Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

One such project that seems to define the tempo itself is the Touch Effect by Marco Sweston of the Munich University of Applied Sciences. Nowadays technology and design are moving ahead at high speeds, thus the designers and engineers have to keep up with the alert rhythm. The whole car was penciled as a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows W25.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

With the digital age in full swing, we no longer have to leave our homes to find new experiences. As powerful as alternative reality may be, by 2030 designer Marco Sweston expects to see a major shift in people’s attitudes, & imagines that many will not only abandon their controllers, but will seek even more extreme thrills than before the digital revolution. The Touch Effect racing event and vehicle is a result of this Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 concept that puts the digitally stimulated user back in the driver’s seat.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

In 2030, the progressive movement of digitalization of life has resulted in people who no longer have to leave their houses to experience something. They will spend their spare time alone at home and social contacts will only take place via online networks. The use of public transport and the simulation of all actions will raise a longing to sit behind a real steering wheel again. They want to really join the race, rather than simulating the trip digitally only on the screen.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

The basic concept of the Touch Effect makes use of these developments. Based on the rental of racing cars for private persons on specially designed tracks the vehicle is used similarly to today's karting as a group activity, pushing them to their limits. The vehicle displays a continuation of the legendary Silver Arrows like the W25, carrying the tradition and the myth of these vehicles into 2030.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

What will we all do for fun in the future when we’re bored with all the digital thrills we have sought indoors? Designer Marco Sweston has the answer: a track racer built from synthetic bone, muscle, and skin that runs in a pack on a custom-designed race course. The Touch Effect concept uses a carbon fiber frame reminiscent of a skeleton, which is surrounded by synthetic muscles that control the suspension, steering, and insulation of the vehicle. Topping it all off is an acrylic glass skin that is transparent to show off the muscles doing their thing underneath. The steering mechanism is an extension of the muscles, which functions like reins.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Designed as a continuation of the Silver Arrows like W25, the project has been to a large extent inspired by this model of Mercedes Benz. The vehicle thereby designed for this sport car has a light weight main body with a stiff carbon frame that imparts it ruggedness and an overall stability. The other core muscles for the motor-sport vehicle have been made from flexible synthetic that can be deformed using voltage difference.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

These have been covered partially using acrylic glass surfaces on the exterior thereby giving a visual feel of a merger of all parts into one volume. However, the hull has been kept a bit unveiled so as to convey the impression of being light-weight. In addition to the designing part, the vehicle has facilities for automatic ground clearance adjustment as well as a four-wheel steering.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

The Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25 exterior acrylic glass surfaces partially surround the muscles. They represent the skin of the concept which merges all parts into one volume and make them visible underneath, showing off their function. All elements combined allow a directed and controlled motion. The two skin surfaces surround the driver like a brace to emphasize the seating position. The transparent hull is unveiled at areas which do not necessarily need a covering. This reduction and the see-trough appearance reflect the idea of lightweight car construction.

Project by Marco Sweston Sport Car Racing in 2030 Touch Effect Motorsports Mercedes-Benz W25

Eventually, the muscles flow into the interior and form a part of the steering. The vehicle is controlled by pulling the muscles - similar to the idea of reins on a horse. The muscles accentuate the shape of the frame and run into the wheels to accentuate their function.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

The Frankfurt Motor Show has given the creative French automaker Peugeot the platform to unveil the innovative Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car - a "full green electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in every way: architecture, style, interior design, drive, connectivity – while all the time respecting the environment." The Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car was originally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is now being promoted as a concept in a number of cities around the World.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

In London Peugeot have launched the Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car that seats four people in a vehicle just 2.5 meters long. Inspired by Peugeot’s electric VLV from the 1940s, the new all-electric BB1 represents the car firm’s view for the future of electrical-based urban mobility. The Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car, a cross between a scooter and a car, is powered by two electric motors which are mounted in the rear wheels.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

The Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car is a fully electric vehicle with the road footprint of something the size of a Smart car, yet it is a full 4 seater designed to take 4 full sized adults for urban commuting in the worlds larger cities. The electric motors are built into the wheels and designed in conjunction with Michelin, and the chassis itself was designed by Peugeot’s motorcycle department. At just 2.5m long, the bubble-shaped BB1 can amazingly seat four people in saddle-like seats and its packaging miracle is achieved by rethinking the driving task.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Access to the vehicle is gained via the reverse opening doors, while the load area access is through an innovative tailgate design. The body is made up of a very light carbon fibre structure, designed to wrap around the passenger compartment. Inside, the car has an extensive range of interactive technologies, including a colour multi-function display and audio system with telephone, navigation, Internet access, radio, MP3, USB connector and 12V power socket if necessary.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

