Tag Archives: Automotive

Renault revives the Estafette as electric cargo van tailored for urban scenarios

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Renault introduced the Estafette commercial drive van in 1959, and after two decades of success finally replaced it with the Trafic in 1980. The front-wheel drive van with the engine at the front was very practical and economical for its time. The interior was ultra spacious for all the cargo hauling needs.

Now the French automotive manufacturer has introduced an all-electric concept to cater to the needs of modern urban commuters. Dubbed the Estafette Concept, the last-mile vehicle sees a revival after almost 65 years from its initial launch. According to Renault, the concept is destined for the production lines in two years which makes it an even more compelling announcement.

Designer: Renault

Presuming the final production version will be mostly similar to this one, the improvements seem interesting. The roof height has been increased from 1.85m to 2.59m and the length from 4.6m to 4.87m to make even more space for hauling cargo. The width however remains more or less the same at 1.92m. Another major change is the transition from the sliding doors on the side to a roller shutter that opens to the full height and comes with a foldout step.

The cockpit has a zesty yellow theme which is contrasted with the backs of the floor and other side panels. A single swivel seat gives the driver complete freedom to glance over at the seven-inch telemetry display, 12-inch infotainment system and the 10-inch digitalized wing mirrors. A series of small screens display the customizable widgets to stay connected. As Philippe Divry, the CEO of Flexis said, “Estafette Concept is the first example of what electric utility vehicles will look like tomorrow: purpose-engineered to drive in cities, compact, connected and built for fully sustainable delivery services.”

There’s a lot of headroom for even the tallest of loaders and the bright cockpit interiors will expose any cleaning lapses. The Estafette EV is created under the brand name Flexis Group – a joint venture between Renault, Volvo and CMA CGM Group. Hence, the vehicle will ride on the new FlexEVan platform when it ultimately meets fruition. The platform is future-proof since it comes with Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture for real-time updates and predictive maintenance. This according to the automaker reduces the operating costs by 30 percent.

Visual DNA of its ancestral predecessor is present in the form of circular headlamps, the descending bonnet line and the large grille sandwiched between the retrofuturistic fog lamps. As a modern improvement, the taillights have arrow-like indicators and the contoured windscreen has wafer-thin pillars for improved visibility. The cargo area has foldaway shelves to arrange the goods for sorted loading and unloading. Also, there’s an automatic sliding door to separate the cargo area from the cockpit.

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Lotus Theory 1 EV sports car has centred driving position and disappearing haptic buttons

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Lotus is making a smooth transition towards the electric vehicle era with the Eletre Hyper SUV, and has not made much fuzz about EV concepts, that is until now. This is the Theory 1 EV concept by the UK-based automotive manufacturer that highlights the three core principles of the brand going into the future – Digital, Natural and Analouge.

The “Theory” manifesto entails the exciting future of limitless possibilities coming from the house of Lotus. To start with, Theory 1 underpins the choice of a compact EV sports car having a three-seater layout. Something right out of the McLaren F1 handbook, the concept car focuses on lightweight construction and innovative technology that puts sustainability at the fore.

Designer: Lotus

The main challenge for the design team was to adapt the Challenge of 10, wherein just 10 main A-frame elements were used. Compare that to a typical car frame construction that uses a hundred elements at best. Recycled material like aluminum is used to keep the overall weight down since battery power is at a premium when hauling long distances is concerned. The result is an all-wheel drive vehicle powered by a 987 hp electric drivetrain capable of hurling it from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds and having a top speed of 200 mph. The EV weighs less than 1,600kg, and features a 70kWh battery pack. Range on the Theory 1 is touted to be 250 miles which is impressive for a performance EV.

The Performance of the sports car is enhanced by the active aero features like the rounded underfloor (That’s so Lotus) to feed the cooling system, side-pods to direct air into the rear diffuser and a cone-inspired front nose to reinstate the brand’s racing heritage. Doors in Theory 1 have the wrap, reverse-opening mechanism which demonstrates that Lotus is not holding back on its future design language.

