The i-REAL is a 'Personal Mobility Concept' made by automotive giant Toyota that is planned to be put on sale in around 2010. It is a development of previous Toyota Personal Mobility vehicles including the i-unit and i-Swing. As with said previous vehicles, the i-REAL is a 3-wheeled electrically powered one-passenger vehicle, running on lithium-ion batteries.
In Low-Speed Mode, the vehicle is upright, and moves around at 'walking pace' at similar eyesight height to pedestrians, without taking up a large amount of space . In High-Speed Mode, the Toyota extends in length by leaning back and extending the single rear wheel to improve aerodynamics and stability, thus being able to achieve a speed of 18.6 mph, or 30 km/h. It leans into corners, like other tall, one-man vehicles such as the Segway, to prevent it tipping over.
There are two joysticks, one for each hand. Either joystick controls the i-Real, so left- and right-handeed people will be equally at home. You push the joystick forwards to go forwards, left to go left, right to go right and pull back to stop. Perimeter-monitoring sensors detect when a collision with a person or object is imminent and alerts the driver by emitting a noise and vibrating. At the same time, it alerts people around it of its movements through use of light and sound.
The Audi Shark is a futuristic flying concept vehicle designed by Kazim Doku. It was launched in 2008 by the Italian Domus Academy.
The Design cues of Audi Shark Concept comes from motorcycles and airplanes, it gets a sleek and appealing look, The feature just looks like AUDI CALAMARO. It is designed the some good handling of design for maximum performance as well as safety, The name may appear more suited for a submersible car than a flying car, but the designer’s handling of the exteriors, especially the rear lower spoiler, gives the car an “underwater” look and justifies its name. That would have been the trickiest part to pull through.
Interiors get sporty seats integrated with the cockpit’s sculpture, so you can sit comfortably while gliding through air and tinkering with all the futuristic switches and panels in the cockpit
Audi ASQconcept
The Audi ASQ concept is an advanced futuristic design created by Hongik University Transport Design graduate Juyoung Kim. The ASQ has been designed for the year 2040 and a world where the worst-case global warming predictions have materialized and the sea levels have risen dramatically due to the melting of the polar ice caps.
The Audi ASQ concept is equipped to deal with the rise in water levels due to its ability to travel both on land and water. It even has submersible capabilities. On land the ASQ uses an advanced form of Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system which features four independent electric motors, one for each wheel. The front wheels are spherical in shape which helps to increase maneuverability. Once in the water the ASQ switches over to an aquatic version of the quattro drive system which uses water jet propulsion - similar to a jetski. Water jets positioned in the front, rear and sides mean the ASQ could move in any direction once underwater.
The interior of the Audi ASQ concept features three seats - instead of a more conventional four seat layout - in order to increase the overall space for the occupants. The feeling of space is however further enhanced through the use of a 100% transparent upper section of the cabin which incorporates a single piece windscreen, roof, and rear window and frameless side windows. The floor of the ASQ also features transparent panels to allow the occupants to see into the water below.
Powering the Audi ASQ is a hydrogen fueled engine which acts as a electrical generator. The electricity is used to supply power to batteries which in turn provide power to the four electric motors.
Audi Snook - Future Car Design Concept
Mono Spherewheel Vehicle Audi Snook is a Car Design Concept by Tilmann Schlootz at the Academy of Art and Design HfG Offenbach Germany. Snook is a double seater premium car optimised for urban mobility and rides on a single spherical wheel. Its stabilisation system is inspired by Eurofighter Typhoon and depends on triple axis accellerometers. on IF Concept Award Exhibition at CeBIT 2010
Audi RSQconcept
The Audi RSQ is a mid-engined concept car developed by Audi AG for use as a product placement in the 2004 sci-fi movie I, Robot. It is meant to depict a technologically advanced automobile in the Chicago cityscape from the year 2035.
This sports coupé is a visionary interpretation of Audi's typical automobile design. An important challenge presented to the designers was that despite its extreme character, the car still had to be recognised by the audience as an Audi. To accommodate this demand, the engineers implemented a current Audi front-end design which includes the trapezoidal "Audi Single-Frame Grille", the company's trademark overlapping four rings, and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) driver-to-car control system.
The RSQ also includes special features suggested by movie director Alex Proyas.The car uses spheres instead of conventional wheels.Its two reverse butterfly doors are hinged to the B-posts of the body.
