Last year Swedish boat maker Candela announced its partnership with Polestar to create a special edition hydrofoil boat that would be hard to challenge. The vision has met fruition in the form of Candela C-8 Powered by Polestar. This electric boat is a major upgrade over the C-7 and challenges other similar makers with its unique proposition.
The boat employs advanced hydrofoil technology to reduce the drag by exposing a minimum of the hull area to the water. This results in 8 percent less energy consumption as compared to conventional electric boats hitting the horizon. This ultimately results in extending the range – 57 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 22 knots. Driving it around at a top speed of 30 knots will decrease the range, still, it will be better than other options. As per Candela, the numbers are almost two times better than electric boats and even compare well with the combustion engine counterparts.
What Polestar brings to the equation are the 69 kWh batteries along with the DC fast charging for quick juicing up. The 8-seater boat can also be charged with Polestar’s 11 kW three-phase AC charging port. According to Candela’s founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog, the C8 makes it possible to travel to destinations previously only “reachable by combustion engine boats. The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea.”
The electric boat is well within the 50 nautical miles excursion range stated by research done with boaters. So, you could go from Sweden to Finland in just one day, or traverse the whole French Riviera in mere hours. The option is cost-effective as well due to its premium range as stated by the maker. Teaming up with Polestar for the advanced batteries is the best decision for both. The shared goal will make it possible to transition to a sustainable future.
As for the looks, the electric boat scores very high with multiple shades of grey across the face. It might be unconventional but stylish nonetheless. The boat’s cabin is beautifully tailored and the seat’s upholstered for a premium feel for the riders – something akin to high-end automobiles. Coming at $450,000 the electric boat can be bought in carbon fiber hardtop or completely open version.
It’s one thing seeing a transparent Nothing phone and completely another when it’s a car. Looking something straight out of the Marvel universe, this cool Volkswagen ID 3 EV is a custom sedan you don’t want to ride if you prefer privacy.
The car originally owned by a Chinese automobile influencer Dog Bro Fast Dog has been customized to have a see-through form achieved with modding that seems absolutely bonkers. It’s not every day that you come across a transparent car on the streets. To complete the distinct appeal of the VW ID 3, LED lighting has been put to good use.
The Chinese automotive influencer draws his inspiration from the Nothing Phone (not surprising) which traversed normal conventions to create a mobile device that stands out from the crowd when it comes to pure form factor. The idea was good but executing it to achieve the desired look is another challenge altogether. Major sections of the vehicle were cut out including the door panels and plastic bumpers. They were replaced with vacuum-formed transparent plastic to achieve the see-through look of the clear acrylic panels.
The C-pillars and other structurally important parts of the frame were kept intact but etched with circuit boards and working computer fans to maintain the futuristic theme and aesthetics. Surprises don’t end there as the interiors are a cool little world on their own. The white theme carries the clean theme to the inside. There’s a racing seat for the driver and the passenger seat is replaced with a secondary battery for those extra 18 odd miles and feeding the power-hungry electronics.
The influencer has one more surprise in there, a PlayStation 5 console complete with a gaming setup including dual monitors, desks and an acrylic rack for all the peripherals in the rear section. The gaming setup is for real to enjoy as the influencer managed to fit a gaming chair in there too.
This is one of the craziest car modifications we’ve seen in a long time and the coolest without a doubt. A perfect show-stopper for the Japanese drifting scene in the dark hours!
It’s one thing seeing a transparent Nothing phone and completely another when it’s a car. Looking something straight out of the Marvel universe, this cool Volkswagen ID 3 EV is a custom sedan you don’t want to ride if you prefer privacy.
The car originally owned by a Chinese automobile influencer Dog Bro Fast Dog has been customized to have a see-through form achieved with modding that seems absolutely bonkers. It’s not every day that you come across a transparent car on the streets. To complete the distinct appeal of the VW ID 3, LED lighting has been put to good use.
The Chinese automotive influencer draws his inspiration from the Nothing Phone (not surprising) which traversed normal conventions to create a mobile device that stands out from the crowd when it comes to pure form factor. The idea was good but executing it to achieve the desired look is another challenge altogether. Major sections of the vehicle were cut out including the door panels and plastic bumpers. They were replaced with vacuum-formed transparent plastic to achieve the see-through look of the clear acrylic panels.
