Gear Sports

L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge Vehicles Are Unveiled:

LOS ANGELES — The L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge finalists — a “green” group of concept vehicles that includes the Kia Sandstorm, Honda Extreme and Volkswagen Nanospyder — have been officially unveiled.

Volkswagen Nanospyder also uses nanotechnology and can be put together or taken apart “on a microscopic level.” (Photo courtesy of Volkswagen of America, Inc.) :

Another vehicle that leans heavily on nanotechnology is the Volkswagen Nanospyder. VW says this concept is “capable of being assembled, disassembled and reassembled on a microscopic level.” Billions of tiny nanomachines, no larger than a half a millimeter in diameter, attach to one another in a large assembly tank. This futuristic vehicle is able to sense impending collisions via sensor data. The nanomachines then strengthen or weaken their connections to one another to ensure the survival of passengers.

Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans uses nanotechnology-derived hydrogen fuel cell power. (Photo courtesy of Acura ):

Entries include the Acura FCX 2020 Le Mans, which the automaker describes as “the perfect test bed for new material development and clean energy.” The FCX 2020 Le Mans is powered by a compact hydrogen fuel cell made possible through molecular nanotechnology. “The FCX is a notion of Acura’s commitment to a cleaner environment,” Acura said.

Hummer O2 has a “phototropic” body shell with algae-filled body panels that produce pure oxygen. (Photo courtesy of Hummer):

General Motors submitted the Hummer O2, which is also powered by a fuel cell. This Hummer “breathes” through a “revolutionary phototropic body shell that produces pure oxygen throughout the life span of the vehicle,” the automaker said. This Hummer concept has algae-filled body panels that transform harmful CO2 into pure oxygen that is released back into the environment.

Kia Sandstorm is a plug-in biodiesel hybrid. (Photo courtesy of Kia Motors America):

The Kia Sandstorm is a biodiesel electric plug-in hybrid with built-in detachable recycling bins and a solar-powered cooling feature. The Toyota RLV, or renewable lifestyle vehicle, is a two-seat tandem vehicle with a collapsible track system and a split powertrain solution that “identified with L.A.’s most used speeds — 5 or 75 mph,” Toyota said. It also features a telescopic axle that widens the track for more stability.

Mini BioMoke’s body is made of biodegradable paneling filled with palm tree seeds that make it compostable. (Photo courtesy of MINI):

The Mini BioMoke features customizable body panels, alternative fuel powertrains and the reuse of mechanical components from previous vehicles. The BioMoke’s body is made from a single sheet of biodegradable sandwich paneling impregnated with palm tree seeds. As the BioMoke ends its five-year life cycle, the body “composts to promote tree growth and clean the air,” BMW Group Designworks USA said.

The winner of the competition will be announced on November 30 at the show.

Leave a Reply