The three-seater EV with the central driving position focuses on minimalism with its material choice and interface. The 3D printed headrests come with a KEF binaural sound system and active noise canceling tech for each of the occupants to have their private soundscape. One of the most interesting techs seated inside Theory 1 is the LOTUSWEAR developed in collaboration with wearable robotics company MotorSkins. The fluidic feedback of the system includes inflatable controls on the yoke-steering wheel that appear on demand for a tactile driving experience.

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Lando drives incredible Life-sized LEGO McLaren P1 for a lap around the Silverstone Circuit

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LEGO Technic has previously collaborated with big names like Lamborghini and McLaren Racing Formula-1 team to create real-life replicas with LEGO bricks. Now LEGO Technic engineers and McLaren have managed to achieve something truly remarkable with the LEGO McLaren P1. They managed to do a complete lap around the Silverstone track at a respectable speed.

Yes, this life-sized LEGO McLaren P1 was driven around the circuit by the team’s star F1 driver Lando Norris who is in hot pursuit of the championship leader Max Verstappen. This is an extraordinary feat considering how vibrations during the drive can disturb the structural integrity of a car that is made from LEGO bricks. The only thing that comes close to this build is the LEGO Bugatti Chiron which could only go in a straight line.

Designer: LEGO Technic and McLaren

This could be one of the most intricate and detailed LEGO builds ever that’s fully functional just like the real thing. It is constructed out of 342,817 pieces and took 8,344 hours in total to come to life thanks to the dedicated efforts of 23 designers, engineers and builders. The LEGO model is 600 pounds lighter than the real P1 which weighs 8,944 in dry weight. This is also the first ever LEGO model to feature a functional steering wheel that navigates the car around the 3.66-mile track. Powering the four-wheeled LEGO is an electric motor that uses a combination of 768 LEGO Technic motors bundled into eight motor packs (to replicate a V8 engine) in combination with an electric car battery to make up for the range for a complete lap at a top speed of approximately 40 mph.

The only things that are not LEGO in this build for obvious reasons are the steel frame for structural support, wheels, instrument cluster, and the steering wheel. Even the seats and side mirrors are crafted out of LEGO bricks to keep things authentic. According to Ben Gulliver, test and development director at McLaren, “Having worked on the original P1 program for McLaren, it’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original McLaren P1 brought to life so realistically by the Lego Technic team for the full-scale model.”

When Lando laid his eyes on this pixelated version of the real thing, he was a bit nervous to open the door and take the driver’s seat. Once he pushed the pedal on the straights and took the corners he was surprised by the handling of the LEGO version. Even though the car went at a snail’s pace compared to an F1 car or a sports car, it is something remarkable for a structure made completely out of LEGO bricks. Of course, this is the slowest Lando would have driven around the Silverstone circuit, still he was impressed by the build.

The LEGO McLaren P1 is just a one-off creation and the next best thing to get is the 1:8 scale version set of the McLaren P1.

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Renault releases Limited-Edition R17 Restomod with a Minimalist Cyberpunk Makeover

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The Renault R17 Restomod brings a fresh take on a classic piece of French automotive history with its modernized design that fits well into contemporary urban settings. The original R17, first produced in the 1970s, was known for its angular design and sporty appeal. Now, Renault has partnered with French designer Ora ïto to reimagine this iconic coupe, blending retro style with modern technology and electrification. The result is a striking restomod that respects the past while fully embracing the future in a tasteful way that more and more EV companies are doing, like Hyundai with its Ioniq for example.

Designer: Renault X Ora Ïto

The original Renault R17 stood out with its wedge-shaped design, wide stance, and a distinctively sharp rear end—details that made it a fan favorite. The restomod keeps these iconic elements intact but gives them a modern twist. The design update focuses on cleaner lines, sharper details, and a more aggressive stance, making the R17 Restomod look like a natural evolution of the original.

