LA Autoshow Design Challenge

The La Autoshow had a lot of cool extra press material lying around this year.  One thing I got my hands on was Design Challenge Photos.  There were photos from nine companies of there wild, dream like concepts.  Check them out for yourself.

Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference has become a staple of the LA autoshow.  I was able to get my hands on their Design Challenge Photos (they were handing them out, it wasn't hard).  The design challenge included futuristic, environmentally friendly concepts from nine different companies; Acura, GM - Hummer, Mini, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi and Kia.  Check them out. Information on the vehicles was found on Design Los Angeles' photo package.

Acura Le Mans

The Acura uses nanotechnology, to achieve a compact fuel cell and packing efficiency.

Honda Research & Development
Designers: Leon Paz
  Joe De Natale
  David Cheng

Audi Dynamic Space Frame

The Audi uses a Dynamic Space Frame that integrates all fluid and electrical channels within the frame

Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
Designers: Patrick Faulwetter
      Daniel Simon
      Ian Hilton

Honda Extreme

The Honda uses a honeycomb chassis made of polycarbonate that can accommodate various body styles, meaning you can switch the style of your car very easily.

Honda Research & Development
Designers: Nicholas David
  Daniel Talbert
  David Cheng

Hummer O2

The Hummer is very cool.  Powered by a fuel cell, this Hummer "breathes" through a revolutionary phototropic body shell that produces pure oxygen throughout the lifespan of the vehicle

General Motors Advanced Design, California
Designers:  Frank Saucedo
      Steve Anderson
      Jussi Timonen
      Jose Paris
      Loren Kulesus

Kia Sandstorm

The Kia uses a biodiesel electric plug-in hybrid with an NiMH, fully recyclable battery that is so environmentally friendly that you might ask it to pass the SPF

Hyundai Kia America Design Center
Designer:  Marc Mainville

Mercedes-Benz Recy

The Mercedes Benz is made of Wood, alloys, glass and rubber combine unexpectedly to create the ultimate recyclable California roadster of the future

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
Designers: Andre Frey
      Gorden Wagener
      Nick Garfias
      Jeffrey Aneiros
      Christopher Rhoades

MINI Biomoke

The MINI uses a single sheet of biodegradable sandwich paneling

BMW Group DesignworksUSA
Designer: Gary Shiu - ACCD Intern Designer

Toyota RLV

The Toyota has a manual/pedal mode used in heavy, stop-and-go traffic is also suitable for boardwalk, sidewalk and beach producing zero emissions while promoting LA's fitness lifestyle

CALTY Design Research
Designer: Kevin J. Chun

Volkswagen Nanospyder

The Volkswagen uses nanotechnology, creating a vehicle capable of being assembled, disassembled and reassembled on a microscopic level

Volkswagen/Audi Design Center California
Designers: Patrick Faulwetter
      Daniel Simon
      Ian Hilton