Tag Archives: concept-car

Volvo Haven embraces an evergreen indoor garden for digital detox while travelling

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The digital world has such a firm grip on our lives, we can’t imagine even a single day without at least one thing that is somehow unrelated to the digital realms. Be it entertainment while at home or commuting in our vehicles. Especially in the case of cars, manufacturers are making a swift move towards a connected environment, and future-forward interiors that are laden with technology. On the flip side, for people who crave minimalism and peace of mind, it can be a cliché – something that HS Pforzheim MA student Oscar Johansson wants to address with his Volvo Haven concept car penned in collaboration with the Volvo Design team as a part of his thesis project.

Oscar has taken a bold detour from the cult belief of stuffing modern-day cars with tech-savvy upgrades – virtually treading the opposing direction, taking us back to the ways of nature, and a private space where you can finally feel at peace after a grueling week. The futuristic AWD electric car is devoid of any fancy digital dashboard displays or screens to keep up with all the HUD details about the surroundings of the car. Volvo Haven has a UX tunnel enclosure right in the middle running the length of the car that houses plants, algae, and moss which grow naturally since there are opening at each end to let in the elements – rain, snow, pollen, frost, slush or dirt. The self-driving lounge car minus any steering input or the usual vehicular aids is all about relaxing as your travel for a much needed digital detox.

Most of the car has transparent body paneling, including the transparent gull-winged doors for an ultra-airy feel. Volvo Haven adopts an aerodynamic design on the outside highlighted by the sweeping lines, lending the vehicle a very charming personality overall. Those elements look somewhat similar to the Volvo concept car by Roman Zenin which also adopts a very airy element with a focus on the lounging experience. The fat wheel configuration makes us presume it is a performance concept ready for any thrilling skirmish after the relaxing ride for the most part of the journey. Overall, an intuitive concept car design that embodies the aspect of bringing nature inside while driving.

Designer: Oscar Johansson and Volvo Design

This sharp-nosed Pagani Huayra carries hotrod attitude with flair, and that’s smokin’ HOT!

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Want to know what can get even better than the untouchable Pagani Huayra? This beast was reimagined by automotive designer Hosein Soleimani, who deems it a deconstruction of the sports car that lived up to its predecessor’s fame and glory, the Pagani Zonda. Named after the Quechua wind god, Huayra-Tata, the car got the outstanding award for The Hypercar of the Year. Only a few can resist the hypercar character of the Huayra, and to date, it is hot property for supercar collectors worldwide, and for a good reason.

The signature nose of the Huayra that’s already quite sharp, however, it gets an even sharper remake by Hosein. To match the hood’s oozing aesthetics, the headlights get a very hotrod roadster-like personality, peeking out of the sockets to emphasize the mean machine DNA etched in the most profound memory of motorheads over the years. This element is also emphasized by the naked fenders which expose the wheels. The radically modified front portion gives this Huayra a slim profile perpetually – much slimmer than the original creation that balances it out on both the front and the rear.

Moving on to the upbeat rear, it also gets a very contrasting makeover to the original Huayra lending it a very future-proof hypercar character that’s so hard to deny. From the side profile, the concept car emancipates a ‘Need for Speed’ flair, ready for any high stake duel with any other hypercar on the planet. I’d like to call this a sharp Pagani Huayra high on steroids for performance and still have that badass attitude of a hotrod that spits out fire from the exhaust system to intimidate its rivals in a drag race!

Designer: Hosein Soleimani

This Dodge Viper GTS concept embodies sensuality + precision aesthetics designed to awe you!

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There’s something about a Dodge supercar that pulls you into its magnetic charisma. No doubt I go weak in the knees just at the mention or sight of one! The Dodge Demon concept by Al Yasid was one of the same league – literally shouting out to Richard Hammond for some eyeballs. Alright back to what this creation is about. It all started with Guillaume Mazerolle, a transportation design student at Strate, School of Design, Paris spotting a special edition GTS-R parked in a little hotel in Malbuisson, France. It was his lucky day as the ride was owned by none other than the President Dodge Viper Owners Association, and he was generous enough to have a short conversation with the curious design student. He even let him inside, and start the engine of his supercar!