Up front, the car sports sleek LED headlights that fit perfectly into today’s design landscape. These lights, combined with an updated front grille, offer a modern look while still paying homage to the car’s 1970s aesthetic. The restomod sits on contemporary wheels that reinterpret the old-school alloys, giving the car an updated yet still familiar appearance.

Ora ïto, a well-known French designer celebrated for his minimalist approach, brings a sleek and refined touch to this project. His philosophy of “simplexity”—the blending of simplicity and complexity—is evident throughout the R17 Restomod. He’s managed to pare back some of the busier details of the original car, resulting in a design that feels polished without losing its retro charm.

The exterior’s crisp lines give the car a futuristic feel, while touches like the classic coupe silhouette and the iconic rear louvres remind you that this car is deeply rooted in history. The restomod balances both vintage and modern elements, creating a cohesive design that resonates with both old-school Renault fans and new buyers looking for a unique ride.

Underneath the R17 Restomod’s sharp new exterior lies one of the most significant changes—a fully electric powertrain. This transformation turns the classic Renault coupe into an eco-friendly vehicle that’s built for the future. The shift to electric isn’t just a nod to sustainability; it completely alters the driving experience, offering smooth, instant torque and a more refined, quiet ride.

Inside, the changes are even more noticeable. The cluttered dashboard of the original is replaced by a minimalist design, where leather and brushed metal take center stage. A digital instrument cluster and a modern infotainment system bring the R17 squarely into the 21st century, but the interior still feels like a proper nod to its roots.

Renault has confirmed that the R17 Restomod will be available in limited quantities, making it a rare find for collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. These kinds of limited-run projects often attract significant attention, especially when they bridge iconic history with cutting-edge design and technology. The price remains under wraps, but it’s not like any of us will get our hands on this limited-edition piece of art anyway…

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Mercedes-AMG ONE-ONE is future-ready hypercar concept that deserves more than a glance

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The Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar is an extraordinary piece of automotive engineering, designed to bring Formula 1 technology to the road. The ONE features a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid powertrain borrowed from Formula 1, and this engine is coupled with four electric motors, delivering a combined output of over 1,000 horsepower. The hybrid system includes a battery pack that supports an electric-only range, though it’s primarily designed for high-performance driving.

Now a concept envisions an AMG ONE that carries the brand’s heritage into the pure electrified future. The idea is to connect the driver and the vehicles for driving dynamics that naturally let the driver focus on the road for peak performance. Exploring the different ways in which EV skateboard platforms will be built, the concept gets a dual compressed battery for balanced weight.

Designer: Hyunsik Moon

The four batteries are connected directly to each wheel for optimized power delivery. The cabin also focuses on the independent positing of the driver and the co-driver, so that the latter can take over in case the driver wants to relax during hard chases. Visually this Mercedes concept has a flowy aerodynamic design that personifies the union of man and machine at the next level. Those headlights are positioned low for a hunter look and gradually the hypercar gains a bold profile at the center and then flows ever so gradually to the rear which sports a futuristic shape. The curvacious positioning of the taillights eventually contrasts the skirting down low which has the F1-inspired battery charging light.

The low ground clearance of the Mercedes-AMG-ONE-ONE signifies it’s made for street circuits and racing tracks. The whole front opens up like the classic racecars, so you’d want to keep this thing limited to the race circuits for the pure adrenalin rush. Just like other elite Mercedes cars, this one comes in the silver arrow hues of either glossy silver or pure black. The designer has crafted a detailed scaled-down version of the hypercar in bright silver contrasted with the black which I love to the core.

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Hennessey Venom F5-M roadster is the fastest manual transmission roadster that purists will love to drive

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If you’ve got The Need for Speed then Hennessey has created the most powerful manual transmission hypercar for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Texas-based tuner has introduced the Venom F5-M roadster with a manual gearbox that’s gated. For motorheads who get their kick from something extraordinary, the car comes with a stick shift gear. Infact, this is the first ever hypercar by the brand with manual gearshift option.

