The Future of the Formula 1 is edgy, enclosed, and electric, according to this concept

Take a quick glance at Meelis Lillemets’ concept car and you’ll instantly recognize it to be a racecar. It’s nailed all those proportions perfectly, but look a little closer and you see that while it broadly resembles your preconceived notion of what an F1 racecar is supposed to look like, Lillemets’ conceptual racecar is, in fact, quite different-looking.

Titled the Formula-E Concept, the automobile is a combination of contemporary and past styles, with a boxy exterior that’s reminiscent of F1 cars from the 70s and 80s, along with an electric drivetrain that’s a nod to Formula 1’s future. The car sports a dual-tone carbon-fiber outer body that boasts of an edgy, boxy aesthetic. While the aesthetic itself is a retro-inspired one, it gets a modern treatment thanks to the exposed carbon-fiber pattern paired beautifully with the car’s incredibly sleek paneling.

Perhaps one of the most noticeable details on the Formula-E concept is the closed cockpit, a pretty recent design mandate from the F1 regulating body. The cockpit’s transparent panel sits absolutely flush against the car body, with no visible seam or parting line. The entire panel opens upwards and forwards, accessible via latches on the back. The cockpit is positioned right at the front of the vehicle’s main mass, leaving the back area for the electric drivetrain and the battery-unit. Air intakes on the sides supply the motor and the brakes with cool incoming air, while a pretty large battery-pack means the car could potentially complete the entire race without needing a recharge!

Designer: Meelis Lillemets

This Lancia Stratos concept shows off a newer, edgier car to commemorate 50 years of the original design!

Lancia Stratos HF began its rallying adventure back in the late 1960s with the 1.6 Liter V4 Lancia Fulvia engine powered coupe. Then things got interesting as it made its mark at the Turin Motor Show and later on claimed the top spot at the Monte Carlo rally. As the popularity of the brand shone, it ultimately got the top podium step at Firestone Rally. The consequent decade of the 70s saw Lancia grow as an icon for the rally championships. Their rally specialist cars became household posters for automotive enthusiasts, and it still lingers in the sub-conscious of diehard fans.

To commemorate the 50 years of the star brand that had its highs and the definitive lows – designer Meelis Lillemets has created his version of the Lancia Stratos. He calls it Lancia Stratos 50 – aptly so, and it has a modern design language that manages to preserve the essence of the iconic car. This one is powered by an electric drivetrain keeping the environment in mind. More than a rally car it looks tailor-made for circuit racing with its low ride height and an aerodynamic design to reduce drag and keep it glued to the tarmac. The sharp flowing lines from the front to the rear of the car give it a definitive character. On the rear, it sports a beefy muscular build – accentuated by the futuristic taillights and the dampers.

The subdued rear spoiler blends into the body rather than taking its position on the rear trunk. Somehow the side mugshot seems to be highly inspired by the Lamborghini Aventador with very futuristic looking wheel arches. Overall the designer has managed to capture the lasting spirit of the car that still lives in our memories – 50 years and counting!

Designer: Meelis Lillemets