Volvo has just unveiled the Volvo Air Motion concept at the Los Angeles auto show. The Volvo Air Motion is imagined to be lighter than a Formula 1 car offering similar levels of performance for you and two of your closest friends. The Volvo Air Motion concept has been entered for this year’s LA Design Challenge Competition.
The Volvo Air Motion weighs 1,000lbs as it has a body made from carbon fiber, and is powered by compressed air motors that also remove the need for cooling systems. To get the air into the centrally mounted air tank of the Volvo Air Motion, the company has planned Air Replenishment Sites, powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air. And the dream continues.
Volvo Press Release:
Volvo Air Motion - an ultra light clam shell sculptured vehicle
Imagine...
A vehicle lighter than a Formula 1 racing car... Experiencing the adrenaline rush of carving
through the canyons with up to 3 friends... Not using a drop of gasoline... Now just imagine if these dreams could be brought together in a single vehicle. During Los Angeles Auto Show a scale model of this car - Volvo Air Motion - will be on display and participates in the Design Challenge Competition.
Tipping the scales at under 1,000lbs the Volvo Air Motion Concept makes these dreams a reality and delivers this in a beautiful Scandinavian body. Designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.
Minimizing weight and complexity, while maximizing driving enjoyment, is the philosophy behind this vehicle. Thousands fewer components are employed than in a traditional car thanks to the powerful yet simple compressed air motors that replace a heavy internal combustion engine. The motors cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for heavy cooling systems. An integrated approach to designing the chassis, interior and suspension also contribute significantly.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression.
Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.
Introducing a new form of exhilaration. The Volvo Air Motion Canyon Carver.
Facts about Volvo Air Motion - LAA
A 1/4 scale model will be displayed in the display area of the concourse that connects the South and West Halls at LA Auto Show. It will be on display during all press and public days. Press days Nov. 17-18 Public Days Nov. 19-28.
The winner will be presented on November 18 at 7 pm local time at the Designers Night Party at the Conga Rooms.
Facts about VMCC
Volvo Air Motion has been developed at Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) that opened in 1986. VMCC is situated in Camarillo, California. VMCC Air Motion Team: Chris Benjamin, Dean Bakker, Steve Goodrich, Bjorn Wessman, Doug Frasher, Dean Shaw and Geza Loczi.
Facts about the Design Challenge
Each year for the past seven years, a topical theme is chosen and the major Southern California automotive design studios are invited to compete in the Design Challenge. For the first time studios from Germany and Japan will join the competition adding an international dimension to the contest. The highly anticipated challenge allows studios to flex their creativity and explore new ideas in automotive design.
The theme this year addresses society's shift toward minimizing consumption of the earth's resources. The objective is to envision an efficient, light-weight, four passenger vehicle (not to exceed 1,000 lbs.), that is both comfortable and safe, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the styling consumers demand.
