Coventry University degree show 2009

Students graduating in automotive, transport and product design from Coventry University in 2009 displayed an exceptionally wide variety of final projects. From hydrogen-powered supercars to electric commuters, eco awareness was a clear theme, with imaginative use of new materials and technologies. Strong interest was evident in all forms of transport - from folding bicycles and ingenious wheelchairs to ocean-crossing ekranoplan aircraft and extravagant super-yachts for the very wealthy.

Reaction -  making a visual statement of a key chemical reaction
Matthew Baggley

The design of this shark-nosed open two-seater symbolizes the chemical reaction when the hydrogen and oxygen combine in its fuel cell to produce electricity and power the car. Baggley, who spent his internship at Rolls-Royce, was inspired by the company's meticulous way of working: "I wanted to apply this to alternative-fuel vehicles, not combustion-engine models," he explained. In the Reaction, the swirling pipes on each side represent the turbulent flow of the hydrogen as it mixes with the oxygen. "I want to create new experiences for the driver, to give him emotion and pleasure from using the new fuel."

Clarity and Sanctuary - electrochromatic glass offers the choice
James Burgess

In Burgess's untitled asymmetric four-seater luxury vehicle special electrochromatic coating to the entire glasshouse enables the occupants to choose how much they want to see out, and how much onlookers can see in. Complex patterns and even moving images can be electronically generated in the coating to provide a comforting cocoon and sanctuary for passengers or project changing appearances on the outside; the vehicle is able to switch from completely open to completely closed in.  "It explores the role of form language," says Burgess: "It makes the complex clear."

Aeon - an electric hotrod for the electronic age
David Eburah

Having completed a 13-month internship at Disney Interactive, Eburah wanted to give his electric hotrod a powerful computer-scientific feel rather than subscribing to the generic tradition of stripped-down rods. "I wanted to avoid open wheels and go for a clean, modern look," says Eburah: "and instead of swapping mechanical parts, on this vehicle the electronic motherboards can easily be changed. They're located in front of the passenger."

Distinctive features of Eburah's design are the visible black aluminum tub chassis and the contrast-color half-shell upper body, which suggests it can easily be upgraded to a different style.

Venge - an Audi eco-supercar
James Novorol

An all-electric supercar for the year 2020, the Venge draws the inspiration for its smooth form from the flow of water over rocks in a mountain river - especially, says Novorol, the turbulent flow downstream of the rock. Using today's R8 package as his basis, Novorol has sought to update Audi's style into a more modern, more organic form while still retaining the distinctive brand identity. A neat touch is the positioning of the batteries where the V8 engine used to be, their cells lighting up in four blue rings, visible through the rear window, to create the Audi logo.

Future-generation Jaguar XK
Hitesh Panchal and Karl Sanders

Panchal and Sanders both benefited from a six-month placement with Jaguar design. According to Panchal, the brief to shape a future-generation XK was the perfect opportunity to do what many have tried before: to incorporate the essence of the legendary E-Type into a modern design. The accomplished XK coupé is smooth, flowing and elegant, with exceptional fineness of finish, especially in details such as the engraved satin-metal inserts in the side air outlets. The fact that there is little in the design that is overtly futuristic or shocking sits well with Jaguar's values of grace and timelessness.

Maserati study

Panchal says he has tried to take a more assertive route and evolve the marque's traditional three-box proportion into a more cab-forward stance. "It is elegant and modern, but still purist," he says, "Maseratis are not loud designs like Ferraris or Lamborghinis." Replacing the V8 engine in the four-door sedan is a set of electric motors.

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By Tony Lewin