespeople.

Mazda Kiyora 2008

2008-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Kiyora, Japanese for "clean and pure," uses water as its primary design theme. A part of Mazda's sustainable Zoom-Zoom philosophy, which strives for "harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features," the Kiyora is a lightweight B-segment minicar equipped with an advanced direct-injection four-cylinder engine that shuts off at idle to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel economy. The Kiyora concept stresses aerodynamics and weight reduction and uses an all-new platform and smooth lines to reduce drag. When penning the Kiyora, Mazda designers imagined a city car cutting cleanly through an urban landscape. It features a prominent grille, impossibly narrow headlights, sleek seven-spoke wheels, and intricate exterior detailing that gives the car a taut, flowing shape. Looking at the Kiyora is supposed to bring to mind visions of a single drop of water. Though no images of the concept's interior have been released yet, Mazda says it "features an interior design and new functions that support a youthful lifestyle."

Mercedes Benz Facination 2008

2008-10-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

As can be seen, the Fascination, which is powered by a 204-hp, 2.2L BlueTEC diesel engine, has an unusual body style, which is best described as a two-door wagon. Mercedes says it's based on a future E-Class coupe, though given the liberal use of the word "coupe" these days, it's anyone's guess as to what sort of vehicle it will actually be. The Fascination's front end sports the E-Class' signature dual-headlight style -- the lamps are LED units -- melded with elements of the brand's present corporate face. There are also LED foglamps built into the chrome strip in the lower front fascia, which also runs across the car's perimeter. It's a serious possibility that the front end of the Fascination is a hint at what the next-generation E-Class will look like up front. Since the current E-Class is getting quite long in the tooth, that car should arrive before too long.
Inside the cabin, the Fascination is swathed in what Mercedes calls an equestrian-inspired motif -- no doubt conceived to impress your friends at the polo club. The aluminum center console is covered with thick, dark leather, which is also found on the dashboard -- featuring a five-tube instrument cluster and silver dials -- and door armrests. The seats and other interior surfaces, meanwhile, are covered with fine nubuck leather, though the seat center panels are covered with fabric. Walnut and chrome trim pieces are found throughout the interior along with deep-pile carpeting.

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/paris/112_2008_paris_motor_show_p2/mercedes-benz_conceptfascination.html

2008 Renault Ondelios Concept

2008-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Named after the French word for wave ("onde") and the Greek god of the sun, Helios, the Renault Ondelios concept was designed specifically to put the French automaker at the forefront of the ever expanding luxury crossover segment.
The gullwinged show car, though, has more than just a made up name and unique design to set itself from the rest. Renault's take on the future of CUVs utilizes a revised version of brand's existing 2.0L dCi diesel hybrid engine assisted by two 20 kW electric motors. The motors, one on the front axle and the other on the rear, use regenerative braking to produce and store energy. When pulling from a stop, the front electric motor gets the Ondelios on its way, while the rear kicks on when a loss of traction occurs. An impressive 51 mpg is said to be attained by the next generation diesel-electric hybrid and only 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer is emitted from its exhaust pipes.
The composite (and recyclable) body work was penned a way that minimizes the concept's wind resistance in order to boost its impressive fuel economy. Extensive use of vents on the natural flax and carbon fiber panels assist in the directing of air around the vehicle once in motion. Twenty-three inch propeller shaped wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance Michelin rubber draw in passing air to reduce turbulence and cool the massive brakes.
Interior designers continued the high-tech theme and integrated a multi-zone climate control system that is adjustable by each of the six passengers. All three rows of powered seats can be reclined and have access to individual Samsung multimedia systems. In the front of the cabin, traditional dashboard features such as ride info, tachometer, speedometer and hybrid engine statistics have been moved onto button-less active display skins depicted on the windshield directly in front of the driver and passenger.

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/paris/112_2008_paris_motor_show_p2/renault_ondelios.html

Peugeot RC Hybrid ConCept

2008-10-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Peugeot RC Hybrid concept is a four-door, four-passenger GT "coupe" that could compete in the same segment as the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The latest RC concept is intended to fit between RC Spade and RC Diamond concepts from 2002 and features many exterior design cues borrowed from the 2006 908 RC concept. While the Hybrid's full name and specifications won't be revealed until the show, Peugeot has announced it will have a 313-hp hybrid powertrain that will emit only 0.39 lb of CO2 per mile and no emissions at all while operating on electrical power, says Peugeot. The RC Hybrid is expected to set the design tone for Peugeots in the near future, and its design cues will likely show themselves first on the upcoming 408 due out in 2010 that will serve as the replacement for the 407.

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/paris/112_2008_paris_motor_show_p2/peugeot_rc_hybrid.html

Honda CR-Z

2008-10-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Honda CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) is a gasoline-electric hybrid automobile developed and planned for production by Honda. The CR-Z was first introduced as a concept car by Honda CEO Takeo Fukui on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. Fukui further announced that a production model is "in the works" and that the car is intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient and inexpensive".The CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit NAIAS (North American International Auto Show). Aside from the fact that it will use Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system,the specifications of CR-Z's drive train are unknown.

