The Aptera Typ-1 is a 2-seat, three wheeled passenger vehicle. It is available in both all-electric and series hybrid configurations, at around £20,000/$30,000. Aerodynamic optimisation using computer-based simulations and light-weight composite construction yields a vehicle which consumes only 80 Wh/mi at 55 mph, about half the energy needed to propel the General Motors EV1. On the battery electric model, this means a 120 mile range on 10 kWh of electricity, or around 340 mpg price equivalent. On the hybrid vehicle, it leads to projections of 130 mpg on gasoline alone, or 300 mpg if plugged in every 120 miles.

Aptera Motors emphasizes that safety was not traded off for efficiency, citing crash test simulations and more recently component crush testing as indicating excellent survivability–on par with more conventional vehicles. However, real-world crash test results are forthcoming.

The Aptera Typ-1 features roof-mounted solar panels, always-on climate control, and keyless ignition and entry. High-drag side mirrors are replaced with rear-view cameras, and an in-car touch screen PC serves as entertainment, navigation, and communication system.

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Take a look at the Aptera Typ-1 Promo Video.

The official website can be found at http://www.aptera.com.

It includes highly influential figures like Peter Horbury who turned Volvo around, and the maverick designer of Ford of Europe, Martin Smith, as well as Jaguar design chief, Ian Callum. Other graduates include the original Audi TT designer and current head of Kia design, Peter Schreyer and Aston Martin’s design director Marek Reichman.

Competing for the 2008 Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design Award, the Phoenix concept eco-car is a fresh take on eco-design by the Spaniard Sergio Loureiro Da Silva.

Sergio Loureiro Da Silva wants to regenerate lost energy through movement. The Spanish designer explains: It’s about improving sustainability by designing every element to aspire to less energy consumption. His Pheonix concept car aims for a similar driving sensation as riding a motorbike with a sidecar. Da Silva has also incorporated the technical elements in the design. The beauty of a vehicle comes from the contrast of a fluid shape with precise technical elements, he says.

(Article source IPC wallpaper.com web site)

On land, on water, and in the air

The almost magical transformation from a street vehicle into a floating and “flying” all-rounder is made possible by an electronically controlled hydraulic system with an array of sophisticated sensors.

The transformation starts with the nondescript rear panel, which flips up to reveal a Z-drive in horizontal rest position, borrowed from a watercraft. The Z-drive is fitted with a conventional 3-bladed propeller and can be lowered to its fully standing position from the cockpit. The position of the drive is infinitely variable, which guarantees immediate propulsion upon entering the water. A custom-designed transfer case sends power to the rear wheels, the propeller or both, depending on the input from the pilot. Starting at a water depth of about 1.1 meters the Z-drive can be lowered all the way to its fully standing position. Steering commands are entered via the steering wheel and transferred to the Z-drive.

At a minimum water depth of about 1.3 meters the pilot can deploy a highly complex system of hydrofoils integrated into the sleek body of the Splash. The Formula-1 type rear spoiler rotates 180 degrees down and comes to rest below the Splash. To the left and right of the high side walls of the cockpit two hydrofoils integrated into the outside skin rotate 90 degrees to point straight down before unfolding into their lifting V shape.

The angle of attack of each hydrofoil can be adjusted individually by the pilot to account for the various operating states. Already at low speeds the vehicle begins to lift itself out of the water. The fully suspended position can be reached at speeds as low as 30 km/h. The unusual vehicle then travels as a true hydrofoil at an altitude of about 60 cm above the water. Even the wheels are free of water contact. On smooth water the Splash is capable of reaching a top speed of about 80 km/h (approx. 45 knots).

Naturally the Splash can also be operated as a conventional amphibious vehicle. With retracted hydrofoils the Splash reaches a top speed of almost 50 kph (approx. 28 knots). That is fast enough for water skiing or knee boarding.

The body of the Splash is designed to be watertight. Additional buoyancy chambers provide extra lift. Also borrowed from shipbuilding are a bulkhead design with independent chamber.

Compact natural-gas power from just 750 cm3The Splash is powered by an environmentally friendly bivalent turbocharged natural-gas engine. Natural gas is an extremely clean-burning fuel that consists almost entirely of methane with near-zero sulfur content. The Splash is the world’s first amphibious vehicle to be equipped with this future-oriented engine technology.

Preserving the environment does not mean sacrificing driving fun – and neither does the low overall weight: The turbocharged two-cylinder four-valve engine from Weber Motor powers the watercrafts and snow mobiles from Polaris, albeit as a gasoline-powered engine. In its bivalent turbocharged natural-gas configuration the engine delivers a maximum power output of 140 hp/103 kW at 7’000 rpm. The peak torque of 150 Nm is available at a low 3’500 rpm. Street performance is nothing to be ashamed of: The 825 kg quick-change artist accelerates in about 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h.

No bounds

The sleek lines of the Splash draw attention at first glance. However, one of the basic ideas behind the Splash concept was to design an automobile whose multi-functional capabilities are not immediately apparent. Hardly anyone will realize that the soft-edge design Splash can fulfill the age-old child’s dream of almost boundless mobility at the push of a button.

The entire body of the Splash consists of multi-layered carbon composite, a state-of-the-art plastic mainly used in Formula One racing. It offers exceptional stability at a low specific weight. The striking bodylines of the Splashare the expression of the fine art of engineering. The low windshield protects against drafts and its tinted Folia Tec glass contributes to the futuristic chrome look.

The sporty stainless-steel exhaust system from Remus provides the adequate powerful engine sound. The chrome-plated dual exhaust tips give the Splash a unique and highly dynamic rear appearance.

The lightweight body sits on a suspension custom-developed by KW automotive. It features inboard shock absorbers, adjustable ride firmness and height. The suspension engineers succeeded in creating a suspension that represents a perfect synthesis of ride comfort and sporty handling characteristics.

In.pro. custom-developed chrome-plated bi-xenon headlamps for the Splash as well as LED taillights. The latter not only represent the beginning of a new design trend, their ability to come on almost instantly also contributes to the prevention of accidents.

Aye aye, Captain

The interior of the Splash clearly pays tribute to its maritime qualities. Lightweight and waterproof plastics cover the tubular frame and the ergonomically shaped plastic seats. The small sport steering wheel is perfect for the agile handling characteristics of the lively and highly maneuverable Splash. A number of chrome-plated shift knobs, which govern the amphibious functions and the angle of attack of the hydrofoils, exude an atmosphere reminiscent of an airplane cockpit.

Hydroplaning – on water only

The Rinspeed Splash runs on Continental SportContact tires with 17-inch diameter in front (215/35-17) and 18 inches in the back (225/35-18). The Continental tires combine environmentally friendly design, very good handling characteristics and excellent grip. They are mounted on chrome-plated aluminum rims (7×17″ front, 7.5×18″ rear) custom-made by Barracuda.