The C-pillars and other structurally important parts of the frame were kept intact but etched with circuit boards and working computer fans to maintain the futuristic theme and aesthetics. Surprises don’t end there as the interiors are a cool little world on their own. The white theme carries the clean theme to the inside. There’s a racing seat for the driver and the passenger seat is replaced with a secondary battery for those extra 18 odd miles and feeding the power-hungry electronics.
The influencer has one more surprise in there, a PlayStation 5 console complete with a gaming setup including dual monitors, desks and an acrylic rack for all the peripherals in the rear section. The gaming setup is for real to enjoy as the influencer managed to fit a gaming chair in there too.
This is one of the craziest car modifications we’ve seen in a long time and the coolest without a doubt. A perfect show-stopper for the Japanese drifting scene in the dark hours!
Sergii Gordieiev is well known for his unique creations, showcasing his DIYs on the YouTube channel ‘The Q’ for people who love things out of the box. The wheel-less bicycle and square-wheeled ride are the prime examples. His love for customizing an ordinary bicycle is not going to fade away soon, as the slipper bicycle proves it all right.
As weird as it sounds, wait until you see the full video transcript. Sergii manages to slap the tarmac with this unusual ride one slipper at a time and that trippy sound is so irritatingly addictive. Everything apart, the level of detail and the amount of creative intent that the DIYer brings to each of his DIYs is worth appreciating. What next is he going to do with a bicycle is anybody’s guess, but for now, enjoy this one.
On first look, it seems the slippers will wear out from all the spanking on the road but there are 14 metal cutouts to take all the weight and contact force when the bicycle is paddled forward. These metal cutouts become the base for an outrageous-looking set of wheels for an adult bike. Both the wheel frames are designed from scratch with meticulous cutting and molding of the metal. Thereafter the wheels are attached to the bicycle frame.
The final step involves sliding on the rubber slippers onto each of these metal struts. Sergii fits each of the wheels with 12 yellow slippers and two black slippers to create a contrasting look when the wheels turn. The best thing about his creations is that no matter how much non-functional the bikes look, they glide on the road beyond anyone’s expectations. This one is no different as he takes a casual ride in the park to onlookers’ amazement.
The vast majority of design concepts for future cars unsurprisingly revolve around the more exciting parts of the experience, from hands-free autonomous driving to hotel-like cabins to quiet, efficient, and eco-friendly engines. Of course, those aren’t the only parts of the driving experience, which starts and ends with drivers getting in and out of the car. Oftentimes, that part is presented as a keyless activity that either relies simply on the touch of a finger or the tap of a smartphone screen. It might be quick and efficient, but not exactly satisfying or meaningful. This concept tries to attack the problem from a different angle, retaining the tactile joy of a physical key fob while improving not only the features but even the comfort of using one.
Designer: Zander De Beer
A dedicated car key fob might sound unnecessary today in an age of smartphone apps, but having a distinct and direct device you can easily use is still far more convenient, not to mention faster, than fumbling around with a smartphone and its dozens of apps. It gets the job done without fuss, but it’s not exactly a memorable or even pleasant experience. Neither is its design the most inspiring accessory for a car, especially the sleek and sophisticated vehicles of the future.
This concept for a new kind of car key fob thinks outside the box and adopts a shape unlike any other fob. Instead of a small disc or teardrop-shaped piece of plastic, it looks to the aerodynamic form of an airplane wing or car spoiler for inspiration, promising a more ergonomic design that you can comfortably hold in your hand. It almost looks like a lighter, with one side tapering sharply to a single edge.
More than just a change in shape, however, this car key fob concept also offers a slight change in functionality. There are still buttons for typical actions like remotely locking and unlocking the car, starting or killing the engine, and even blowing the horn. What’s new is a large dial on top that you turn to set the temperature inside so that it will be as toasty or as cold as you want by the time you enter. This dial has a large display on its top surface to clearly show the current temperature so that you can adjust it accordingly.
The design tries to comply with Deiter Ram’s famous principles of design, though there are still some details that it leaves out in this current iteration. Knowing which buttons map to which actions, for example, could be a matter of guesswork and muscle memory as there are no clear indicators on them, not even embossed symbols that let you blindly press them. There’s also the question of whether the design, ergonomic as it might claim to be, is actually convenient to carry around due to its size and unique shape. Either way, it’s an interesting thought experiment that challenges the presumption that car owners of the future won’t even want physical key fobs like this.