History
The design and production of the CR-Z follows two other Honda hybrid concept cars: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Motor Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
The four-seat CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and design.

Production
According to Automotive News Europe, Honda plans to roll out the production CR-Z in 2009 or 2010, first in Europe before expanding production and distribution to the rest of the world.The CR-Z is expected to cost approximately €25,000 (with higher-trim models retailing up to €28k) and be primarily geared towards the European market. Because of the vehicle's importance on that continent, Mark Turner of Honda UK says that Europe will have a great deal of influence on the final design of the vehicle.
Several reports by Edmunds Inside Line indicate that the CR-Z will arrive in North America following the early 2009 launch of the Honda Insight, a 5-door hybrid.

UPDATE

2008-10-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

You can access to new contests, News , etc each 2 days...

This Site Update each 2 days...OR even Less than 2 days

SEVEN GOLDEN DESIGN RULES

2008-10-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

PERSISCH: هفت قانون طلایی در طراحی خودرو با اندازه اتاق متوسط

SEVEN GOLDEN CAR (MID) DESIGN RULES

(SOURCE) منبع: http://barkhordary.blogfa.com/post-26.aspx

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

2008-10-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Please read the following regulation carefully before submitting your works.
Designs must be two-dimensional, e.g., in the form of a painting, an illustration, a graphic, CG or a photograph, and be premised on its ability to be successfully commercialized as a T-shirt design.
The design(s) must be original work created and owned by the Entrant and must not have been previously used or publicly revealed elsewhere.
You can work on the full area of both front and back side of the T-shirt.
You can select the T-shirt background colour from the ten colour samples. (The actual T-shirt background color used for commercialization will be one closest to the chosen sample color.)
Only online submissions using the template from UTGP website will be accepted. We do not accept submissions by the mail.
In the case of commercialization of your design, UT Grand Prix office will ask you to submit high resolution data. (The office will contact you prior to the commercialization.)
Applicant is responsible for all the cost of creating work(s).

Upon the submission of your works, you need to create 2 types of data: an original data in case of commercialization, and an entry data for application. Please read the following guidelines for creating design data. For any further enquiries, please contact UT Grand Prix office.

PERSISCH:
PERSIAN:

:UNIQLO مسابقه طراحی تی شرت

CLICK ON LINKS BELOW :

http://ut.uniqlo.com/uk/utgp/regulation

http://ut.uniqlo.com/utgp/en/about/award2008

2008-10-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

The "Stude" has a chopped roof, entirely new frame, custom fabricated hood to cover a Zoops outfitted Chevy 350 with three deuces (two-barrel carburetors) and a retro-style fabricated sheet metal interior.
A custom air bag suspension provides the "slammed" look while the car rides on the Proxes 4 tires and Centerline Smoothie wheels.

Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5 by Two Brothers Custom Trucks

The custom 2009 Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5, features 37x13.50R20 Open Country M/T tires on 20x9-inch BMF S.O.T.A. wheels. Built by Two Brothers Custom Trucks with graphics by Eye Kandy Designs, this wild looking Tundra features a six inch Stage 2 lift.
Bentley Continental Tetsu GTR
The Tetsu GTR is a 800-horsepower custom craation based on a Bentley Continental. It features Nakamura Tetsuei art both on the hood and interior, melding Japanese tradition with modern style.
The wide body makes room for high performance 295/25R22 Toyo Proxes T1R tires.
It will be built in a limited series of 29 units by ASI (accuracy, spirit and imagination), a Japanese company that builds limited-edition luxury classics.

Famous Transportation Design Websites

2008-10-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

1- http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home

2- http://www.conceptcar.co.uk/

3- http://www.g2de.co.uk/

4- http://www.cardesignonline.com/

5- http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/

6- http://www.proboards.com/index.html

7- http://www.designerspace.com/

8- http://www.car-smart.info/

9- http://www.cardesign.ru/

A 320 kph + Sports Car

2008-10-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

The subject of the diploma project for the students from the Instituto Europeo de Design from Turin, Italy was the designing of "A 320 km/h plus sports car" for the McLaren group. One of the best projects presented by was the "Manta" a car a concept car made with the task of challenging the present and future technologies. The "Manta" close in its inside the sports car defined as "legantemente potente" - powerful elegance, as Davide Amantea one of the students involved in the project has told us.
The shape was created with the goal of making a fluid and floating body taking many visual elements from the "manta" fish from where it takes the name. Looking to it's dimensions the supercar gives the imagine of fluid and delicate movement but very powerful.The upper lines of the body are characterized by simple, fluid lines and a strong volume in contrast with the lower body part where the busy lines and the strong graphics are typical for a english car maker. In other words the there is a visual difference between the aesthetics of the car: the upper part of the body has the task of giving the character of the first impression the sensual, feminine, powerful lines while the "working" part of the car is the contrast of mechanical cold and technical language.This project has been conceived not just as an exclusive supercar but in the same time as as an everyday supercar, that feels at home on the fastest circuits in the world as well as at low speeds on an normally traffic day, or the best car to show off to an important meeting or celebration.The project has succeeded to combine the three elements of the McLaren design: precision, low weight and power.