The performance car is based on the droptop roadster revealed recently, and it gets minor tweaks inside out. All the performance capabilities have been retained for peak acceleration and top speed. The speed monster gets an in-house developed twin turbocharged 6.6-liter Fury V8 engine. The M in the name denotes the 6-speed manual transmission gearbox for a very analog driving experience for die hard racing fans.

Designer: Hennessey

According to John Hennessey, the model is a true manual in every sense since it gets a clutch connected to the transmission via a cable. So, no modern day computer controlled interface for smoother gear shifts, which will please purists who want to feel every little mechanical change of the vehicle. The car can generate 1,817hp and 1,617ft-lbs of torque which is very similar to the automatic version. Considering it can hit speeds of 0-6- mph in just under 3.5 seconds, if you have the driving flair to shift gears at the right time, makes it the fastest manual transmission hypercar you can get hands on.

The subtle differences in performance compared to the USA-made version come in the form of aero elements including the carbon fiber bodywork, front canards, and dorsal fin spanning 55-inch from the roof scoop to the rear deck. This helps in achieving stability at top speeds in excess of 300 mph. To make space for the manual transmission, the interiors have also been tweaked. Theirs is an updated central console with horizontal air vents and a redesigned air conditioning control system. Classic car lovers will love the jet-inspired toggle switches for windows positioned behind the carbon fiber shifter and aluminum shift gate.

Lucky buyers will also get the privilege to choose the custom livery that pairs the exposed carbon fiber elements to the spine. The selection of bespoke colors will be deleted from the Hennessey configurator once chosen. Such is the exclusivity of this hypercar. It’s not surprising that the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster will only be made in 12 examples worldwide. For a passionate car lover who’s got $2,650,000 to spare on his collectibles, this one should be on the bucket list without an iota of doubt.

 

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Maserati and LEXGO Showcase Powerful E-scooters with built-in Apple Find My technology at IFA 2024

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Maserati has long been synonymous with high-performance cars, but now it’s taking its love for speed and style to the streets in a more accessible way—through two wheels. Teaming up with electric mobility specialists LEXGO, Maserati has expanded its name into the world of e-scooters with two sleek models: the Armonia and the Lampo, which we spotted on the floor of IFA at Berlin this year. If that pairing alone doesn’t grab your attention, the scooters come packed with premium features, including Apple’s Find My technology, merging high-end design with smart functionality.

These e-scooters are designed to cater to city dwellers who want more than just a basic ride to work. Think of it as your everyday commute with a side of prestige—after all, the iconic trident logo isn’t just for show. With Maserati branding comes a certain level of expectation, and both the Armonia and Lampo deliver by blending Italian design aesthetics with urban mobility needs.

Designers: Maserati & LEXGO

Armonia: Style and Simplicity

The Armonia scooter lives up to its name, translating to “harmony” in Italian. Designed for the everyday commuter with a taste for elegance, the Armonia doesn’t just look good—it’s built to last. The frame is made from magnesium alloy, a material chosen for its strength, durability, and lightweight. This makes the Armonia not only stylish but also highly portable. The foldable design further enhances its convenience, perfect for urbanites who need to stow it away in tight spaces like apartments, offices, or public transport.

Powered by a 400W motor, the Armonia reaches a top speed of 25 km/h, keeping it compliant with European regulations while offering sufficient power for inner-city commutes. The 36V battery gives it a solid range of about 60 kilometers, making it ideal for quick daily trips. With a sharp, easy-to-read display, riders can easily monitor speed and battery levels while navigating the city streets.

Lampo: Lightning Fast

If you’re looking for something with more bite, the Lampo (which means “flash” in Italian) takes the stage. Unlike the Armonia, the Lampo packs two 1000W motors (one in each wheel), giving it a top speed of up to 60 km/h. This is no leisurely ride—it’s built for those who want both speed and style in their urban transport. Whether you’re accelerating through traffic or hitting steeper inclines, the Lampo delivers a punchy performance.