McLaren is currently in an intense dog fight on the track and on the paddock with Red Bull as tensions are rising between star drivers Max and Lando. You as a fan, have the opportunity to own a special edition electric scooter to root for the underdog. Yes, we are talking of an official McLaren edition e-scooter developed by Pure Electric.
The Britan-based company founded in 2018 is in hot pursuit of building the best electric scooter on the planet is owned by Adam Norris (Lando’s father) and the collab is not surprising. Coming on the back of another successful venture between the two brands, this e-scooter is based on the popular Advance+ model.
Pure Electric is 100 percent focused on just one goal, which is to build an e-scooter that changes the complexion of urban transport for good. The foldable commuter gets a bump up in electric motor power and a better range for this special edition version in the signature papaya color and the deep black finish. The e-scooter delivers 710 watts of peak power for better acceleration and much better performance on ascending hills. The range of 31 miles on a single full charge is reassuring if you’ll commute the city in one go.
The all-weather-proof ride comes with an IP65 rating and has 10-inch puncture-proof tires to complement the sturdy frame. Just like the Pure Advance+ model, the Pure x McLaren Special Edition has a natural forward-facing stance for a stable and comfortable riding experience. McLaren’s expertise comes from the valued design approach that’s honed by sharp aesthetics and a deeper knowledge of how hybrid powertrains work.
According to Adam who’s set the company on a success path, the partnership further cements the future of e-mobility, reflecting the engineering and design ethos. Pure x McLaren Special Edition scooters are all set to be available on July 4 in the aforementioned color options. Also, keep in mind, that there’s an Ayrton Senna anniversary edition e-scooter draped in the Brazilian flag skin released just a few months ago.
If you have been wanting a custom-built van home for your journeys around the US, Beachside Custom Vans has delivered 2024 AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Fam Van: a van home for a family of five to travel together. A van that can accommodate five people seems a cramped-up idea that no one would want to invest in. At least, that was my perception in the beginning. But the way the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, comprising a 170″ wheelbase, has been configured, I have a different take. When you reach the end of this article, I’m sure you will have a revised perception as well.
Atlantic Beach, Florida-based Beachside Custom Vans is known for designing van homes that rival tiny houses. The vans are custom-built for people, in a manner they want, to make life on the road smooth, comfortable, and feature-packed. These Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based vans, including the Fam Van, are designed with accessories inside and an exterior that catches the eye at first glimpse.
Offering seating and sleeping space for five people, along with a full kitchen, toilet, and enough storage sections; the Beachside Custom Vans’ Fam Van is a superior option for any adventure family. The exterior of the van is delivered in ceramic-coated gray and blue dual-tone. Its suspensions and wheel rims along with all-terrain tires facilitate off-the-road travel.
Even when the Sprinter is custom-designed for adventures off the road. It is not entirely off-grid. The van home is provided with 200 Ah batteries, a 3,000 W inverter, but there are no solar panels (presumably you should get it as an addon, if you may). Inside, the Fam Van is pretty spacious and open with oak plywood cabinetry marine vinyl flooring, grey upholstered wall paneling, and white ceiling with strip LED lights.
The front portion of the van home has seating for the family comprising the driving seat and a bench for other passengers. Overhead is a shelf featuring the van’s heater control panel and a touchscreen monitor. Moving back on the passenger side is the kitchen that features a white countertop, white subway-tiled backsplash, a countertop with a fold-away table, sink, fridge compartment, a pull-out pantry, and under-sink and overhead cabinets for storage.
The water of the Beachside Custom Vans family van home is managed by a 28-gallon freshwater tank and a 5-gallon graywater storage, which can be emptied appropriately on the press of a button. Opposite the kitchen are two large closets for storage along with a slide-out section for the dry-flush toilet. If you’re thinking of how to wash up and bathe; opening the two rear doors you can access an outdoor shower. Here a large drawer also slides out which you can use for various requirements, including keeping your gear.
When the day is over and the family wants to dine and retire, there is a dinette with a pair of benches and tables that can transform into a bed. The main queen-size bed hangs down from the ceiling, leaving good headroom for the sleepers on the couch below. The entire van home conversion is possible for $75,000.