(from: http://www.style4cars.com/ )

NEW DESIGN CHALLENGE

2008-10-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

This month's 1 Hour Design Challenge is timelier than timely, focusing on the theme of voting booths. Everyone is welcome to take part, so fire up those pencils, markers and tablets and get in the game! Cause hey, participation is a central component of this one.
THEME:Voting Booth
DOORS OPEN:Tuesday, October 14, 20089 PM PST (4AM GMT)
DOORS CLOSE:Thursday, October 30, 20089 PM PST (4 AM GMT)
BRIEF:As we approach the upcoming November election, the role of design and experience will once again take center stage. The ballot design fiasco of the 2000 election taught us that the ramifications of design decisions can be profound, so for this Core77 1 Hour Design Challenge, we invite designers to submit design solutions for the "voting booth." Designs submitted can include both voting machines and environments, but we are looking for strong concepts that explore the way we vote, where we vote.
HOW TO ENTER:Participants must execute their design in only 1 hour, based on an honor system. Upload images and a brief text description of your design to the designated discussion forum.
Jury:Winners will be selected by Jessica Helfand and William Drenttel of Winterhouse, creators of The Polling Place Photo Project (now a New York Times project) and founding editors of Design Observer. Community discussion is encouraged to help ensure that the best designs win.
CRITERIA:Judging will be based on quality of presentation, strength of concept, and ambition of idea.
PRIZE:1st prize will receive a gift basket from Winterhouse, including maple syrup, t-shirt, a copy of Design For Democracy, boxes of Obama O's and Cap'N McCain's cereal, and other special surprises. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be featured in the Core77 November Newsletter and on the Core77 Blog.

(For more information visit:

http://www.core77.com/)

Riding in the Rain: Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor Concept

2008-10-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Peugeot looks toward a future of fuel-efficient, all-weather scooters replacing cars for short, urban jaunts

Quick, name a car with three-wheel drive. Okay, trick question; this isn't quite a car, but Peugeot's idea of a fuel-efficient all-weather runabout. The HYmotion3 Compressor Concept foresees a hybrid vehicle in more ways than one: part gasoline-, part electric-powered; part car, part scooter. The French automaker says it offers the stability of a trike with the protection of a safety cell similar to that which supports occupants of a Smart car.
Like a Toyota Prius, it can run in electric-only mode at low speeds, by way of front-mounted, in-wheel hub motors, each producing up to four horsepower. The main power source is a supercharged 125cc engine producing 20 horsepower. In total, the powerplants could provide the performance equivalent of a 400cc motorcycle. Traditional hybrid-drive accoutrements include regenerative braking, a stop-start engine function, and a mileage boost, in this case a projected maximum of 118 mpg. But will Peugeot, one of the largest scooter makers in Europe, build it for mass consumption? Ask someone from the future.

2008-10-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

AUTOMOTIVE CELLPHONE THEME

2008-10-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

I wanna publish some car cellphone themes (links) for you. You can see some sample themes above

NEW DESIGN COMPETITION

2008-10-17T00:23:00.000-07:00

The CAT-iq Design Competition

Multiple Disciplines

http://www.catiqdesigncompetition.org

Rolls-Royce RR4: The New Billionaire Whip

2008-10-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

This upcoming luxury sedan will go head-to-head with the Bentley Continental in the battle for high-dollar dominance

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today provided a peek at what its next luxury car will look like. Design sketches of the car known internally as RR4 hint at a model that is smaller and sleeker than the big-ticket Rolls-Royce Phantom. Car wonks say the RR4 will face off against the successful Continental from Volkswagen-owned Bentley, at a price of between $250,000 and $280,000, according to Edmunds Inside Line.
That's around $100,000 to $200,000 less than the top-line Phantom. Rolls-Royce executives said the RR4 will have a more informal presence than the company's stately Phantom line, and will be more geared toward driving than being driven. The company, a subsidiary of BMW, said the RR4 will be powered by a new engine that is unique to Rolls-Royce. The RR4 is expected to go on sale in 2010.

Next-Wave Astrovan: Canadians Pen All-Electric Concept With Aeronautic Touches

2008-10-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

With less aerodynamic drag than a Toyota Prius, the Hinterland 1 concept car could redefine people-moving in the north country.

