The M-Hero 917 is a Military-Inspired SUV with a 1000hp Engine, Steer-By-Wire, and a Companion Drone

For an extra $14,000, the manufacturer will also sell you a companion drone to go with your mammoth SUV.

Meet the Meishi 917, also fondly dubbed the M-Hero 917 from Dongfeng – China’s first off-road automotive brand. Drawing inspiration from the robustness of military vehicles, the M-Hero 917 boasts a design characterized by sharp lines and a commanding presence. Its black matte finish and robust bumper lend it an unmistakably aggressive demeanor, reminiscent of a machine ready to conquer any terrain it encounters. However, despite its formidable appearance, it’s essential to recognize that beneath its rugged exterior lies a meticulously engineered chassis and a formidable powertrain.

Designer: Dongfeng Motor Corporation

The M-Hero 917 offers a choice between two powertrain options tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers. For those inclined towards embracing sustainable mobility, there’s a fully electric variant equipped with four electric motors and a substantial 140-kilowatt-hour NMC battery. Alternatively, there’s a range-extender hybrid model featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine serving as a generator, coupled with a 66-kWh battery pack and three electric motors, delivering an impressive output of 816 horsepower. Such capabilities translate into a blistering 0-62 miles per hour acceleration in a mere six seconds, reaffirming the SUV’s prowess on and off the beaten path.

However, what truly sets the M-Hero 917 apart are its standard and optional features, which elevate the driving experience to unprecedented heights. Inside the cabin, attention to detail reigns supreme, with interior door handles reminiscent of the iconic Desert Eagle pistol, and aircraft throttle-inspired levers adorning the center console, granting intuitive control over the vehicle’s transmission and driving modes. Complementing these design elements are three strategically positioned screens, comprising a digital instrument cluster, a navigation display, and a passenger infotainment screen, ensuring occupants are seamlessly connected and informed throughout their journey.

Yet, perhaps the pièce de résistance lies in the SUV’s optional drone package, a testament to the convergence of automotive and aerial technologies. Priced at $14,000, this package includes a state-of-the-art drone that can be effortlessly controlled via voice commands from within the vehicle, offering a unique perspective and enhancing the overall driving experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of a switchable rear steering system grants the M-Hero 917 the ability to execute the elusive crab walk maneuver, further showcasing its versatility and agility in navigating challenging terrains.

The post The M-Hero 917 is a Military-Inspired SUV with a 1000hp Engine, Steer-By-Wire, and a Companion Drone first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Iron-man inspired phone + case are designed for the toughest conditions

Mil-spec (Militar standard) phones are becoming increasingly popular and always have a strong, masculine aesthetic. Something like our very own Iron Man who comes all wrapped in a metal suit and it doesn’t get sturdier than that! DOOGEE brings this vision to life with their latest mil-spec phone, the S88 pro. While this is Iron Man-inspired, you are about to find out what makes it distinctively closer to War Machine.

This phone is top-notch, it is IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD 810G-rated. IP68 means fit enough to withstand dust, dirt, and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to 30 minutes. IP69K is a standard for Ingress Protection which means the phone provides protection against entry or “ingress” of solid objects and/or moisture. MIL-STD 810G is a series of drop tests designed by the US Department of Defense to determine the “environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design” and I think iPhones need to take this up.

The phone is encased in a metal frame, strengthened with an inner waterproof structure, reinforced corners, and a soft high-density polyethylene cover. It also features an oleophobic-coated Corning Gorilla glass cover over its 6.3” Full HD display which means it is oil-resistant especially when we use our fingers to constantly operate it. The S88 runs on Android 10 and comes with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of ROM, and an Octa-Core processor making it as efficient as it is durable.

And now coming to my favorite part about this phone – its special Iron Man-inspired design! Just like the real suit, the phone has two glowing ‘eyes’ at the back that lets you feel the superhero’s power in your palm. For extra power, it comes with a great 10,000mAh battery that can charge the phone for around a week or double up as a power bank to wirelessly charge other devices. The phone also includes a front-facing 16MP Samsung camera, rear-facing 21MP Sony IMX230 camera, a proximity sensor, thermometer, a magnetic compass, customizable keys, and fingerprint unlocking. This phone will survive 2020.

Designer: DOOGEE

This WWII fighter jet-looking electric bike blends futuristic design with Japanese details

Electric bikes usually have a futuristic aesthetic and its very rare that an e-bike evokes a sense of nostalgia while fitting within modern times. That is what makes the Katalis EV.500 electric motorcycle special, it is inspired by a WWII fighter aircraft that brings power without pollution. A dear friend described this design as ‘steampunk without the steam’ and we couldn’t agree more.

A Jakarta-based design and branding studio that has expertise in the field of mobility has designed this fighter jet-like electric bike in the middle of a pandemic. In fact, the pandemic influenced the people of Indonesia to be more mindful of their health and make changes in their lifestyle that made the environment around them cleaner – in terms of germs as well as pollutants. There were 3 core variables – 1) freedom in access to mobility 2) happiness 3) pollution-free vehicle. The Katalis is a custom build of a Selis Garuda electric motorcycle injected with the adrenaline of a wartime pilot. The aesthetics are unlike those of a traditional electric bike – the design team got rid of the existing frame and replaced it entirely with a new body made of series 6061 aluminum which gives it the military visual appeal highlighted with Japanese design details while being kind to the planet.

“We think it is quite rare to have an electric motorcycle design that has a metal body or shield,” says Julian Palapa, principal designer at Katalis company. “Furthermore, the rider of this electric motorcycle will also be spoiled by various retro-style yet functional instrument panels — from an analog voltmeter to the light switch.” Katalis hopes that building a custom electric bike while being in lockdown inspires more young designers to channel their energy into boosting their creativity.

Designer: Katalis Company