Although this kind of collaboration was a first for Audi, a similar project was developed by Lexus for use in the 2002 film Minority Report.
Audi Quattroflexconcept
The Audi Quattroflex, which is not affiliated with Audi, won the 'Best Use of Technology Award' in the 2006 Interior Motives Design Awards.
The theory behind the Audi Quattroflex concept was to create a future vehicle which displayed "Emotion in Motion", and the similarity between the Quattroflex and olden-day horseless carriages was entirely intentional.
The electrically powered Audi Quattroflex features two cylinders, front and back, which hold the mechanical elements of the vehicle, connecting the two cylinders is an expandable/collapsible floorplan with customisable cushioned seating which can be modified to fit the users needs.
The Audi Quattroflex is controlled via a centrally mounted joystick, allowing the vehicle to be driven from either side.
The Quattroflex steers using its unique hub-less tilting wheels which tilt into the corner.
Audi A9 concept
The Audi A9 concept is a stylish proposal for a luxury sports saloon which was developed by the talented Spanish designer Daniel Garcia. Garcia's previous work includes the Ducati 6098 R concept from 2009.
The A9 concept would be positioned higher than Audi's current flagship model, the A8, and is aimed at other top-end luxury saloons like the Porsche Panamera, and if it ever went into production, the Lamborghini Estoque.
The styling of the A9 concept was partially inspired by the stunning architectural style of Santiago Calatrava's buildings in "La Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias" (The City of Arts and Sciences) in Garcia's hometown of Valencia. This influence can be seen in the clean flowing lines of the vehicle and futuristic styling features. Calatrava's buildings look like they come from 100 years in the future, and so does this.
The single-piece windscreen and roof is formed from an as-yet undiscovered nanotechnology material which features an automatic-system for repairing damage, and it can also be adjusted for color and opacity. The bodywork of the Audi A9 concept also features a unique 'electronic painting' system which means the vehicle's color can be changed at the touch of a button.
The proposed drivetrain for the A9 concept is an advanced hybrid setup which uses an internal combustion engine working in conjunction with four in-wheel electric motors Audi A7concept
The Audi Sportback which was revealed at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show is a four door coupe concept created to preview an upcoming luxury model designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and even the Porsche Panamera.
The Audi Sportback is a based on a versatile vehicle platform Audi calls the Longitudinal Build Kit (LBK). This system is adjustable for length, width and height and allows a number of different models to be easily built from one base platform therefore reducing cost and development time.
The styling of the Audi Sportback displays a number of typical Audi traits including the jewel-like LED headlights, and large single, central grille. The profile and rear views are less obviously Audi, although the strong shoulder line is a bit of a giveaway. At the rear the slit-like taillights, triangular rear quarter lights, and sloping rear panel could easily be mistaken for belonging to either Aston Martin or Lamborghini.
The interior design of the Audi Sportback is simple and elegant at the same time. The large glass roof highlights the width and feeling of spaciousness. In the driver-oriented cockpit, the air vents, instrument cluster and retracting MMI monitor are outlined by a fine aluminum border.
The flat display of the multimedia system is a retractable system in the Sportback concept. When the ignition is activated, it extends horizontally from a slot above the central air register before moving in an elegant arc into a vertical, easy-to-read position.
Power for the Audi Sportback is provided by a clean burning 3.0-liter V6 TDI which almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014.
UPDATE - In July 2010 the Audi A7 Sportback was unveiled. This is the production version of the Sportback concept.
Audi QxPconcept
he Audi QxP concept from Davide Panarella of Italy was created for the Domus Academy's design competition held in conjunction with Audi.
For the 2008 competition the brief was to design a vehicle which was desirable and represented a good balance of materials, technology and proportions.
The QxP concept is similar in size to the existing Audi Q7. However where the Q7 has a sharpness to the lines, the exterior design of the QxP is noticeably softer and more rounded.
The five-seat interior of the Audi QxP is filled with light due to the single piece panoramic glass roof and windscreen and the large side windows. Audi R-Zeroconcept
The Audi R- Zero concept is the work of a transport designer and two digital designers from the International Design School, France.
Franck Levivier, Rémi Marchand and Pierre-Olivier Wagner's collaboration centered around a desire to create a concept supercar for a time when the world could no longer rely on oil for a source of power.