Seatbelts are designed to not be cut. Glasses on cars are designed to not be broken. That’s all well and great until you find yourself in an emergency where you need to get out of a car and you’re stuck because of a jammed seatbelt or door. Although seatbelts and laminated glass panels are designed effectively to protect you, they can sometimes become the barriers to your safety – which is why it helps to have something like the Lifehammer Smart Automatic on you. A little larger than an AirPods case, the Lifehammer Smart Automatic is an emergency tool that helps you quickly slice through seatbelts and shatter glass windows so you can make an exit in a scenario where every second matters to your safety. Designed to be the essential EDC that every car needs, this $25 gadget could literally be a life-saver.
The Lifehammer Smart Automatic has a pretty compact, self-explanatory design, which makes it perfect for intuitive use in a split-second emergency. The soap-shaped gadget is easy to grasp firmly in your palm, and comes with a cutout on the side that you hook around your seatbelt. Slide the device over and it slices through the seatbelt’s tough fibers like a knife through butter… while still maintaining a safe design that won’t ever accidentally hurt you.
The top of the Lifehammer Smart Automatic houses its glass-breaker tip. It’s easy to identify the two crucial features simply by looking for the orange accents which highlight the cutter and breaker respectively. The top of the Smart Automatic has a spring-loaded head that you simply press into a glass panel. Eventually, it triggers the glass-breaker tip to eject outwards and shatter any tempered or laminated glass – like the ones found on car windows and windshields. The process requires minimal effort and time, allowing you to quickly break through the glass in case your door gets jammed.
A winner of this year’s iF Design Award, the compact Lifehammer Smart Automatic is a lot smaller than most car-safety gadgets we’ve seen, and comes with its own holder that attaches to any part of your car using 3M adhesive tape. This means you can attach the Smart Automatic beside your seat or the gearbox, or even behind the rearview mirror so it’s easier to access than having to open the glove box and fish around.
The majority of concept designs that we see for future automobiles seem to revolve around self-driving vehicles cruising along wide and nearly empty highways. Given our present reality, however, the future might not be as idyllic as those images try to conjure up, at least in terms of traffic volume. There is a higher probability that there will be even more cars in the future, self-driving or otherwise, and people will be competing for even less space on roads. This concept, in contrast, bucks the trend and imagines a car that not only has to be driven manually, it is also tall and narrow enough that clearance doesn’t become a problem, allowing it to deftly navigate through traffic and tight spaces, today and tomorrow.
The Project OVAL concept is actually made of two parts, both embracing the idea of a more vertically oriented design. On the one hand, there is a vertical oval for the steering wheel which, along with matching the general shape of the vehicle itself, also saves space inside the cabin. The steering mechanism is attached to the side of the car, almost as if it’s floating, since the vehicle practically has no front, let alone a dashboard for the steering wheel to connect to.
The car, on the other hand, is a rather unique spin on a two-person vehicle that prioritizes the economy of space over anything else. There is practically nothing in front of the driver and side passenger save for that oval steering wheel and two pedals. There is space behind the seats for baggage and, presumably everything else that makes the car run. Save for the pillars, the sides and roof of the vehicle are transparent, as is the front, giving passengers a panoramic view of the world around them.
This ultra-minimalist car is designed to easily navigate narrow city roads which will presumably be even more packed in the future. The slim and narrow body is also a boon for parking spaces which are already a rare commodity today. By also removing everything in front of the passengers, the car also gives more freedom of movement and comfort, even though it might feel a bit cramped as far as the width goes.
Project OVAL doesn’t preclude some self-driving mechanism, especially given how there’s no instrumentation panel to inform drivers of the car’s current state. It is entirely possible that the front glass will have a transparent display that makes all that visible as well, creating a rather dramatic futuristic visual. An autonomous system will definitely help save even more space if you remove the steering wheel and pedals, but such manual controls might be even more necessary if highways become even more congested in the future.
Your static die-cast car collection springs to life with the Windsible Wind Tunnel, a marvel of miniaturized engineering. Visual fluid dynamics ignite as air sweeps over each model, and smoke trails accentuate every curve and contour. These models simulate racing through a gust of wind, mimicking the thrill of a racetrack or the precision of a design lab. Enhanced lighting transforms each car into a spectacle of speed, creating a scene reminiscent of a Formula 1 team’s testing facility right on your desk.
The beauty of Windsible lies in its ability to replicate real-world aerodynamic testing on a miniature scale. Watching your models respond to airflow gives you a new appreciation for the intricate designs and engineering that go into each vehicle. Visualizing how air interacts with different car shapes gives you insights into the principles of aerodynamics, offering both entertainment and education in a single, captivating package.