It has the profile of a Toyota Prius interpreted by the late Maxime Faget, designer of the Space Shuttle. It's the Hinterland 1, a conceptual all-electric minivan with a drag coefficient of less than 0.25 (the Prius's is 0.26). And if its designers get their way, it'll become a Canadian icon on par with the CN Tower, Geddy Lee and Poutine.
Chief designer of the Hinterland 1 is a veteran of Québec-based Bombardier Recreational Products, maker of the Sea-Doo watercraft, who says the project "combines sources of artistic, technical and scientific expertise" from recreational vehicles, electric motors and batteries, aeronautics, aluminium, plastics processing and video games. In theory, the sculpted body would comprise an aeronautical-style aluminum monocoque, fashioned by the same hydroforming process GM uses to create body panels for its curvy Pontiac Solstice roadster. A drive system proposed by electric-car startup Higgins-Aubé would involve a 43 kW-max motor (14kW continuous) powered by Li-ion or Zebra (Sodium Nickel Chloride) batteries with a maximum power of 37,000 kilowatts. Designers envision two models built on the same platform, a two-seater "Mini" and the six-person "Van."

Toyota Winglet to Challenge the Segway

2008-10-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Thought the personal transport assistant trend was DOA? Think again

Segway users, look behind your shoulder. Another “personal transport assistant” is waiting in the wings.
The Toyota Winglet will be used in trials at a Japanese airport and shopping center in 2009, with a planned mass deployment in early 2010. It’s much slower than the Segway with a top speed of only 3.7 mph, but comes in three models: the S (which is only 18 inches tall and weighs 22 pounds), the M (27 inches tall and 27 pounds), and the L (about 4 feet tall and the same weight as the M). Both the S and M use leg braces to help you steer, while the L provides a handle bar. Like the Segway, the Winglet senses weight shifts for steering and speed and can slow down or stop if you teeter too much.
In a video demo, a Toyota representative effortless drove around a stage with the S model. Trials in Japan will determine how well the device maneuvers in crowded areas, and how pedestrians not riding on a Winglet will react. The press release for the Winglet mentions how the Toyota robotics division intends to help contribute the “health and comfort” of future society. My only comment: in current society, with pervasive electronic entertainment, gas-guzzling cars, and a coach-potato lifestyle, it seems as though introducing another vehicle that does not require physical excursion is counter-productive.
But who knows? The Winglet looks slick and portable, a device that is light enough to carry in the car and use on a whim. It could also provide more mobility for those who walk to work every day. In the US, it’s still unclear whether devices such as the Segway and Winglet will catch on; but manufacturers seem to have few qualms pushing them.

MP3 Players and different Product designs

2008-10-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

I decided to put some different MP3 players with different designs for you.

Have fun

2011 Chevy Volt Unveiled

2008-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

After months of anticipation, Chevy releases its final Volt design

Today, after a nearly two-year tease, General Motors unveiled the final design for the car that it hopes will save the company: the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the world's first production plug-in hybrid. The Volt is designed to drive 40 miles on a single charge of its giant lithium-ion battery; after that, an onboard 1.4-liter four-cylinder flex-fuel engine kicks in to power the electric motors that drive the car. GM will most likely make 10,000 of the cars in the first year of production; it's expected to go on sale in November 2010. It's unclear how much the car will cost, though the relatively unproven lithium-ion batteries could drive the cost close to $40,000. Government incentives could help drive that cost down closer to the $30,000 mark.

It's not an exaggeration to say that the Volt is probably the most important car in the company's history. At a time when GM is hemorrhaging billions of dollars each quarter, the Volt is an attempt to revive the company's reputation and steer it in a "greener" direction. For the past five years, GM has been best known in some circles as the giant corporation that killed the electric car; the Volt, GM hopes, will change that.

Today's reveal was widely expected. Last week someone at GM accidentally posted several photos of Volt execs posing with the production design, and the photos quickly spread across the Internet. Bloggers and online commenters pretty much panned the production design, which is a major departure from the "electric Camaro" look of the concept car that GM unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

But the design's dramatic lurch toward normalcy was probably inevitable. The Volt concept had terrible aerodynamics, and to get 40 miles of range off a battery pack small enough to allow for a backseat, GM designers had to do all kinds of aerodynamic tweaking and polishing on the way to the design you see today. Our take: While the production Volt doesn't look like the plasma-powered time-traveling car of the future, it's a fine looking compact car. And did we mention that it goes 40 miles without using any gas at all? No telling what will happen to oil prices between now and November 2010, but we'd bet that they'll continue to rise, and that the Volt's detractors will soon get over their disappointment.
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Audi O Concept

2008-10-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Audi O Concept is a design study for a vehicle focused on audio listening, inspired by the design of modern music players and by the brand's styling cues. The author is Czech student Ondrej Jirec.

The idea behind Audi O concept was to design "a large music player", fusing audio equipment with transport.
The exterior styling of the Audi O is neat and carries several Audi trademark styling themes.
As Ondrej Jirec explains, "Sources of inspiration were the Apple iPod, the Audi Shooting Brake, music and Audi's name."
The overall impression of Audi O is clear-looking black & white design.
The shape of the rear pull-out door echoes the characteristic front Audi mask which is sitting between front LED lamps. The rear door is fitted with a DJ set with mixing decks. The decks can be removed and used anywhere outside the car.