Essential to the R-Zero's design was a belief that despite the cars environmentally friendly credentials it should have the ability to excite.
A projected 1091 horsepower comes from four individual in-wheel electric motors powered by a row of batteries positioned just forward of the rear axle.
One of the advantages of the electric drivetrain layout is that it has allowed the R-Zero's designers to capitalise on the cooling airflow provided by the front grille. Running the length of the Audi R-Zero is a hollow backbone frame which channels airflow in though the front grille, distributes cooling air to various temperature sensitive components - like the brakes, and then expels the air out the central rear grille.
Despite its gorgeous lines and innovative engineering, the Audi R-Zero is only a concept. There are no plans to build a working one-off. Let alone put the vehicle into production.
The Volkswagen Ego is part of a trio of concept vehicles designed to offer a glimpse into the future for Volkswagen vehicles.
Designed for the year 2028 the VW Ego is a two seat sports car with an attractive and simple bodyshape. Volkswagen envisage an all-electric power source for the Ego concept, using high-performance batteries charged by a fuel cell in which hydrogen and oxygen react to generate electricity. The only emissions from the Volkswagen Ego concept will be water.
Inside the Volkswagen Ego highly sophisticated and intelligent driver aids include an environment recognition system which can detect and warn of upcoming hazards, and a cruise control so advanced the driver can actually turn control over to the car in certain circumstances. The windscreen of the VW Ego features a driving display onto which relevant data is displayed. This gives the driver intuitive access to all critical information at any one time.
Volkswagen T6 concept
The T6 in targeted to people who ilve in large urban environments: it combines the features of a mobile office with the comfort of a business-class car. The main design elements are two cylinders connected with a transformable section in the form of a hinge. The wheels are moved to the periphery of the car body and revolve around the two cylinders. The car was conceived as a component integrated with the metropolitan transportation system, like a subway or a taxi. The interior offers a multifunctional luxury space which can be used for standalone work or to organize meetings.
Volkswagen Kai-Nalu concept
The Volkswagen Kai-Nalu is a concept vehicle which was created by Josep Ferriol, a Spanish designer and graduate of the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. The Kai-Nalu was created as part of his final year thesis.
The Volkswagen Kai-Nalu is a futuristic sports car concept that features a unique design which is composed of two distinctly different elements. Inspired by the waves of the Mediterranean sea as they smash into the shoreline and rocks near where Ferriol lives, the Kai-Nalu features a flowing glass upper section - which is designed to mimic the sea, and angular, jagged bodywork underneath - which represents the rocks of the coastline.
The mixture of the two differing shapes and textures is designed to present a dynamic and forceful appearance - much like the waves themselves. The Kai-Nalu's styling is quite controversial, and it isn't going to be to everyone's taste. However in a world where many sportscar and supercar concepts follow the same predictable formula, the Volkswagen Kai-Nalu is refreshingly bold and different.
Other highlights of the concept include highly stylized wheels which were inspired by the appearance of bicycle wheels. The VW logo in the center is balanced and mounted on a bearing so it always remains upright. The clear roof, windows, and upper bodywork also provides a glimpse of the vehicle's electric drivetrain, which features two seperate motors, one is mounted up front and the other at the rear to help balance out weight distribution.
Volkswagen Viseo concept
The Volkswagen Viseo concept from 2007 was a project by transport design student Marc Kirsch.
The Volkswagen Viseo is a three seater vehicle. The layout, with two seats up front and one at the rear means that the a narrow, tapering rear section is possible. Making the rear slim has allowed room for the tinted shield to flow over the bodywork and rear wheels without making the overall width of the Viseo greater than a standard car.
This glass shield is covered in an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) film which brings a new form of interactivity between the occupants and their surroundings.
Another unique design feature of the Volkswagen Viseo concept was the removable rear luggage compartment. This could be detached and wheeled away just like a suitcase.
The striking styling of the Volkswagen Viseo concept was influenced by the work of renowned architect Santiago Calatrava who is famous for his use of "dynamic balance" in creating futuristic, highly technical buildings.
Volkswagen Up! Lite concept
The Volkswagen Up! Lite which was revealed at the 2009 LA Auto Show is the latest in the up! line of fuel efficient concept cars from VW - a family which began with the Volkswagen up! concept from 2007.