That was the moment, Guillaume fell in love with this beautiful monster, and the idea to create the future Dodge plug-in Hybrid vehicle with both an electric powertrain and an internal combustion engine was germinated. For the Viper Basilisk concept, Guillaume took inspiration from the 2nd generation Viper GTS from 1996 and the 3rd generation Viper. Apparently, the design is indicative of the half reptile and half rooster character that’s pretty apparent in the whole thought process behind the concept car. 2nd generation lends the sensual feeling while the 3rd generation has that definitive precision element in the design execution. So, in its design DNA, this Viper Basilisk concept is a ‘Sensual Precision’ of unique design fusion that compares to none.

The designer defines it as a precise theme encapsulating the car while the sensual reflections on the bodyside give it that contrasting appeal. More than a superficial makeover, Guillaume has given his concept a very lively feel. He has defined the single tension point, triangular air inlet, a reimagined cabin structure going under the bonnet, cross grilled lighting structure, and presence of 10 heat diffusers. The pure muscle of the 8.4-liter V10 engine is visible under the long hood which already gives me goosebumps. Two massive air intakes on the front exhaust pipe integrated into the diffuser in a modern interpretation of the original Viper GTS.

There’s nothing much in words that can define the panache of this Viper – one you instantly want to be a real-life creation – Dodge must take note here. So, let’s just sit back and enjoy these stunning renders of the supercar of the future, that’s so Dodge!

Designer: Guillaume Mazerolle

This edgy Volvo lounge car redefines autonomous luxury travel of the future

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A practical automotive design has to look good, but the interior has to be functional and crafted, keeping in mind the long-term utility and comfort! Roman Zenin who’s a creative designer from the United Kingdom, and currently an exterior designer at Land Rover, gives much weightage to the quality interiors of a vehicle that lets you express yourself. This Volvo concept design by him is an extension of the master thesis project during his study at Pforzheim University – fully sponsored and supervised by Volvo cars when he spent half a year at their design studio in Gothenburg in 2017-2018.

Dubbed the ‘Volvo Think inside the box, Roman’s creation focusing on the comfy interiors of the autonomous four-wheeler is a result of the reworked project that he took up at Volvo. The man maximum machine minimum philosophy is the dominant influence for this autonomous vehicle design with the open space principle – wherein the car is more of a private zone tailored for the intended purpose – lounging, office work, or simply leisure with family. The two-seater version of the Volvo cocoons the riders in a space where they can feel at home with the big couch-like seating and ample legroom to flex the muscles after a long day’s work at the office. The big entertainment display right where the windshield is, lets the user enjoy their private time as the car takes them to their destination in the utmost comfort!

The physical widget showcased can instantly access the frequently accessed functions by turning it 90 degrees and toggling the options by moving it up or down. For instance, turning on the volume of the audio system or adjusting the temperature control inside. The modular console can be used as a table or turned into a desk for more work-oriented tasks like checking emails on your laptop. Below the top surface, there is space to store your accessories, books, or anything else. There’s another drawer-like closet under the front entertainment display to keep stuff like clothes.

At the touch of a button, the glass window can be turned to private mode as they fog-up. The panoramic windshield that runs right through to the rear can be cleaned via a cool spoiler-like wiper that runs the length of the windshield to clean it up when it’s raining or you need to see the star-studded sky. The exterior has a very jazzy profile with an elongated chassis for more interior space. Overall, Roman’s well-thought-out concept gives us a peek into the future of autonomous and comfy four-wheeler designs!

Designer: Roman Zenin

Dodge Demon meets Bumblebee in this intimidating avatar, making it Richard Hammond’s wet dream!

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Dodge Demon is the result of the most passionate motorheads at Dodge, giving it the 840bhp (at 770lb of torque) muscle power that makes even the 707bhp Dodge Hellcat look ordinary. The four-wheeler is packed with power, has an intimidating look to go with it, and yes, Dodge fans absolutely love it. If the Demon wasn’t smokin’ hot enough, automotive concept artist Al Yasid gives it a significant facelift with his tuner kit that literally lends the muscle car a god-like stance!