The design of the front and rear lights represents the shape of sound waves, which "tend to be more curved and linear to express the bouncing of sound between obstacles."
The doors feature glass windows running along the bottom edge.
This makes the concept look lighter and provides an interesting shape to the profile of the car. Black rims give a contrast to the white body of the concept and visible circle spokes represent vinyl.
The interior of the Audi O is bright thanks to a large curved glass roof surface which brings much light into the interior.
The passenger compartment has been separated from the engine compartment by a double firewall to help keep out external noise which might interfere with the cleanness of sound.

To increase sound quality, the central tunnel carries two subwoofers. Also, there are speakers placed in the door panels as well as under each seat, inside of pillars and the in the dash-board.

The unique audio system has wireless internet connectivity for downloading music onto the built-in 650 GB hard drive.

Users can also import music from CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs or via USB connection from external hard drives.
When there is a wider area to be covered with music or someone’s speech, two or more Audi O cars can be simply connected via Bluetooth.
In this situation, a host Audi O is set to be the source of sound and the other vehicles act as powerful speakers.
The concept is powered by a diesel/electric hybrid.
About the designer
Ondrej Jirec is a student who graduated from high school in the Czech Republic. This fall, 2008, he is beginning studies at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California.

(Image Courtesy: Ondrej Jirec)

Manhattan Motors design competition: the winners

2008-10-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Local Motors has announced the results of its Manhattan Motors Design Competition. The first three places were won respectively by Julien Sarremejean, Raphael Laurent and Pierre Gimbergues.

Julien Sarremejean, Raphael Laurent, and Pierre Gimbergues are the first, second and third place respective finishers of the Manhattan Motors Competition. They were selected among 47 successful entries.
The challenge of this competition was to design an exciting vehicle for Manhattan that incorporates necessary Better Place components including: an easily accessible battery and charging accommodation.
Julien Sarremejean, known to the Local Motors community as “eclips” has won the first prize with his Green Apple concept, a compact and stylish vehicle "unlike anything on the road today."
His incorporation of efficiency and excitement won him first place. and the $1,500 cash prize.
Raphael Laurent, has placed second and received the $300 prize with his Morphing Concept. The design is "polarizing, demanding a reaction from everyone in the community."

Pierre Gimbergues is a graduate of Strate College and joined Local Motors not too long ago. This is his first competition and he placed third thanks to his NY Electric concept, a vehicle with a smooth silhouette and a sexy and sophisticated design for the people of Manhattan.
(Source: Local Motors)

Hawaii Motors design competition

2008-10-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Motors Challenge is the sixth design competition organized by Local Motors. Participants are asked to create a sketches of concept car inspired by Hawaiian Koa Warriors. The deadline is next 21 October.
The Hawaii Motors Challenge, will start tomorrow (Wednesday, October 15th). The task of this one-week sketch competition is to create a car which embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian Koa Warriors; "A car for the islands, built in the islands."
There are limited restrictions in terms of body style passenger capacity and functions of the vehicle: each design is required to seat 2-6 passengers. Participants must submit sketches of their vehicle in three views, including a side view.
The submission deadline is Tuesday, October 21 at 23:59pm (-4GMT). The prizes are $1,500, $300, and $200 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places respectively.
For more information visit the competition page on Local Motors' website.
From the official Press Release:

The inspiration of the Koa Warriors lies in their characteristics, the root of their existence and prestige. These warriors are described as powerful, royal, confident, close to nature, fierce, agile, proud and disciplined. Koa warriors are legendary, and this competition is a tribute to their culture and their land, Hawaii.
The brief - background
Today, modern Hawai’i is a proud and vibrant culture of 1.5 million islanders who are connected by over 1,100 miles of highways and many thousands of miles of smaller roads. While the design of Hawaiian ships and canoes and the islands have been inextricably linked.
Cars and Hawai’i have for a long time had a detached relationship as the island nation, devoid of any of its own manufacturing and far from the marketing studies of the larger car manufacturers, has merely received a hodge-podge smattering of the model lines that the OEMs have produced.
Though many companies have used the islands in their advertising campaigns, not one manufacturer has produced a car with Hawai’i specifically in mind. Because of the great distance to transport the finished inventory, Hawaii has typically received new model introductions in a delayed fashion and everything automotive is usually sold at a several thousand $$ premium.
(Source: Local Motors)

2008-10-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show Citroën will debut the Hypnos, a cross-over vehicle that "combines the dynamism of a coupé with the elegance of a saloon and the space of an SUV."
It is focused on high performances and environmental efficiency, achieved through a range of creative technologies.
"Powerful, flowing and expressive, the exterior styling identifies the car as one to rouse the emotions."The cabin is characterized by the imaginative use of colour which delivers "a powerful sensory experience awaits the driver and passengers, taking them into the realm of pure magic."
The special hybrid technology used on Hypnos highlights Citroën’s includes a 200 hp engine with low fuel consumption and emissions (60+mpg and 120g/km of CO2).
(Source: Citroen)

Honda V4 Concept

2008-10-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

The V4 Concept Model is a design study for a futuristic sports bike presented by Honda at Intermot Cologne to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its V4 four-stroke engine.

