Automakers have always released wild, woolly concepts, one-off limited edition cars, but do they have trickle-down relevance to the mass market?
We’ve looked at some of the latest vehicles with technology and design features that could be found in cars coming to market in the future.
lotus theory 1
Of course, many of the concepts reflect the automaker’s commitment to battery electric vehicles, such as the new Lotus Theory 1.
And it’s no surprise that “user experience” is often mentioned in press materials. That’s because UX has a bigger impact on the product than PX, which is the “performance experience” you get from hypercars boasting attractive internal combustion engine powertrains.
For example, the difference between Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 12-cylinder Berlinetta 6.5L V-12 and Aston Martin Vanquish’s twin-turbocharged 5.2L V-12 can be dramatic, even for non-mechanical drivers. Sho. Both are said to have originally been conceived as concepts aimed at the dwindling number of ICE enthusiasts. Both enjoy different torque curves and powerband aspects while offering roughly the same maximum power output. The difference between PXs is in how the power is input.
Differentiation in PX is often more difficult when BEVs have relatively similar propulsion characteristics, with instantaneous zero-rpm torque and typically consistent power at high speeds. That said, some BEVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ford Mustang Mach-E, mimic the power delivery ‘feel’ enjoyed by hypercars and incorporate a dynamic driving experience with the performance to match. there is.
However, the Lotus concept is being marketed more as a lifestyle product, and as such features some UX technology that could find its way into mainstream consumer products in the future.
Leading the vehicle’s in-car experience is a technology called Lotuswear. This technology features inflatable pods in the seat or steering wheel that expand and deflate as the vehicle is driven.
Lotus Theory 1 Cabin.
So when a sports-oriented car is being driven actively or on a race circuit, the pods react in real time to enhance support, grip, and subtle prompts via personalized haptic feedback. I will.
For example, pulses on the left and right sides of the wheel indicate when the driver should turn, depending on five driving modes, including Range, Tour, Sport, Personal, and Track.
Versions of this technology have found their way into mainstream cars, offering the ability to provide car occupants with a ride that responds to how the car is driven and optimizes cabin comfort.
R17 electric restomod
Renault presents a different approach with its latest BEV concept and a design trend that has been very successful in the motorcycle scene with retro-styled vehicles.
Its R17 electric Restomod is a reworking of the classic Renault 17 sports coupe aesthetic from the 1970s, created in collaboration with automotive designer Ola Oto.
Here, the possibility of revisiting past design languages while meeting modern safety standards is a major marketing asset for BEVs, in that these languages have awakened a lifestyle approach to personal transport in the motorcycle industry. There is a possibility that
The R17 restomod is a two-door coupe with a practical tailgate, four headlamp faces of the original Renault 17, frameless doors, body without center pillar, fully opening rear side windows and louvered second door. A modern interpretation of the quarter window.
Renault R17 restomod.
The concept uses a similar monocoque platform and sports the same cabin, doors, windows, glass, seals and underbody. The main body is 6.7 inches. (170 mm) wider for better roadholding, and the sleeker wing and wheels give it an elegant feel while improving aerodynamics.
Its BEV powertrain claims a mass-market focused 270 horsepower, placing it in roughly the same market segment as its 1970s predecessor.
Less mass-market is the R17 Restomod’s carbon fiber chassis, whose flash lines keep the curb weight at just 3,086 pounds. (1,400kg).
The retro style is echoed inside the cabin with the seats redesigned around the original ‘petal’ structure, while upholstery features fashionable ’70s colours, with brown merino wool and lightweight Made from beige wool bouclé fabric.
We’ve had countless conversations with modern car designers explaining how today’s safety regulations can’t come close to the exciting designs of yesteryear.
Assuming the R17 Restomod can meet these mandated standards, Ora Ïto proves you wrong. Let’s hope that better and more attractive car designs can awaken consumers’ passion for cars, even if it’s just a BEV.
Pininfarina Namx HUV
Renowned Italian automotive design studio Pininfarina has applied its skills in design to the Namx HUV (Hydrogen Utility Vehicle), a future powertrain concept unveiled at the 2022 Paris Auto Show. I emphasized.
The Afro-European automotive startup envisions a hybrid hydrogen powertrain that employs a removable fuel capsule that can be replaced and/or refueled without filling up the vehicle’s entire tank. It aims to address the current lack of service stations equipped with hydrogen fueling equipment, particularly in developing regions of the world.
Pininfarina NAMX HUV.
That said, many in the energy industry believe that the potential for sites in both Africa and South America are ideal for commercial production of hydrogen produced in a green and sustainable manner. Therefore, considering the huge distances involved in crossing continents, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be a more practical alternative to BEVs, both as trucks and cars.
The HUV Concept has six 1.1-lb. At the top of the main 11 lb. (0.5 kg) pull-out replaceable hydrogen capsule (pictured below). (5 kg) tank and has a total range of 500 miles (805 km).
Although its powertrain is designed for many markets as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, NAMX is also working on hydrogen ICE powertrains for other markets.
This internal combustion engine claims to emit less than 1 g of CO2 per 100 km (62 miles), mainly due to the small burn of engine oil during combustion.
The production version will be sold in two versions. One is an entry-level rear-wheel-drive version with 300 horsepower, a top speed of 125 miles per hour (201 km/h), and acceleration to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h) with a 6.5-in. The all-wheel drive GTH version has 550 horsepower, a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), and a sprint time of 4.5 seconds.
Namx plans to sell the vehicle from late 2025 at prices starting at $72,580 (65,000 euros).