He reimagines the car in white silver body and yellow hue for the front bumper – much like the 68 Porsche 908. The choice of yellow comes from the designer’s current bent towards this color from the palette that he likes the most. With tweaking to the front align with over fenders – who would not fall in love with this muscle car! If you notice closely, the Dodge cross grill (air dam) has been modernized, and the rear window aero piece has that attractive shooting brake-like look courtesy of the roof spoiler. Al Yasid points to his love of shooting brakes by saying, “That “roof spoiler” was actually done to give a slight illusion of a shooting brake while not being one hah!” In a fun twist, the yellow front resembles a duck’s bill for those who love a biological inspiration on their ride, but to me, the yellow is a pure throwback to Bumblebee, our favorite transformer ever!

Any self-respecting automotive expert will swear by The Grand Tour – love them, hate them, but for sure you want to be doing those antics with them! Seeing this Dodge Demon concept takes me to the first episode of Season 3, The Grand Tour, where Richard Hammond infamously spent hours modding his already beefed-up Dodge Demon. Being a complete Richard fan, it’s a safe bet for me to say that this muscle car concept will match all of his dream car criteria. Al Yasid has definitely infused a new sense of styling into the Dodge Demon with this reworked version – one that anyone would fall for head over heels. Me, well, I’m already daydreaming – taking this Demon for a ride – literally managing to catch everyone’s eye!

Designer: Al Yasid

This INFINITI-inspired car’s fluid design promises a high octane racing experience!

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INFINITI Motor Company, a luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Nissan isn’t in the most optimum state right now, but the brand has made vital inroads in the automotive market in the past decades since its first car rolled off the manufacturing lines in 1989. That isn’t stopping creative automotive designers like Daniel Platek from using the brand image to culminate their design iterations for dream-like futuristic supercars. The designer has envisioned this INFINITI QF Inspiration Concept that’s dominated by sleek flowing lines and the sublime charm of a racetrack-worthy four-wheeler.

Daniel has put together the design of this supercar of the future, keeping in mind the brand’s bold design language and the technological advancement of automotive design. Although Daniel doesn’t narrow down on much of the details, the concept car has to be propelled forward using the electric drivetrain sitting under the hood or on the rear boot. The aerodynamic character of the QF Inspiration is evident from its very low-ride height design of just a few inches, making it suited only for racetracks or highways where the tarmac is as clean as a whistle. The balance of the concept from the front to the rear end is enchanting – you’ll actually want to see one go past you in reality.

On the inside, the single-seated driving position further strengthens the racing character, highlighted by the F1-like seating position and the steering wheel taking up the INFINITI logo’s shape. The compact console shows all the vital telemetry, and the white interiors keep things clean visually. Overall, the concept manages to capture the brand’s vivid past and tries to reimagine a supercar that’ll again set it on a path of resurrection!

Designer: Daniel Platek

 

Mclaren Can-Am homage concept is a fusion of retro racing culture + modern supercar character!

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The Can-Am sports car racing held from 1966 to 1987 was in a league of its own dominated by the most exotic race cars on the planet at that time, driven by champion racers from F1, NASCAR, and Indy-car. McLaren had the best years in the series in the M8D race car (popularly known as the Batmobile for its appearance) owing to the technological innovation driven by the spirit of racing. Now decades after that golden era of motorsports that exploded in popularity beyond belief, the McLaren gets a new racing avatar inspired by the renowned Can-Am racers.

This is the Mclaren Can-Am car homage concept car, the brainchild of designer Yosuke Yamada who has reimagined the spirit of racing as a homage to the era when motorsports overtook football and baseball in popularity. The whole design of the racer is centered around aerodynamic performance to make the car run at top speeds without any airflow resistance. If you look closely at the back, there is a pneumatic cooling power unit that draws the air inside the power unit for extra efficiency and peak output. That’s well complemented by the supercharged aero wing for the funneling effect produced by the two blades. On the sides too, there is an aero turbine to accelerate the airflow for cooling and aerodynamics. Not surprisingly, the wheels are also aero optimized to make the racer glide through at stunning speeds.

Yosuke has managed to culminate a unique interpretation of the McLaren design language with the apparent connection to the Can-Am racing cars with the sleek look to go with it. A futuristic car concept that’s dope for its sheer connection with the nostalgic era where high-speed racing was the cult. Fusing the retro with the modern looks of a McLaren race car is what makes this concept shout out loud, even though it is just at the blueprint stage!

