CCS students tackle GM project

Seniors studying Transportation Design at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, have recently completed a project with General Motors that has been underway since late 2009.

General Motors challenged the students to design an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) that focused on the brand identity of Buick, Cadillac or Chevrolet, utilized the EREV components, and optimized aerodynamic attributes. Design features that incorporated sustainability materials and efficiency were also considered important components of the design development.

Projects from the students included:

Buick two-seat roadster concept
Jeremy Glover

The Buick two-seat roadster has a long history within Buick starting with the Buick Y-Job through the LeSabre, XP-300, and many more. This concept uses the packaging flexibility of EREV components as well as advanced, sustainable construction methods. The surfaces and features actively manage the complex aerodynamic issues of this modern roadster.

Cadillac Supercar concept
Adam Hubers

The Cadillac Supercar concept has been designed to combine exotic car appearance with state-of-the-art EREV component packaging to enable the owner to stand out from the crowd, yet without leaving behind a large carbon footprint. The exotic car profile is not only energy efficient because of an aerodynamic, minimal frontal area, but a very small radar signature contributes too. The design features vehicle height adjustment to assist entry-exit and road surface sensing devices to allow the car to run at very high speeds with minimal ground clearance.

Cadillac concept
Atsushi Ishigaki

This Cadillac concept takes advantage of the packaging flexibility of EREV drivetrain components to maximize the shadow area of the vehicle and give the occupants luxurious space in true Cadillac fashion. The aerodynamics are managed by active openings in the body that efficiently control air flow in and around the vehicle. The concept does not conform to conventional car proportions and uses the EREV advantages to carry its passengers in a new space.

Chevrolet EREV concept
Mark Stouffer

This Chevrolet EREV concept utilizes packaging, EREV components and unconventional construction methods to provide its owner with an athletic vehicle that is as active as their own lifestyle. Driving this car is as exciting as the other active parts of the owner's life. Package efficiency of the next generation of EREV components will allow this car to operate with new levels of efficiency.

Look out for this year's CCS Degree Show that CDN will soon be publishing.

Related Website:
College for Creative Studies

By CDN Team