According to Honda the V4 Concept Model represents “the new beginning” for the brand's production motorcycles.
Conceived around the trademark 4-cylinder V-engine, the V4 Concept Model "expresses functional beauty as well as a more sensual image to appeal more to the emotions of people."
Among the concepts behind the V4 Concept model are an increased focus on emotional and sensual performance and on the human-fitting match of rider and machine.
For the Intermot Cologne event, Honda chose “The New Beginning” as its exhibition theme, based on the fact that this year th e brand celebrates its 60th anniversary and next year the 50th anniversary of its participation in road racing, as well as the 30th anniversary of racing with an innovative 4-cylinder V-engine with oval pistons.

For Intermot, Honda collected and exhibited successive V4 race machines as well as mass-market motorcycle products, enabling visitors to review the lineage of 30 years of V4 engine technologies.

(From: http://www.carbodydesign.com)

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

2008-10-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

2008-10-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

At the Paris Motor Show Citroën will unveil the Hypnos, a hybrid concept vehicle that combines a dynamic four-door coupé bodywork with an interior focused on imaginative use of colors and passengers' sensory experience.

t the 2008 Paris Motor Show Citroën will debut the Hypnos, a cross-over vehicle that "combines the dynamism of a coupé with the elegance of a saloon and the space of an SUV."
It is focused on high performances and environmental efficiency, achieved through a range of creative technologies.
"Powerful, flowing and expressive, the exterior styling identifies the car as one to rouse the emotions."The cabin is characterized by the imaginative use of colour which delivers "a powerful sensory experience awaits the driver and passengers, taking them into the realm of pure magic."
The special hybrid technology used on Hypnos highlights Citroën’s includes a 200 hp engine with low fuel consumption and emissions (60+mpg and 120g/km of CO2).
(Source: Citroen)

BOOK INTRODUCTION

2008-10-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Design Sketching is an innovative new
sketch technique book that has become a highly regarded resource for designers, students and Universities throughout the world.
Rather than taking the traditional theoretical approach, it aims to teach and inspire by displaying a broad collection of sketches encompassing the entire design process. Twenty-four talented students from the Umeå Institute of Design, one of Europe’s best design schools, have contributed to the diverse material in the book. Work has been selected from the different areas of the Institute, resulting in a unique collection of sketches representing a large number of different product designs.
We hope and believe that Design Sketching will help you to develop your sketching skills and serve as an invaluable tool for inspiration!
Erik and Klara, authors

Order online:

http://www.designsketching.com/order.php

DESIGNER INTRODUCTION

2008-10-07T13:03:00.001-07:00

I have published this designer because of it's nice renders.

Ivan Volkov Design:

About the concept:
Traveller is a transportation SUV class for travels.It consists of 2 parts providing better operating capabilities.
About Ivan Volkov:
2007 Master of Transport Design Ural State Academy of Architecture and Arts Ekaterinburg, Russia2006 Participation in LADA-Concept DESIGN STUDENTS AWARDS 2006, Toliatti, Russia2005 Organizing the AUTOMANIA Car Design Exhibition and taking a part in2005 Exterior and interior design for Autoaudiocenter, Ekaterinburg, Russia2004 Exterior design for Red - Aleti, Moscow, Russia
vaniatko@inbox.ru

WEBSITE INTRODUCTION

2008-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

DESIGNERTECHNIQUES is a great website. You can read tutorials, read about designers, and many useful articles. Download wallpapers and publish your own design in it's gallery.

http://www.designertechniques.com/

DESIGN SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD

2008-10-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

USA
Academy of Art University San Francisco
Art Center College of Design Pasadena
Cleveland Institute of Art Ohio
College for Creative Studies Detroit
Lawrence Technological University Southfield, Michigan
Pratt Institute New York
Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta
University of Cincinnati - School of Design Cincinnati
Europe
Coventry School of Art and Design UK
Creapole ESDI France
Domus Academy Italy
Elisava School of Design Spain
Hochschule Pforzheim Germany
Instituto Europeo di Design Italy
ISSAM Istituto di Scienze dell'Automobile Modena Italy
Istituto d'Arte Applicata e Design Italy
Royal College of Art UK
Scuola Politecnica di Design Italy
Strate College France
Swansea Institute UK
Umeå Institute of Design Sweden
University of Bradford Industrial Design, UK
University of Huddersfield UK
University of Northumbria UK
Asia Pacific
Hongik University Korea
Monash University Australia
Tokyo Communication Arts - Car Design Japan

(From:http://www.cardesignnews.com/)

NEW PRODUCT DESIGN CONTEST

2008-10-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

Dwell presents the 2008 CaesarStone Competition
Here’s your challenge: design and build a modern table using CaesarStone – the rest is up to you. We are looking for designs that are sustainable, innovative and challenge conventional thinking about how CaesarStone can be used.

