Design WOO

Displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Twizy Z.E. is a compact city car from Renault to make your way through cramped urban roads. An electric alternative to the scooter, the Twizy just measures 7.5 feet in length, 3.7 feet in width and has a compact turning circle of just 3.0m that takes very little space for parking. Generating the power from a 20 horsepower (15kW) electric motor, supported by lithium-ion batteries, the Twizy can cover 100 miles on a single charge with a top speed of 47mph. Integrating displays at the base of the windscreen for easy navigation and safe driving, the zero emission vehicle presents a tandem seating layout, with backseat attached to the roof, allowing flexibility and comfort to the commuters. Check out the video after the jump.

Based on the GT MF5, Wiesmann has come up with a convertible version, the Roadster MF5, which presents a conventional design and promises a whole new driving experience to sports car enthusiasts. Displayed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 generates power from a V10 engine, producing 507 hp and 520 Nm of torque, to deliver top speed of 310 km/h, while accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Priced at $279,395 (€189,500), the Roadster MF5 is available in the limited number of 55 units. The Roadster seems to present stability, even at high speed, thanks to the extendable rear wing and balanced suspension setup. Moreover, the detachable roof adds thrill to your ride.

Designer Gabriel Wartofsky continues to amaze us with his sustainable auto designs. Earlier we covered his Renault Picnic zero-emissions vehicle, now it’s time for a multi-modal transportation system. Hailed as “Minding the Gap,” the multi-modal transit system is essentially designed for London that integrates an electric bike-share, smart bus hub network and a multi-tasking RouteMaster bus to increase both efficiency and desirability of London’s iconic public transportation.
E-Bike Bikeshare

The TfL Bikeshare network provides commuters with a healthy and efficient way to realize the first and final leg of their journey. Ride the e-bike from home to hub, fold and deposit it, and board the bus without the bike. Reserve and rent another bike upon arrival at the destination hub. Commuters access Bikeshare using their Oystercard, and lease the service on per trip or monthly basis. Electric assist widens user demographic, and ensures a sweat-free commute. The bikes have airless tires, shaft drive and robust tubulat construction to ensure durability, while a laminated front bar and bright graphics increase rider visibility and safety.

Smart Bus Hub

E-Bikes are designed for the user to quickly and intuitively fold and deposit into storage modules upon arrival to a transit hub. The user’s Oystercard gets charged via RFID technology according to amount of time the e-bike was rented for. When docked, the bikes serve as hub seating and recharge for the next user. The Transit hubs are designed to optimize the commuter’s transitional experience between bikeshare and bus. Apart from access to bikeshare, hubs also provide commuters with real-time transit scheduling, cultural information about the surrounding neighborhood and basic shelter from the elements. Modular designing provides TfL with distinctive architectural identifiers throughout the cityscape, increasing both the visibility and desirability of London public transit. The average amount of time it takes for passengers to board a bus is 30 seconds. During this time, a small arm on the hub extends to charge the ultra capacitors on the bus to power it until the next stop.

Routemaster 2012 Electric Bus

Designed to both reference the spirit of the iconic original while meeting the needs of 21st century commuters, the routemaster12012 aims to optimize the convenience and desirability of public transit. These buses are powered primarily by an onboard battery and ultra capacitors. Specialized interior zones address the varied needs of passengers. Space directly across from the entrance and flat floors facilitate the ingress/egress of wheelchair-assisted passengers. Compact, ergonomically correct lens seats provides a safer location for short stop and standing passengers downstairs, while long-distance travelers and tourists can enjoy London from the panoramic second floor.

Combining the portability of a scooter with the comfort of a car, French automaker Peugeot has come up with a hybrid vehicle called “BB1” that featuring a compact size seems to be an ideal car for city commutation. On display at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the hybrid vehicle presents an exaggerated forward-pitched stance, together with protruding head and tail lights, while its solar cell-covered glass bubble roof ensures carbon free commuting on city roads. Capable of accommodating four passengers comfortably, the concept vehicle can be accessed through a pair of reverse-hinged doors with mini roll-down windows. The BB1 employs a horn-shaped steering mechanism that shows its inclination toward the two wheelers. To sum up, “Its mother is a scooter. Its father is a car.”

From its stylish furniture to this totally awesome concept vehicle, we all have to agree that IKEA is an inspirational brand! An identity that stands for sustainable, quality and stylized pieces at affordable prices and cannot be better reflected. This electric battery driven vehicle is very spacious and has a flexible interior. Meaning you can re-arrange the seating options to suit you. The head lights are bright OLED panels that can host changeable graphics, making it totally disco dynamite!
The vehicle uses in-wheel motors that are powered by the two battery packages placed in the front and back. The lower transparent surface and line is a dominant feature of the exteriors.

What caught my fancy is the light-up touchscreen dashboard and the pop-up display. Oh, and I forgot wooden paneling as well.

Designer: Robert Larsson