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.
The Acura uses nanotechnology, to achieve a compact fuel cell and packing efficiency.
Honda Research & Development
Designers: Leon Paz
Joe De Natale
David Cheng
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
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
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
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
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
The MINI uses a single sheet of biodegradable sandwich paneling
BMW Group DesignworksUSA
Designer: Gary Shiu - ACCD Intern Designer
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
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