If your design is selected, we will give you the CaesarStone material you need and commission a fabricator to help you build the final piece. This final built piece will be judged by a special panel of experts and we will name the winner and two competition finalists. So, in addition to the glory, our competition winner will receive a $5,000 prize and the finalists get $1,000. It’s time to get inspired. Enter Now!

http://www.dwell.com/services/contests/caesarstone.html#entryForm

Lamborghini shows 4-door 4-seater super sedan

2008-10-06T14:55:00.001-07:00

October 5, 2008 Lamborghini sprang the surprise of the Paris Show with the Lamborghini Estoque 4-door 4-seater super sedan. Deigned to be driven more regularly than the current Lambborghini GallardoDrive-Like-a-Million-Bucks or Murcielago(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murci%C3%A9lago product lines), the Estoque is an instant contender in the Gran Turismo(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Turismo) category currently dominated by Ferrari and Maserati. Propelled to a top speed of 170 mph by a 552 bhp V10 motor, the car comes with the refinement of its Audi stablemate dual-clutch sequential manual transmission. This thing really looks like a projectile and it is positively huge with its five metre length and considerable mass supported by massive 22-inch wheels on the front and 23-inch on the back. A likely third product line from Lamborghini, the car could hit showrooms by 2011 with a likely price tag similar to the Gallardo.

(Thanks from http://www.gizmag.com/)

2008-10-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

In this blog you can find many links about car industry.

Citroën GT Concept

2008-10-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

At The 2008 Paris Motor Show Citroën has unveiled the GT Concept, an extreme show car developed in partnership with Polyphony, maker of the Gran Turismo 5 PS3 videogame. The car features a racing-inspired design, dynamic sculpted lines and sharp graphics.

The Citroën GT Concept show-car presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, is actually a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world.

The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony Digital Inc. , a subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation 3, which has already been shipped in more than 50 million units worldwide.

In the game, GTbyCITROËN features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions.

Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo, said "GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership.

"We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car.

"To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world. I just hope I can get behind the wheel of GTbyCITROËN and drive it on a real race track!"

GTbyCITROËN is geared to the world of motor racing, with its dynamic styling, sculpted lines and sharp graphics. The rear end is oversized, made exaggeratedly long in order to create an effect of retinal persistence.

The idea is to make the concept car even faster visually. The white-to-grey gradation on the body side further underlines this impression of continuous movement.

Exterior Design

The design of GTbyCITROËN reflects a quest for optimal aerodynamic design. The show-car is a vehicle of flowing, taut lines, stretched to the extreme. The cleanly drawn sides, ribbed at the top, and the pearlescent shade of the bodywork enhance the vehicle's sleekly muscled looks.

The determined look of the front end is enhanced by wide air intakes and clear-cut horizontal headlamps. The headlamps feature penetrating blue LEDs in order to light the road effectively and keep rivals at a respectful distance! The chrome chevrons on the smooth bonnet express the Marque's identity.

The carbon rearview mirrors on their finely profiled supports appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air, giving an excellent on-road stance.

The large wraparound windscreen flows seamlessly into the roof and on into the rear mobile airfoil with its exaggeratedly long shape. The fast-flowing lines create the impression of a car in perpetual movement. The whole body expresses performance and continuous movement.

GTbyCITROËN also expresses strength and power through generous volumes, (length: 4.960m, 2.080m and height: 1.090m) underlined by strongly marked wheel arches. The diamond-effect 21-inch aluminium wheels enhance the car's sporty personality.

Aerodynamics

Special emphasis was placed on the aerodynamics and flowing design of GTbyCITROËN, these being key Citroën values.

The objective was to enhance the vehicle's dynamics and to create exceptional driving sensations.

Looking beyond its taut, dynamic lines, this racing car features innovative equipment such as enlarged air intakes at the front, a flat underside, and a mobile spoiler and air diffuser at the rear.

All these features play an active role in reducing lift and - above all - drag, to pin the car to the ground.

Interior Design
The cabin of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat two adults, expresses the grand touring vision and the racing spirit behind this show-car. The on-board ambience allies premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position.

The layout of the low driving position was dictated by driving pleasure. The aim is for the driver to be able to concentrate on the road, assisted by a head-up display clearly displaying driving information.

The on-board ambience allies rich, premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position, inspired by the world of motorsports.

Looking beyond the spectacular visual effect, the gullwing opening of the two doors gives GTbyCITROËN a level of accessibility rarely seen on this type of vehicle.

The driver and co-driver can therefore slip into their seats and get out on the track as quickly as possible.

The dark interior of this show-car is a surprise, compared with the light bodywork. Upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel, the cabin of GTbyCITROËN is distinctly sporty.

Two padded racing seats upholstered in dark leather, each fitted with a four-point harness, enfold the driver and passenger for exceptional driving sensations. Placed low down to highlight the impression of speed, the elegant seats are a perfect fit with the rest of the interior.

The top-stitched leather of the door panels and floor adds to the opulence of the interior.

