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

Designer : Jaxon Douglass

This system is completely innovative and takes a whole new look at how we perceive space within a vehicle. Concerns have been raised about structural strength within the roof , but with structural reinforcement at little added cost – there is no reason why a roof cannot support the 24G crash impact requirements.

Importantly, in being firmly suspended from a roof, each chair has excellent properties for impact absorption in frontal and rear impact collisions and is further supported by an anti-whiplash? back rest that comes forward upon impact. The products seat base can raise and lower with it?s own back depending on desired use.

A flexible seating system with primary design focus on the elderly, physically impaired and is also wheelchair compatible. The system is suspended from a roof and may be temporarily stored away on the roof ceiling, or removed completely from the vehicle to maximize space or for maintenance purposes.

Love the idea, this roller coaster style seat might not be available soon, but it does add futuristic style for cars. I wont’ be surprise to see 4NE1 next in the car design concept. One thing to ask to Christopher is the size of this seat, I mean some people can be really really big, if that’s the case, do they still fit into this seat ?

Designer : Christopher Simmons

Designer : Jonathan Hewison

Source : Porsche Design Studio