The Up! Lite comes hot on the heels of the Volkswagen 1L concept which debuted only a few months before. Both cars strive to be as fuel efficient as possible. But whereas the L1, with its tandem seating layout and limited cargo storage was a relatively impractical vehicle, the Up! Lite is just like any other compact four-seater as far interior space and day-to-day usage is concerned. Even the styling of the Up! Lite looks production feasible.
The hybrid drivetrain of the Up! Lite consists of a newly designed 0.8 litre two-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which produces 51 horsepower, and a 14 horsepower electric motor. The electric motor works as a pulse start module (starter, alternator and E-drive), it also reduces the load of the TDI, provides added power during acceleration and works to recover kinetic energy (regenerative braking).
In two of its operating phases, the hybrid drive of the Up! Lite was designed to operate without any TDI propulsion at all. First phase: In so-called coast-down, activated by the driver taking his or her foot off the gas pedal (car coasts, TDI engine is shut off). Second phase: Over shorter distances, e.g. in residential areas, the E-motor can power the Up! Lite all by itself. In this case, a lithium-ion battery supplies the energy. Since it is capable of pure electric driving, the configuration is classified as a full hybrid. Shifting work is handled by a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) like the one used in the new Polo. Moreover, the Volkswagen is equipped with a Stop-Start system.
All in, this frugal drive system offers 70mpg/highway (2.44 litres per 100km). Top speed is 100mph (160km/h), and the 0-60mph run is completed in 12 seconds.
Innovative technology is not just confined to the drivetrain however. The radiator grille closes and opens automatically depending on the cooling needs of the engine ("active thermal management"); and instead of a classic rearview mirror, three cameras perform this job better and more aerodynamically; when the car is parked outside in the summer, hot air is vented to outside the vehicle ("passive park ventilation"); an "optimized Easy-Entry feature" enables extremely comfortable entry and exit from the rear seating area; longitudinal adjustments to the driver and front passenger seats automatically adjusts seat height as well; when folding the rear bench seat, the seatback is easily unlatched by folding the rear head restraints forward ("Easy Switch"); many vehicle features (including ventilation, Internet, telephone, MP3, video, telephone, trip computer, radio) are controlled centrally via an intuitive touchscreen with hand movement sensors.
Volkswagen up concept
The Volkswagen up! is a series of city car concepts that are anticipated to be the basis for the Volkswagen Group New Small Family (NSF) series of models, which is expected to include a new Volkswagen Lupo. Current plans for the NSF range include saloon / sedan, cabriolet, two-seater, and mini MPV variants of the vehicle. It will be manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The series debuted in the 2007 motor show calendar year, starting with the Volkswagen up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). All up! concepts are designed by Volkswagen Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva and Head Designer of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars marque Klaus Bischoff.
Volkswagen Microbus Concept
If the Volkswagen Microbus concept wore no identification badges it would still be quite straight forward to identify its origin.
Introduced in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Volkswagen Microbus was the spiritual successor to the iconic VW microbus of the 1960s. But with a few added features.
Designed in California for the US market, the Microbus has 3 rows of seats within its 15.5 foot long body. The middle row can swivel to face backwards, and the rear row has been been designed as a bench seat.
Access to the Microbus concept is via conventional front doors, and dual electronic sliding doors for the rear passengers. Once inside a 7" video screen built into the dash and 4 more displays built into the front and middle seat headrests provide cinematic entertainment for all passengers. The driver is offered another screen at the front of the roof providing an unimpeded view out the back.
Power for the Volkswagen Microbus concept came from a front mounted 3.2 litre V6 engine turning the 20" front wheels.
Although Volkswagen confirmed in 2003 the Microbus would go into production they later retracted that statement in 2005 and put the Microbus back on the shelf. However because of the massive amount of positive feedback on the concept it's still possible that someday the Microbus will live again.
Design Proposal for Next Generation VW Beetle
Independent designer David Cordoso sent us these designs proposals for a successor to the second generation VW Beetle that will soon cease production.David says he envisions the New/New Bug as an emissions-free, fully-electric vehicle, and judging by the latest developments at the Volkswagen Group, a gasoline-electric hybrid or even an all-electric version of the next Beetle, could very well be on the table.And while there's room for some fine tuning in the design details (e.g. head- / tail-light styling), overall, we like David's more masculine and sportier styling approach on the Beetle's replacement.