The dashboard, with its clean uncluttered design, flows into the receding lines of an imposing copper sculpture. The thrusting modern lines of the sculpture become the central tunnel of the vehicle, illustrating the power of GTbyCITROËN and appearing to catalyse its strength.

Created in a twist of this same copper sculpture, the leather-and-steel steering wheel also reflects the sporting spirit of the cabin.
To promote maximum concentration, the driver has a head-up display for driving information. Using red LEDs, this system projects key driving information - such as speed and navigation data - onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision.
The head-up display makes a significant contribution to safety with its direct read-out. Drivers assimilate data more quickly and do not have to look away from the road.

(From: http://www.carbodydesign.com/)

Which competitions are most interesting for you?

2008-10-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

You can suggest your favourite design category or categories by leaving comments.
You'll find your favourite design contest after awhile.

So You can ask every question about different design categories and you'll receive your answer.

Have Fun

Newest selected News from Design sites

2008-10-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

See the winners of Peugeot Design Contest.
What's your idea about the winners? Are these designs, the best of all? post your comments

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(From:http://www.core77.com/)
http://www.pininfarina.com/index/storiaModelli/B0.html

Pininfarina, the legendary Italian car design company, launched today a new electric car, called B0 [pronounced B Zero], at the Paris Auto Show.
This car is a prototype. It is a mass production model - the first Pininfarina branded car ever - with the first units coming off the production line at the end of 2009, after which production will be ramped up gradually based on the availability of the batteries.
Built in Turin by Pininfarina-Bolloré, a joint venture formed by the two family-owned groups, the B0 electric car is a fully-electric vehicle without any carbon dioxide production, having been designed from the ground up with that aim in mind.
Dedicated to the memory of Andrea Pininfarina who was a firm believer in the project, the elegant four-seater, four-door hatchback can be recharged in a matter of hours from a standard domestic main socket and has a range of 250 km (153 miles).
The B0 has a top speed that is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80 mph) and features potent acceleration, reaching 60 km/h from a standing start (0 to 37 mph) in 6.3 seconds. The B0 also features solar panels on its roof and hood, so as to help recharge its electrical power reserves.

LEXUS LF-A Roadster Concept

2008-10-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing concept from Lexus. Whatq's your idea about this Lexus?I can guess your answer...HA HA...

LEXUS LS 460 and Long Ottomann model

2008-10-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is Lexus LS 460, that is an amazing car with high volume of options.

Some important specifications:

V8 4.6 Litre or 4600 cc engine

24 Valve

Some of more important options:

Automatic Park system

Distronic

Keyless Entry

Mark Levinson Multimedia System with 19 speakers

12 SRS Airbags

AFS for Lights

In Long LS 460 Ottomann you'll find some further options:

Masseur for back seats

Back seats with separate multimedia system (DVD,Monitor etc)

Here are 2 different links for both LS 460 and the long model:

http://www.netcarshow.com/lexus/2007-ls_460/

http://www.netcarshow.com/lexus/2007-ls_460l/

Lexus LX 570

2008-10-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is Lexus LX 570 with 5.7 Litre or 5700 cc amazing engine. One of the best Luxurious SUVs in all over the world.

Amazing options. This is luxurious luxurious Toyota Landcruiser cause Landcruiser is a luxurious car.

LEXUS RX 350

2008-10-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

This is Lexus RX with different engine volumes but i have written about RX 35o model.

RX 350 engine specifications:

V6 3.5 Litre or 3500 cc engine

24 Valve

Important Options of this model;

11SRS Airbags

Mark Levinson Multimedia System with 11 speakers

AFS for lights

etc

LEXUS GS 430

2008-10-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The next Lexus Model is GS with a powerful engine. This model is for persons who like to have a luxurious/sport car with lower proce in compare with other same class car models.

Some important details and specifications about GS:

GS has different packages with different engine volumes but here i have written about GS 430:

(GS can be 2WD or 4WD for example european models are 4WD and GCC models are 2WD)

V8 with 4.3 litre 4300 cc engine

24 valve

Important options of this model:

12 SRS Airbags

Mark Levinson Multimedia system with 14 speakers

AFS for Lights

Distronic system

Lexus ES 350

2008-10-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

This is Lexus ES

Some brief details and specifications about this model:

V6 3.5 Litre or 3500 cc engine

24 valve

Important options:

12 SRS Airbags

Keyless entry system

Mark Levinson Multimedia system with 14 speakers

AFS system for Lights

Panorama

LEXUS IS

2008-10-02T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is Lexus IS, Sport ,Comfortable , with lower price in compare with other Lexus models

(This picture is Lexus IS-F...Tune up Lexus)

Car & Dsign

2008-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

In this blog you can find every news about car specially in design. You will find some of the best news on car and design. You can write your ideas. My target is having a good car & design source for everybody who is intrested in car & specially design issue.

Different parts of the blog:
1-Best Photos
2-Best Videos
3-Best Information
4-Best Links

Have fun