This proposal is focused around providing an alternative view of what the future of the Taxi might be. The vehicle is designed around the user and this is reflected in the safety of ingress/egress, the passenger/driver compartment split and features for ease of use by passengers. Features include, split for driver safety when used as night rider, GPS and mapping system for driver and passenger, passenger entertainment/info hub, Smart card system, disability access and focus on curb side access only. Technological features include the hydrogen fuel cell, battery generators, solar panel system and recharging hubs.

The overall aesthetic of the vehicle is influenced by the Australian environment; space, relaxed ambience, unique identity, comfort, security, and a ‘can do’ attitude. These unique characteristics immediately identify the vehicle as special purpose and also set it apart from other vehicles on the road. The curb-side DLO captures the essence of the Taxi in that it is inviting passengers inside for an experience.

The footprint is emphasized by the wheels being in the outermost corners of the vehicle which allows for greater volume and also a very level and balanced stance. The roof features an acrylic opening area to allow for a greater sense of space while also allowing a great vantage point for passengers. The solar panel is also cleverly housed on the roof to harness the most energy from beating Australian sun.

Curb side access only for passenger ingress / egress safety. All doors use a slider system for minimizing the overall footprint of the vehicle whilst it is in operation. Access for wheel-chair bound passengers is catered for by providing a platform that extends to the curbside to allow access. All rear compartment seats tuck away to open-up maximum floor room for wheelchair access. Rear trunk also operates on a slider system.

The rear compartment is split-up to allow for better communication for the rear occupants. Rear seats fold away to allow access and floor clearance for wheelchair access. Heads-up display on split window for accessing features such as map, places of interest, fares and also for advertising. Driver to passenger split is driven by – safety and privacy. The split ensures security of the drivers whilst also providing a more private booth-type environment for passengers. Doors split open at the centre to allow for maximum operating opening distance.

Polycarbonate is used throughout the vehicle due to its impact resistance, relative lightweight, optical qualities and high temp resistance. The chassis comprises of aluminum to minimize weight.

Curb-side access only for passenger safety, bright orange livery for visual impact, safety-cell for passengers and driver all contribute to overall safety. Optimized seating configuration allows greater interaction, comfort and ease of use – especially the fold away seats for wheelchair access.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology coupled with electric generators / batteries propel the vehicle. The solar panel is used to harness extra energy as well as the recharging hubs when the vehicle is used to pick up passengers.

Designer : Damian Lucaciu

[Press Release]
Priestman Goode has designed the new first class suite for airline Swiss.The suite will enter service in April as part of the airline’s new first class cabin. This is in conjunction with a fleet renewal programme that will see Swiss’ Airbus A330-200s replaced with A330-300s. Priestman Goode has previously worked on the interiors of Lufthansa’s intercontinental fleet and the Airbus A350 cabin design. Goode says the consultancy worked with Swiss on the design concept, and then worked closely with the super first class division of US manufacturer BE Aerospace to develop the suites.

He says, ‘BE has a seat mechanism that has been certified and passenger tested, and everything else in the suite is bespoke. We worked closely with BE, at this level you have to be very precise.’

Designer : Priestman Goode

Designer : Igarashi Design

The FuChat is made from a biodegradable plastic made from renewable materials like corn starch and sugarcane to reduce its impact on the environment. The FuChat uses a light aluminum compound for the inner framework to increase its durability. The environmentally conscious materials in the phone will appeal to users that are concerned about protecting the environment.

The FuChat uses emotion to increase effective communication. When the FuChat detects a change in the user’s tone of voice or body temperature, it will change the display, text, sound, lights, and color on the phone. Emotional self-awareness can help with business calls, personal calls, general awareness, or people with specific needs like anger management. If the user is busy and does not want to be disturbed, they can set the phone to block all calls and record voicemail messages. The user can enter information about important events into the FuChat and the FuChat will remind the user of these events before they happen. Two-way interaction with the FuChat will closely bond the user with the FuChat.

The FuChat is a tool people can use to convey personal information with others in their home. The back of the FuChat displays the user’s emotional information, the time, weather images, or the “Do not disturb” icon when they are busy. The phone can also hang from a door-handle using the hole on the top of the phone while displaying messages like “Do not disturb” or “Busy studying.” The bottom of the FuChat is weighted so it can stand upright on any flat surface in order to display messages.

The FuChat connects the user to their environment through interaction. The wall-mounted base station of the FuChat displays weather conditions, temperature, time, and caller ID for incoming calls. Weather information is taken from the Internet and is displayed using lively images. The front of FuChat also displays caller ID for incoming calls, has a numbered keypad for dialing, and has buttons to make a call, hang up, and select menu items. Access to regular land-line telephone networks provides additional reliability in the case of Internet outages.

Designer : D-Link

PRESS RELEASE

IFR Automotive reveals track car

A new sports car boasting luxury fitments and high performance has been announced by engineering consultancy IFR Automotive.

Known as the Aspid, IFR has sought to create a track car with everyday levels of usability and, importantly for cars like this – reliability.

It’s also a technology showcase for demonstrating the company’s design and engineering capabilities.

Aspid prototypes feature a 2-litre engine; either naturally aspirated to deliver 270bhp or supercharged to 400bhp.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a manual 6-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential.

Use of aluminium and carbon fibre has resulted in weight of just 700kg and the resulting 570bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio enables 62mph (100km/h) in 2.8 seconds and 100mph (160km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

“The Aspid has been engineered to deliver a high level of driving pleasure,” says company founder, managing director and automotive engineer Ignacio Fern?ez Rodriquez, whose initials give IFR Automotive its name.

Formerly with Prodrive, Rodriquez subsequently joined the Mitsubishi World Rally Championship team as race engineer for Alister McRae and Fran?s Delecour.

Rodriquez founded IFR Automotive in 2003 and began work immediately on the new sports car project, while handling confidential car and commercial vehicle assignments from industry clients.

With a long list of options, and each one tailored to the precise needs of each individual customer the anticipated base price is £75,000 and upwards per Aspid.

The car will be displayed at the British International Motor Show in London docklands from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 3 August 2008.

via [AutoBlog]

The Solid vehicle does have the standard protection means, like safety-belts and airbags. It also has two special elements installed in front and in the back of the car. These elements provide additional maneuverability by turning around. They also are very strong in if a crash occurs as they take the damage on itself and thus saving the booth.

The deformation of the Booth is prevented by a frame ring. In the interior, a display is installed thus creating a panoramic view. The Airbags installed in wheel of the car will operate at the side. With an approach sensor it turns on the auto brake system. The car creates the sensation of reliability as its Image is associated with specialized machines, all we can say is welcome to the future.

Designer : Nikita Gutsalenko