Image via Complex Original
Every year at the LA Auto Show there's a design challenge that rewards really out-of-the-box thinking, and some cool renderings always result. Of course, they have nothing to do with any cars that will ever see production, but they stimulate creativity, and that's a very, very good thing.
This year's theme was "Biomimicry and Mobility: 2025," and for the first time ever, there are four submissions from Chinese companies. China clearly wants in on the Western market. Be sure to click the magnifying glass in the bottom left of the images to see them in all their high-resolution glory.
Out of these nine concepts, which is your favorite?
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[via LA Auto Show]
Toyota/Calty Design Research e-grus
"CALTY Design Research, Toyota Design Network, USA – Designed as the ultimate electric hyper-commuter vehicle, the Toyota "e-grus" specializes in long distance travel and minimal footprint city driving. Inspired by the resilient crane, e-grus can be driven autonomously, positioned at a full extension aero profile for efficiency and high speed stability much like a crane in flight. The dual mode shifts through an active metal surface that sends electric currents for a pliable skin that hardens once positioned vertically or horizontally."
Qoros Auto Silk Road System
"Qoros Auto, China – Acting as a control hub, the "Silk Road System" designed by Qoros will allow vehicles to operate harmoniously, actively eliminating accidents. Using the silk worm as its inspiration, Silk Road Vehicles and Silk Bots, in coordination with the overall system will serve to offer the drivers of Shanghai a fool-proof, sustainable and waste-free mobility system."
Changfeng Motor Corporation LaBrea - Los Angeles Bio Research Project
"Changfeng Motor Corporation, China – Using a hollow reed design in a spiral dynamic configuration, Changfeng has created "'LaBrea' – Los Angeles Bio Research Project," which utilizes a closed loop and semi rigid torsion reed network to distribute and manage maneuvering capabilities. The entire system resembles a grasshopper, capable of running, jumping, climbing, swimming and also the ability to squeeze between narrow openings. From holographic Emoji to update traffic patterns, to techno gel seat cushions that provide cooling and heating, the LaBrea mobility system adheres to the adage 'Adapt or Die.'"
Subaru Global Design Team Suba-Roo
"Subaru Global Design Team, Japan – The innovative, affordable and fun personal mobility vehicle from Subaru's designers was created to change the man-vehicle relationship in a revolutionary way. The "SUBA-ROO" is a one-legged, self-contained, wearable mobility vehicle with a propulsion method which mimics the efficient yet powerful jumping motions of a kangaroo. With the SUBA-ROO's all-road, go anywhere capability and Subaru's Eye-Sight safety system, the path to your destination is unlimited. On the road, a trail, a beach, or in a building, SUBA-ROO will widen the boundaries of mobility and bring back the joy of personally mobility for everyone to enjoy."
Mazda Design Center Auto Adapt
"Mazda Design Americas, USA – In reaction to the impending demise of the 2025 driver, Mazda has designed "AUTO ADAPT." Studying the biological phenomenon of adaptation and specifically how insects have adapted, Mazda has created a vehicle that has the ability to adapt from being fully autonomous to a manual machine. These vehicles are geared directly to those true drivers out there that long for the excitement found with driving an automobile; the excitement expected to be completely eliminated from the autonomous cars of 2025."
BMW Group DesignworksUSA S.E.E.D. (Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device)
"BMW Group DesignworksUSA, USA – Inspired by biomimicry, the BMW "S.E.E.D (Sustainable Efficient Exploratory Device)" was created to explore the world's harshest environments in search for new life forms and inspiration. Using the maple seed as its main inspiration, this vehicle uses a multifunctional rotating tail and nature's elements such as solar energy, wind and gravity as its main sources of mobility."
SAIC Motor Mobiliant
"SAIC Motor, China – Inspired by a simple ant's distinctive body structure and the mutually beneficial relationship between ants and trumpet trees, SAIC Motors designed Roewe "Mobiliant." Mobiliant is a single-seat vehicle for urban public transit, which helps improve both transportation and operation efficiency for future urban ecological systems."
JAC Motors H.E.F.E.I. (Harmonious Eco-Friendly Efficient Infrastructure)
"JAC Motors R & D Center, Japan – JAC Motors introduces "HEFEI" (Harmonious Eco-Friendly Efficient Infrastructure), a totally rethought mobility solution inspired by the self-sufficiency of the eco-system. This mobility network offers symbiosis between vehicles and their urban environment. Idle vehicles are used to power running vehicles; a power grid supports the entire system; and automated traffic regulates itself, decreasing accidents, traffic jams and energy loss."
BMW Group DesignworksUSA L.A. Subways
"BMW Group DesignworksUSA, USA – To solve LA's daily traffic congestion and decrease the environmental impact, BMW Group DesignworksUSA designers explore forgotten waterways as a commuting alternative with their vehicle concept, "L.A. Subways." Inspired by the efficiency of swarms and the unique power generating processes found within cells, BMW Group DesignworksUSA's design serves to answer the ever-growing challenges of mobility in Los Angeles."