Designer: Yosuke Yamada

 

This F1-inspired Jaguar racer is a demon raring to come alive…

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Jaguar has been the epitome of beauty, performance, and innovation in the automotive industry – bringing to light what sublime four-wheelers can be like embedded with the essence of excellence personified. The XJ 13 has been the brand’s most iconic car, and this concept design by Jaeheon Lee takes inspiration from the prototype racing car developed by Jaguar that took to the challenging Le Mans track in the mid-1960s. Jaeheon calls it the Jaguar VL, and it takes a different design approach for the car technician and the driver.

On the front, the car has a very Formula-1 like character with a dual seating arrangement. Here the driver and the technician have different UI screens, and the driver has an F1-styled steering wheel inspired by the Jaguar’s racing heritage. On the exterior, the car bears a very speedy character, a boxy overall feel inherent to the racing cars, and the segmented two halves of the front and rear make it feel more like a modern gadget t there were no wheels. The curvacious look on the Jaguar VL is so reminiscent of the XJ 13.

Jaeheon has managed to put together an automotive concept design that stands out from the rest while being subtle in its own way. Being so radically different means it has to be a self-driving car powered by an electric drivetrain. But it has to be said, the designer fused the Jaguar heritage with the Formula-1 personality so well. This concept could easily make it past the blueprint stage and onto the prototype stage for a sci-fi movie perhaps – it’s that cool!

Designer: Jaeheon Lee

This Honda drag racer is a edgy futuristic car designed for the young and the restless!

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What do you expect when vintage meets modern? It’s something that gets the best of both worlds in terms of design aesthetics and drivability. What you see here is the amalgam of vintage and modern from Honda – resulting in a concept car that you can’t help but drool over. The work of designer Alexis Poncelet, the Honda HR-X Delsol looks like push back toy car that suddenly attained the big boy charm and got all decked up for the big league, fair and square!

The car is inspired by the recent Honda e drag racer’s boyish charm, retro Honda FR-V’s 3 seater front row for space usage, and the silhouette and deck of the CRX Delsol that makes you want to jump in the driver’s seat for a spin. The four-wheeler creates a niche of its own, giving Honda the strategic edge over the competitors with a boxy vehicle that will resonate with the young generation. The car’s front section borrows its DNA from the Honda e while the rear has been given a very peculiar CRX Delsol-like shape.

If you are wondering why the space on the rear has not been put to fair use, well, actually, it has been. For riders who like to chill out every day like there’s no tomorrow, the Honda HR-X Delsol has space for storing beer and a dedicated RTX system to keep it chilled even in the scorching heat. The three-seater car is all about hanging out with your buddies on the open streets, ready for the next drag racing challenge for the thrill of life!

Designer: Alexis Poncelet

 

This Buick Electra Concept emanates from an organic alien Spaceship design

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Deriving its inspiration from the waterdrops in the spaceship from the Trisolaris planet in the Alpha Centauri System (imagined in the sci-fi novel trilogy Three-Body Problem) the Buick Electra Concept oozes with the organic, sharp, and defined shapes that more than meet the eye. Culminated by pro designer Liang Feng, the concept car is the futuristic ride you’d expect to drive in a distant future where minimalism and function will be the primary drivers for the design language of automobiles.

Buick Electra Concept is a four-wheeler that will be propelled by a powerful electric drivetrain that doesn’t take much space – having a man maximum machine minimum philosophy that focuses on passenger comfort and elevated experience of commuting from one destination to the other. If there’s one electric car that you would want to drive after riding your Tesla Model 3 on pure aesthetic value, it would be this one. That superlative association is influenced by the sheer fluidic design of the Buick Electra that’s so subtle and stylish – evoking an instant sense of comfort and safety on a high-speed drive on the freeway.

The all-glass panoramic window panels, definitive front grill design, and the ultra-stylish rear with sharp, edgy aesthetics speak volumes of the amount of thinking that’s gone into penning this concept. While for an unassuming mind, it might be just another run-off-the-mill concept, someone with a good design sense would highly appreciate the car’s visually flowing balance and its focus on the riders without much fuss. I want to go for a few miles ride aboard the Buick Electra, don’t you?

Designer: Liang Feng