The Lampo’s dual suspension ensures that this power doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. Whether you’re navigating bumpy city roads or uneven terrain, the suspension smooths out the ride, keeping you comfortable even at higher speeds. Additionally, the Lampo is equipped with turn signals and a dual hydraulic braking system. And like the Armonia, the Lampo is also foldable, so you can easily tuck it away when not in use.

With a 52V battery, the Lampo extends your range to about 100km in single drive, or 70km if you use both motors in tandem. It’s a blend of function and excitement for riders who want the Maserati experience on two wheels.

Apple’s Find My: The Tech Edge

In a nod to modern convenience, both the Armonia and Lampo come equipped with Apple’s Find My technology. Lose your scooter in a crowded parking lot? No problem. Just pull out your iPhone, open the Find My app, and you’ll know exactly where your ride is. Sure, the e-scooters can be locked with a virtual password, but in case an unwitting thief decides to take off with your ride after spotting the Maserati logo on them, Find My helps you track precisely where your two-wheeler is.

Smart Helmet: Safety Never Looked So Good

Maserati and LEXGO didn’t stop at just scooters. They’ve also introduced the Smartee-1 smart helmet to round out the package. The helmet comes with built-in LED lights that sync with your scooter, whether it’s a taillight that automatically shines on braking, or turn lights that glow when you indicate before turning, or even the headlight that adds to your visibility while driving. The Smartee-1 is IPx5 water-resistant, and comes with a sleek design that’s won a Red Dot Design Award for the year 2024.

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This Motorized Tiny Home Can Power Through Different Kinds Of Challenging Terrains

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Through the years tiny homes have been innovating like crazy, always surprising us with their unique and clever designs. Another tiny home that recently struck my fancy is the Rubishack by Canada’s Rubitracks. The Rubishack is a one-of-a-kind home with its own engine and off-road tracks, which ensure that it can handle even the most challenging terrains. The Rubishack a motor home amped with a heavily modified truck base and a first-generation Cummins engine which has covered only about 150,000 miles.

Designer: Rubitracks

The tiny home is anchored by four bolt-on tracks which have been constructed by Rubitracks. It is a four-wheel-drive, and can successfully handle rivers, snow, the beach, and muddy terrains. The “home” section of Rubishack is made primarily from wood, and equipped with generous glazing as well as a planter at the front. It measures 16 feet in length and 7 feet in width. The interior is well-designed, and both the driver and passenger seats have been sourced from a 1970s motorhome. Both the seats can swivel at 360 degrees. The double bed has been positioned in front of the driving seat, while the seating area and table have been placed behind it.

The Rubishack tiny home was designed by Rubitracks as a promotional attempt, instead of an actual tiny house that serves as a motor home as well. So, unfortunately, the build isn’t going to be available anytime soon in the market. However, it is an innovative creation that truly pushes the boundaries of what a tiny home can be. The Rubishack can powerfully work through landscapes with different terrains, which is truly a feat in itself.

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Top 5 Exciting Automotive Designs of August 2024: Electric Motorcycles, Flying Cars, and More

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We love a few menacing automotive designs—whether they’re powerful cars or sleek and fast e-scooters. In August, we saw an avalanche of fast, super cool, and one-of-a-kind automotive designs at Yanko Design. From killer speed to dashing good looks to impenetrable safety standards, every vehicle we featured at YD broke some design barrier for us, and hopefully, they did the same for you. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of automotive designs that we feel were the best of the lot. From NASCAR’s first electric racecar to a unique electric motor with a pedal drive—these automotive designs are a pleasure to see!

