Kia Sidewinder
Designer: Marc Mainville; Hyundai/Kia American Design Center
The designer's description
This Kia is a two-seat, lean, mean, drifting machine! The Sidewinder's power comes from a turbine that runs on compressed natural gas, which produces electricity for the high-capacity motors integrated into the wheels. This environmentally responsible vehicle would surely grab the most attention while sliding sideways on a drift course. Kia chose drifting as its theme because Los Angeles was the scene of the first internationally sanctioned drift event in America.
Our take
Dramatic visual presentation carries overtones of sports-prototype racing cars, and alternate bodywork in blue-and-orange recalls Gulf Oil sponsorship of the Ford GT40 sports car, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
Maybach California Gourmet Tourer
Designer: Andre Frey; Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of America
The designer's description
The Maybach California Gourmet Tourer is the ultimate machine to enjoy a culinary adventure. Fully automated, the Maybach is safely chauffeured by software using GPS guidance. Offering panorama-style windows to enjoy the scenery, it comes fully equipped with every feature imaginable to store and prepare both food and wine. It features refrigeration, espresso machine, microwave, wine rack, food preparation area, recycler, foldout tables and other accessories to make any picnic an unforgettable adventure.
Our take
Luxury car designers seem to be obsessed with picnics don't they? If you actually went to see Sideways of your own volition, you'll love this designated driver in the shape of a rolling Merlot wagon.
Mercedes-Benz Mojave Runner
Designer: John Gill; Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of America
The designer's description
The Mojave Runner is a gasoline-electric hybrid designed to thrive in extreme heat, rough terrain and unpredictable weather. It features night vision, sandstorm radar and GPS sensors, and is equipped with an electric generator powered by a hydrogen fuel cell to actuate tools and rescue equipment. The lightweight yet strong exoskeleton frame combines carbon fiber and pressure-cast aluminum tubing that stores air for the pneumatically actuated power tools. Intelligent adaptive tires that automatically change tread depth for top performance on all kinds of surfaces help optimize the Mojave Runner's off- and on-road capability.
Our take
Apparently, young designers still do some of their most important musing in study hall during high school, as illustrated by this enthusiastic combination of RC-controlled toy, Southern California desert racer, and eco-friendly device. ...next page >>