Coventry University Degree Show 2010

Car Design News traveled to Coventry University's BA graduate exhibition last month, the largest and most established of its kind in the UK. Held in the University's School of Art and Design, the sheer number of graduates guaranteed a broad spread of projects. However, the recurring theme this year was of reinterpreting luxury in a more sustainable and socially conscious manner.

TAG Heuer Hydrodynamics
Ian Barnes
The use of the very finest materials, innovative design solutions and engineering precision inspired Ian Barnes to design a supercar for watchmaker, TAG Heuer. Focussed on bridging the gap between internal combustion and electric-powered cars, the Hydrodynamics' technical design language is intended to convey the car's analogue approach to increased efficiency. Its matte bodywork and precise, machined aluminum details reflect its lightweight design and watch-like accuracy. The neatest touch is reserved for a gemstone engine cover hinge, the same material chosen for TAG's watch bearings.

POP by Toyota
Alexander McWhirter
Alexander McWhirter's project transcends traditional car design boundaries and takes an holistic look at the issue of affordable personal transport. A limited number of POPs would be sold under a different registered charity each year, its charitable status exempting it from tax, reducing showroom price and increasing its profits for charity. The car itself is formed of geometric transparent panels in an almost anti-car style, which give a glimpse into the furniture-inspired interior, which is upholstered in recycled charity shop clothes. McWhirther describes the POP as "designed for longevity and cheapness of manufacture, it signals the end of today's throwaway society and creates a template of sustainability that gives back."

Sin Cera
Kyle Duggan Foster
Sin Cera is a project directly influenced by twentieth-century Mondernist sculpture. Its pierced forms, womb-like passenger compartment and calming white and pale wood interior draw direct parallels with Barbara Hepworth's work. Its long, narrow exterior form reminiscent of a reclining Henry Moore. "This three-wheeled sedan is targeted at those looking for something radical yet maintaining...quality, comfort and prestige," says Foster.

By referencing Modern sculpture, the design is able to convey sophisticated luxury whilst avoiding the usual automotive paradigms. The single rear wheel is suspended by superconducting magnets, increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance.

Bugatti Aerolithe
Douglas Hogg
As a piece of sensuous form, Hogg's latter-day Bugatti Aerolithe was one of the stars of this year's show. Its central spine, engraved with the two-seat coupe's historic name, forms the backbone structure to the whole car. "It's inspired by Bugatti's principles of automotive design and the qualities of the original Aerolithe," explains Hogg. "Its aim is quite simply to create the best grand tourer money can buy." Hogg paid extensive attention to underbody aerodynamics, allowing its surfacing to be uninterrupted by undignified wings.

Daimler Flagship
Andrew Webber
Escaping the technology-saturated world of 2025 was the inspiration for Webber's re-imagining the of the Daimler brand for generation Y. With an emphasis on experience, rather than specification, Webber envisages a new 'sensual luxury'. An algae-biofuel powered V12 combustion engine sits below the huge hood/windshield surface, while electrochromatic body panels and a retracting canvas roof shift to increase the sense of motion. The monolithic side profile is defined by creases and a brightwork highlight, which visually locate the A- and B-pillars. An extended bustle back defines the separate trunk.
Webber also displayed a shooting brake project he and fellow graduate Reiss Finney undertook during their internship at Jaguar.

Continues →

By Owen Ready