Art Center College of Design Summer Show 2007

Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, held its summer semester show in August, one of three graduation shows per year. The show featured work from 14 graduating students in the Bachelor of Science - Transportation Design program.

Yamaha DY-2 City Walker Concept - Daisuke Akojima 

One of four boldly defined and colorful concepts presented by Akojima, the Yamaha DY-2 City Walker is a gyroscopically-balanced two-wheel city vehicle, that can be easily towed or linked with other City Walkers using electro-magnetic coupling, and small enough to be taken on specially prepared commuter trains. Other projects presented by Akojima were the pink mid-size coupe 'Volkswagen Brunhild for 2015', an Acura 'Baby Muscle Concept for 2015' that blends American power with Japanese sophistication, and a 2+2 'on-road spaceship' Citroen Star Flyer for 2025.

Mercedes Benz mid-engine concept - Harim Choi

Mercedes Benz has achieved successful sales with their CL and SL luxury sports cars, but the focus on these cars was geared more towards luxury than the performance. Choi's concept proposal is to fill the gap between the CL that costs around $100,000 and the SLR at around $475,000. The proposal celebrates the success of Mercedes-Benz in Formula1, with a layer of aggressiveness and Stealth fighter influences on top of the 'gorgeousness' that Mercedes-Benz already has. Maximizing interior space and side window visibility was important so that the mid-engine sports car is more comfortable and easier to drive than its competitors such as the Ford GT and Lamborghini Gallardo. The challenge was to retain the strong shoulders critical for a sports car, while maximizing the interior space. Aiming for 2025, the concept proposes a new face for Mercedes-Benz.      

BMW Hydrogen Z : Power of Clarity - Yichan Chung

Since the 70s BMW has been researching hydrogen as the future of motor fuel. Designed for year 2015, the BMW Hydrogen Z concept showcases the power and capability of this clean energy with a new design direction. Inspired by the turbulent flows of fluid dynamics and the powerful and dynamic nature of the BMW Oracle racing yacht, the Hydrogen Z concept has a very fluid and organic form language and lines, and dynamic proportions. A striking and fresh proposal for BMW, it represents a clear vision for the future of the brand, a hydrogen powered sports cat that is powerful, fast, elegant, luxurious, yet very clean - emitting practically nothing but water vapor.

Jeep Duo - Atilla Tay

Jeep Duo is a hiking vehicle for baby boomers. It is a vehicle that seats two people tandem and it goes through hiking tracks. It is inspired by the Apache helicopter that shares the same seating layout and the styling image that fits the Jeep brand.

Atilla also presented 'Ferrari F460 Tifosi', with continuos flowing lines inspired by the form of DNA, and 'Infiniti Q65', a new flagship for Infiniti, more luxurious than the current Q45.
        
GT-S - Sports luxury sedan for future Hyundai's luxury brand - Joo Hyun Ka

The aim of this project was to search for a new form language for a future sedan. GT-S (Gran Tourismo Sedan) is a synthesis of luxury and sportiness, comfort and dynamism. This vehicle is a good opportunity to show the world the superior quality and technological accomplishments by Hyundai, one of the fastest growing automotive companies.

Ka's presentation also included 'DE - Sports car for Acura' based on a Honda S2000 platform, and 'The view - Taxi for New York City tourists', a project focussed on functionality and social interaction.

Acura Arrowhead - Leon Paz

Acura Arrowhead is a three-seater gateway into Acura's performance division. This vehicle is inspired by the gothic fashion movement with intricate surfacing and graphics combined with a simple and aerodynamic upper.

Paz also presented 'Renault Sudamerica', utilizing Nissan's SUV platform to offer a crossover for the South American market, blending minivan and SUV proportions to achieve the space and the agility for mild terrains; and Ferrari 615 Lusso, a next-generation front engine flagship with a focus on proportions and core Ferrari DNA, unifying sophisticated surfacing with aggressive asthetics.

Continues... 

By Brett Patterson