Windsible’s design is compact and portable, seamlessly fitting into any space, from a professional office to a cozy home. The device’s sleek, futuristic look complements your decor, whether on a desk, a living room shelf, or a display cabinet. Its portability means quickly moving it around, showcasing your collection in different settings, and sharing the excitement with others.
Imagine bringing Windsible to a car club meeting, where fellow enthusiasts can marvel at the dynamic displays. Or place it in your office, where it can serve as a conversation starter and a stress reliever during breaks. The ease of setup and use makes it a versatile addition to any environment.
Customizable Interactive Features
Customization is at the heart of Windsible. The LED lighting can be adjusted to highlight different aspects of each model, creating a fresh and exhilarating display every time. Interchangeable smoke nozzles allow you to create various visual effects, enhancing the realism and visual appeal of the display. This feature enables you to experiment and find the perfect setup that best showcases your models.
These interactive features make every display session with Windsible a unique experience. Each session becomes an opportunity to explore new ways to highlight the beauty and design of your car models, making Windsible a dynamic addition to your hobby.
Educational and Engaging
Windsible brings the science of aerodynamics to life. In the professional realm, wind tunnels are essential for testing and refining designs. By using Windsible, you can explore these principles in a hands-on way. It’s like having a miniature version of a wind tunnel testing facility at your disposal, perfect for both learning and fun.
Imagine a sleek sports car model competing in aerodynamic efficiency against a scale model of a cheeseburger. As smoke trails highlight the airflow, you gain a vivid demonstration of fluid dynamics. This interactive feature turns every test into a captivating lesson, perfect for sparking curiosity and innovation in both young and old. Windsible is a valuable tool for classrooms, workshops, and personal study.
This hands-on approach to learning makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Visualizing how air flows over different shapes helps you better understand the factors that influence aerodynamics. This knowledge can inspire new ideas and innovations, whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a student, or a curious enthusiast.
Comprehensive Protection and Versatility
Protecting your valuable die-cast models is crucial, and Windsible addresses this with a robust design. The dustproof and shockproof features ensure each model remains pristine, safeguarding them from potential damage. The gentle, oil-based smoke in the display protects the models, avoiding the possible harm that water mist could cause.
Available in three scales—1:18, 1:24, and 1:64—Windsible caters to various model sizes, ensuring every car in your collection gets the spotlight it deserves. This versatility suits many enthusiasts, from casual collectors to dedicated hobbyists. The durable construction and thoughtful design elements ensure your collection is always safe and well-presented.
The Journey and Community
Windsible’s journey began with a spark of inspiration at Cranfield University, ignited by Steven Smith, an engineer passionate about aviation and vehicles. The blend of Steven’s aviation expertise and vehicle design knowledge laid the foundation for this innovative product. He joined forces with Axia Rossi from Politecnico di Torino, who brought her deep understanding of vehicle engineering, and Jayden Brown, a vehicle designer, who added his flair for creating visually appealing designs. Their combined expertise ensured Windsible was technically sound, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
The development process was highly collaborative, involving feedback from model car enthusiasts and experts. Tank Johnson, an enthusiastic member of their Discord group, played a crucial role in managing external communication and gathering user insights. This community-driven approach ensured that the final product met the needs and expectations of its users. By listening to the voices of the community, the Windsible team refined and perfected the design, resulting in a product that truly resonates with its audience.
Embrace the Future of Model Display
Transform how you showcase and interact with your die-cast car models using Windsible’s cutting-edge technology, interactive features, and sleek design. Imagine your collection coming to life, each model animated by a miniaturized wind tunnel on your desk. Adjustable LED lighting and interchangeable smoke nozzles allow you to personalize your display, turning every interaction into a new adventure. This hands-on tool makes aerodynamics accessible, inspiring curiosity and innovation for students, educators, and enthusiasts alike.
Windsible’s dustproof and shockproof design ensures your models remain pristine, while versatile sizing caters to various collections. Rooted in expertise and community feedback, Windsible meets the highest technical and visual excellence standards. Join the community to experience the art and science of car model design in a new way. This ultimate desktop wind tunnel brings excitement, education, and enjoyment to your collection, making it an indispensable tool for every car model enthusiast.