There are no pedals so the driver sits more upright with the rear passenger's legs around the driver's torso, motorbike pillion-style. There is no room for a steering wheel either and the driver uses handlebars to control the mini vehicle, which is undoubtedly a real head-turner.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Drive is provided by two electric motors, one for each rear wheel (it uses last year's Michelin in-wheel design), allowing the Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car to maximize its limited interior space despite touting two lithium-ion battery packs. Together, the motors generate a maximum power output of 15 kW (20hp), managing decent start-up times (0 to 19 mph in 2.8 seconds) and in-gear acceleration (19 to 37 mph in 4 seconds) over an effective range of 75 miles. The power needed to turn the electric motor is provided by a lithium-ion battery pack that gives the passenger car an autonomy of 120 km. Weight, including the battery panels, are no more than 600 kilograms, making it insanely light.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Peugeot engineers have completely reinvented the way to design a vehicle. The Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car is therefore based on a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles. It includes all normal vehicle dynamic systems: electric power steering, suspension (double-wishbone front and rear suspension), friction damper spring assemblies - granting the vehicle a level of road-holding to match the vehicle’s performance, its urban nature and driveability and safety levels worthy of the Peugeot Marque.

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Peugeot’s Managing Director, Jon Goodman, about the company’s future fuel strategy: “We need to have multiple solutions. In about two years we need to have vehicles on offer that use standard fuels but are more fuel efficient than today’s models. We need to offer micro-hybrids — that’s cars that use carbon-based fuels but also recover energy when the car is braking. We need to offer Diesel Hybrids which we will do in 2011 as well as a range of electric vehicles in about three years.”

Peugeot BB1 Electric Concept Car

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

Unveiled to critical acclaim as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, the RCZ will soon become a production reality. Peugeot New Zealand has confirmed that it will be bringing Peugeot’s exciting new sports car, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ, to New Zealand in 2010. Peugeot’s stylists and engineers have worked to ensure that the RCZ that will hit New Zealand’s roads will be keeping with the expectations created by the stunning design of the original concept.

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

The objective behind Peugeot’s sports car is for it to become an exclusive vehicle, full of emotion, aimed at enthusiasts who are particularly discerning with regards to driving enjoyment. Divisional Manager of Peugeot New Zealand, Simon Rose, says “I have been fortunate enough to have had the privilege to see and drive the new Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ in the flesh last week in Paris.” “It is an outstanding example of Peugeot’s stand point and position regarding producing innovative and stylish looking products. Its also testament to the last few years of investment and the position taken in terms of money continuing to be channelled into research and design, all be it in the middle of a challenging world economy.”

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

Peugeot continues to produce and design market leading product which will make for an exciting future for our customers. In short, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ is the epitome of the brands future. “The finished product looks like a work of art and drives and handles like a dream in terms of the rewarding road handling and chassis, in a way that makes you want to keep driving and driving” said Mr Rose. Subject to overseas demand, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ will likely launch in NZ as early as mid 2010 and will be the brands image car in terms of profiling both HDi and Diesel technology, as well as the unique styling you see coming through on all future models in the range.

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

Set to make its debut in Frankfurt this September along side the all-new Peugeot 308 3- and 5-door, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ concept car makes a serious play for the Audi TT. The Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ manages to take the TT's design a small step further with more aggressive stance while still making it distinctively Peugeot with the signature front end and 207 CC like rear boot overhang. Aiming to be a driver's car, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ concentrates on keeping the vehicle's weight down. By using aluminum suspension components, carbon fiber trim and a polycarbonate rear window amongst other weight saving tricks, the Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ weighs in at a respectable 1200 Kg (2645 lbs).

Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ

Engine specification includes the world Engine of the Year award winning high performance 1.6 petrol and 2.0 High Pressure Direct Injection diesel versions which will be mated with a 6 speed automatic gearbox. The Peugeot Sport Concept Car 308 RCZ gets the same 1.6 liter THP engine from the 207 RC. However, this concept gets revised engine management giving 43 more horsepower from 175 (128 kW) to 218 (160 kW). With 300 Nm of torque available at full boost, the 308 RC Z sprints up to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 235 km/h.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

At the 2011 Buenos Aires International Auto Show, Chevrolet revealed the Colorado Rally, a second show truck version of its next generation global midsize pickup. The debut of the adventure themed vehicle follows the reveal of the first Colorado show truck at the Bangkok Motor Show in April 2011.
"Both trucks give a glimpse of the next generation Chevrolet global midsize pickup, which is of huge importance to consumers in many countries around the world. For example, in Brazil, costumers made Chevrolet's midsize truck the vehicle segment leader for 16 consecutive years," said Brad Merkel, GM Global Vehicle Line Executive.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

Chevrolet's unmatched heritage in durable and dependable pickup trucks is exemplified in the Colorado Rally's sturdy and robust appearance. The show truck combines signature design elements with Chevrolet's legendary on and off road capabilities. 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept is a crew cab version with a tridimensional front grille featuring chromed details. Outfitted wildly, 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept's body color is a triple coat pearled White with golden particles, and other external components in textured charcoal. Skid plate and side moldings in liquid metal and bead lock off road wheels milled from a single piece of aluminium. The wheels machined from a single piece of aluminium, with two distinct surface finishing (machined and polished), 18" inch diameter, and Mud-Terrain T/A 305/60R18 tires to "attack" the off road's obstacles.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept is 4WD, powered by an efficient 2.8 liter turbo-diesel engine, which generates high torque, 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept is perfect for the needs in the off road roads/tracks besides its technical aspects. Combining its high performance fox racing shox shock system with 140mm travel distance and adjustable suspension height system up to 50mm, the Chevrolet concept has two bumper integrated winch systems by Smittybilt with 5.5Hp and four metric tonnes pulling capacity, with 23,000mm of aeronautic cable. Off road optimized bumpers designed with high attack angle stylized side steps and moldings confirms the wild purpose.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

For the adventures at night, 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept has a high performance frontal lights, with searchlight integrated to the side mirrors. LED, headlamps, tail lamps, fog lamps, search lights, and roof mounted high reach lights. The side blinkers are integrated to the side mirrors' shell.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

In order to create a real rally vehicle, the GM South America Design Studio added up to 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept a wide variety of off road features such as rally windows in acrylic for higher safety against side impacts with air inlets for better air circulation, two milled aluminium tow hooks integrated to each bumper, wide fiberglass fenders, spare tire support inside the bed and tool boxes integrated.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

Designers focused on ergonomics, safety and functionality to create the 2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept's interior, such as the high performance steering wheel, designed for an aggressive handling, with a tighter (than a production model) curvature in the upper and lower arcs. The upper arc has LEDs integrated to the bar designed as a quick display tachometer. The side grips have two buttons on each side facing the driver, they are; high beam toggle, menu display for the cluster to change the displayed information, "Air Boost" control, and speed limiter for urban sections of a race.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

The interior colour trims, like the plastic components, leather covered upper instrument panel, are textured in "Very dark ash grey". The center stack has some inserts in metallic satin finishing. All commands are finished with soft touch materials and to make it more practical and sporty, the seat materials and the steering wheel cover are in black neoprene with orange stitching, and a high depth "Rashel" effect fabric in orange with black under colour. Metal mats in "very dark ash grey" with orange rubber inserts, roll cage and other metal details painted in silver and reflective orange details on the door reinforces the detailed interior design. The metallic mat is positioned a few millimeters from the floor, perforated with integrated rubber details designed to help clean the occupants' footwear and provide a higher grip.

2011 Chevrolet Pickup Colorado Rally Concept

To keep the racers in the right track the concept vehicle has a Sat Nat, satellite navigation positioned directly in front of the navigator. Maps, sign plates, and road books are stored into the glove box and also fixated through bungee cords on the outside of the glove box access door. Communication devices for internal and external contact, center stack with gauges for temperature and pressure, as well as commands for adjustment of the suspension system, tire pressure regulator, fire extinguisher activation, and two separate commands for the fuel pumps and a tripmeter display are also part of the high featured equipment.