For the 2008 LA Auto Show Design Challenge there have been nine entries, including European, Japanese and North American brands. The European branded designs entered in the 2008 LA Design Challenge are BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi.
The BMW Hydrogen powered Salt Flat Racer is the work of Verena Kloos, Chris Chapman, Erik Goplen, Richard Kim, Jason Rowlands and Blair Taylor. The BMW Hydrogen powered Salt Flat Racer uses the concept of Reuse rather than recycle and is built from ordinary, and mundane materials, such as old oil barrels and barbeque lids.
The Mercedes Formula Zero aims to capture the thrill of Formula 1, the dynamics of a bobsled and yacht racing. The Mercedes Formula Zero is equipped with electric hub motors, an aero-efficient solar skin and a high-tech rigid sail.
The Volkswagen Bio Runner is a Baja 1000 racer fitted with a protective cage on a motorcycle-like saddle and controls that are attached to the hands and feet of the driver.
The Audi R25 is a very futuristic concept racer that is designed to run in the ALMS 2025 when the tracks will offer the driver to race "inverted". The Audi R25 is fitted with such devices as a Dynamic Space Frame, Algae bio fuel and electric motor capability through Wireless power transfer technology.
from the LA Auto Show press release:
Audi R25
Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
Audi introduces the R25, the latest prototype in its legendary racecar lineup.
The inaugural Los Angeles round of the ALMS 2025 incorporates innovative features never previously
seen in any form of motor sports, such as high-velocity banks and tunnels, which allow cars to race “inverted” and the opportunity to pass anywhere with aerodynamic racecars. All top sections of the tunnels and banks are also WiTricity wireless electrical charging zones, which encourage the drivers to utilize these free energy zones instead of fuel stops.
The R25 is designed to utilize and excel in this new racing environment, with features such as:
1) The new Dynamic Space Frame, allowing much greater degree of flexibility, integration of circuits and rigidity
2) Algae bio fuel for endurance and electric motor capability through Wireless power transfer technology
3) Audi Design: Staying true to the “Form is Function” philosophy, there is not an ounce of needless element in the R25, which incorporates advanced technique and efficient form management into one. The car also uses: active micro-control surfaces which optimize airflow during the race; Man Machine Interface, which inputs all vehicle data output into the driver’s helmet visor; all-around vehicle dynamic sensors and integrated on-board HD cameras with real-time data links to
allow for spectator interaction, allowing fans to virtually “sit” and experience the race in any racecar through monitors and virtual reality booths.
Produced by:
Audi Design Center California
Claus Potthoff, Executive Design Director
Hendrik Veltmann, General Manager
Jae Min, Chief Designer
Concept & Art:
Craig Durfey, Senior Design Advisor
Raul Cenan, Designer
Taeho Kim, Designer
Concept contribution & editing:
Tomi Lin, Audi Advanced Product Planning
Nancy Holman, Designer
Alex Marzo, Design Intern
BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer
BMW Group DesignworksUSA
“Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.” - Jean Paul Richter
BMW has designed a hydrogen powered salt flat racer based on the premise of Reuse (instead of recycle). This concept utilizes existing, ordinary, and mundane materials, such as old oil barrels and barbeque lids, as main components for the body and wheel discs. Friendly, whimsical and sustainable, the concept employs goldfish as “co-pilots” or “canaries-in-a-coal mine” to ensure that the vehicle is running clean emissions (if your fish get sick, you must be running “rich”). The wheels are gel-nylon for necessary flex, allowing tires to be airless and re-vulcanized or re-treaded.
Design Team:
President: Verena Kloos
Director: Chris Chapman
Creative Director: Erik Goplen
Designer: Richard Kim
Digital Modelers: Jason Rowlands and Blair Taylor
Mercedes-Benz Formula Zero
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Luxury racing arrives in the Formula Zero Racer by incorporating the thrill of Formula One, the track dynamics of the bobsled or luge, and the grace and efficiency of yacht racing.
Reminiscent of the Mercedes Benz racing heritage of the 1930’s, the Formula Zero Racer is loaded with technology designed to extract the maximum thrust from the electric hub motors, aero-efficient solar skin and high-tech rigid sail.
Each team is allocated the same amount of stored energy and it is left to the teams and drivers to manage the variables to win the race. The winner is determined by total elapsed time combined with the energy efficiency factor.
Spectators at the Mercedes Benz Formula Zero racing Series are treated to a new dimension of racing as the transparent track is visible from all perspectives - even from below!
Design Team:
Alan Barrington
George Yoo
Kevin Verduyn
Volkswagen Bio Runner
Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
The Baja 1000 now introduces the “One Tank Unlimited Solo Class.” The only stipulations are one driver and one 10-gallon tank of fuel, forcing competitors to use every bit of technology, strategy, and wit to finish.
In the Bio Runner, the rider is positioned inside a protective cage on a motorcycle-like saddle with controls attached to the hands and feet. These controls manipulate all wheels via synthetic muscle-based suspension which offers unparalleled control and traction.
Much like a motorcycle this system allows the rider to lean into turns as well as shift the center of gravity by changing the position of the wheels in relation to the cab. This system offers an unparalleled degree of control and traction which ultimately results in much higher speed runs.
The vehicle is powered by dual-turbine engines that run at an ultra-efficient 500,000 rpm and operate on a patented bio-synthetic jet fuel.
The vehicle also boasts an Arial Reconnaissance Drone (AR-D) which feeds video to the driver when visibility is limited.
The Support Team Chopper transports, follows and in the event of a crash, swoops down to perform repairs. It also contains telemetry analysis software, which in the case of emergency, takes over piloting to avoid danger unseen by the driver.
Design Team:
Derek Jenkins
Patrick Faulwetter
Ian Hilton