1. Twike 5

Designed by automaker TWIKE GmbH, the Twike 5 is a pedal hybrid vehicle intended for those who want a sustainable mode of transportation. It is a three-wheel trike, equipped with one wheel in the front and two at the back. This innovative vehicle combines an electric motor with a pedal drive. It is a two-seat trike, weighing around 600 kilograms, and it can reach speeds of up to 190 kilometers per hour. It can travel up to 500 kilometers on a single charge.

2. Pure x McLaren Special Edition E-Scooter

Designed by Pure Electric, this is an official McLaren edition e-scooter. This e-scooter is designed to change urban transport for good. It is a foldable commuter with electric motor power and an improved range. It features the signature papaya color and a deep black finish. It offers 710 watts of peak power for enhanced acceleration, as well as better performance on hills. It can cover a range of 31 miles on a full charge, which is great if you’re someone who commutes the city in one go.

 3. Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car

Called the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, this eVTOL flying car is designed and developed by the AeroHT electric aviation wing of the Chinese auto company XPeng. Unlike most traditional ideas found on the market, this modular flying car has a unique and different approach, featuring a two-part design—one part car and the other an eVTOL, allowing it to seamlessly switch between land and aerial modes.

4. NASCAR Electric Racecar Prototype

NASCAR debuted their first prototype electric racecar at the Chicago Street Race. The car’s limit was tested at the Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, and it is just two-tenths away from the average time of a V8-powered NASCAR racer. The electric racer is amped with twice the acceleration and commendable braking ability, but its weight causes limitations on the corners, as it cannot go faster. Currently, the vehicle is being tested as much as possible without damaging any of the hardware.

5. The MP4/4 Special Edition E-scooter

Pure Electric designed the MP4/4 Special Edition e-scooter, inspired by the form of the McLaren team’s Formula 1 car driven by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. The e-scooter is amped with speedy performance and showcases the famous color-blocked red and white livery. It delivers a stable, sturdy, and controlled e-ride experience, powered by a 710W peak power output and a 31 mph range. It is an excellent ride for hill climbing and acceleration, as it doesn’t consume too much battery power.

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Trailer with a fish-inspired aerodynamic design showcases modular living space and inflatable construction

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Travel trailers are becoming increasingly popular and the spike in exhibitors at shows like the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf, only substantiates this fact. With the upsurge in electric tow vehicles, the need of the hour are trailers that have sleeker aerodynamics and smaller form factor to minimize drag and increase range.

Of course, by trimming the size and dimensions of the camping trailer, the comfort will be compromised, but Bürstner from Kehl in Germany thinks otherwise. It is thus coming to the abovementioned RV show with the Talis; a trailer designed with marine-inspired aerodynamics, modular living space, and an inflatable rear that expands its compact form factor for user convenience.

Designer: Bürstner

Welcome to the future of trailer camping! Designed in partnership with StudioSyn, the Talis is a futuristic concept that has the potential to be the highlight of Caravan Salon 2024. On the outside, at first glance, there isn’t much difference, but a closer examination shows, as the company confirms, pointed front and the rear of the camper that are “reminiscent of a fish.” The design is a result of multiple run-throughs the virtual wind tunnel software before settling for this shape.

The exterior is pretty compact, yet the interior, featuring slatted wood wall paneling with soundproofing and movable battery-powered lamps, is pretty spacious to accommodate a couple and two children. The spaciousness is possible with the multifunctional Bürstner Air-Xtension System, which allows the rear of the trailer to inflate and permit the fixed rear transverse bed to convert into a 200 x 170cm bed lengthwise. Under the rear transverse bed (without transformation) is the “kids sleeping den.” This child-friendly sleeping space for two kids can double as storage space or garage during the day and can be partitioned off with a curtain.

To enhance the culinary experience onboard is a kitchen module with a double induction hob. This has a portable kitchen, which allows residents to carry its top half outdoors to extend the cooking experience beyond the confines of the four camper walls. Despite the small size, Talis has been provisioned with a twin chamber, a self-sufficient eco-toilet that would function without any chemicals. The bathroom would also have space for a shower and a foldable sink.

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