| Make
|
Cadillac |
| Model |
Aera |
| Concept
year |
2010 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
compressed
air |
The Cadillac Aera concept is a proposal for a lightweight
and efficient 2+2 coupe. The design was created for the
2010 LA Auto Show's Design Challenge competition. The
brief for the 2010 competition was to design a car which
weighed less than 1,000 lbs (454 kgs), and could carry
four people in safely and comfortably.
The Cadillac Aera concept was developed by a team of five
designers; Frank Saucedo, Phil Tanioka, Jussi Timonen,
Brent Wickham and Shawn Moghadam. The group set themselves
the goal of not only completing the brief, but also creating
a car with a 1,000 mile range. But then when you don't
actually have to make it in reality, anything's possible!
To go along with the pretty pictures of the Cadillac Aera
concept, the designers also developed a story which explains
how the concept came about in a fictional future. Below
is their background story:
The Cadillac Aera (Aero + Era) launches Cadillac's philosophy
of "Art and Science"into new territory by taking
an innovative and stylistic approach to ultra-light weight
vehicle design. Aera is a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe,
with a range of 1000 miles before refueling; attributes
achieved without compromising size, capacity and safety.
Optimum efficiency, minimum parts
Aera's highly advanced body structure utilizes a 3D lattice,
mono-formed frame. This polyhedral structure is similar
to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g.,
inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed
from unique, alloy-utilizing, semisolid freeform manufacturing,
creating a naturally strong, extremely lightweight frame.
All major body parts, including interior components, are
essentially "grown" into a single part lattice
structure.
Renowned Cadillac smoothness and quietness are accomplished
using the harnessed power of compressed air via a highly
efficient Pneumatic Drive System (PDS). Its 10,000 psi
composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000
mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior
skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars
Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort.
The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions
as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body
panels and glass.
Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel
system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering
and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases
the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle
communication (V2V) promotes active safety.
The Cadillac Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist
approach to long distance luxury touring.
Similar and related vehicles:
Cadillac XTS Platinum
Cadillac Converj
Cadillac Sixteen
Cadillac Cien
Cadillac Evoq
Cadillac CTS Coupe
Cadillac IMAJ |
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