Concept
Cars > GMC PAD
The GMC PAD was a concept vehicle shown at the 2006 LA Auto Show.
The PAD concept is GMC's entry to the LA Adventure Design Competition,
which for 2006 challenged designers to come up with a 'Californian
adventure' and then design a vehicle for that purpose.
The GMC PAD was designed at GM's West Coast Advanced Design Studio
in California, and the idea behind the PAD is that it will offer fashionable
and comfortable living accommodation, as well as transport.
In today's increasingly expensive, rat-race society, young professional's
often cannot afford housing in the areas they are required to work,
enter the GMC PAD. The PAD has everything a small apartment offers,
with the benefit of total mobility and freedom.
The GMC PAD uses a diesel-electric hybrid system for propulsion while
in DriveMode, and the same system works as a generator for the onboard
power grid when in LifeMode. Using the PAD's resource management technology,
onboard fuel and water supplies could last for weeks or even months
before refueling is required. During daylight hours, the GMC PAD's
SkyDeck features 6 square metres of photovoltaic cells that collect
and store the sun's energy. An electromagnetic suspension system aids
in leveling & stabilization when the PAD is engaged in LifeMode, as
well as assisting handling when in DriveMode.
Inside the PAD, like any modern apartment, there is a wide variety
of media and entertainment systems for receiving information and entertaining
guests. Direct TV, OnStar navigation, XM Satellite radio and Wi-Fi
internet are online 24/7 to provide an endless variety of entertainment,
information and security options, and the PAD's LCD interior architecture
offers a media rich environment unlike any other. Electronically variable
opacity exterior glazing means privacy is a button away. The PAD's
rearmost area is devoted to a personal spa and the kitchen area features
a full compliment of GMC PAD appliances specifically developed for
the vehicle. To complete the setup, the PAD is fitted with a teraflop
of onboard digital memory memory for storing music, video or any other
digital media.
But if you ever feel cooped up inside the PAD, just venture out onto
the integrated SkyDeck and take in the sights and sounds of LA culture.
The GMC PAD was created with modular design in mind. And the vehicle
could easily be configured for use in government roles such as disaster
response and emergency housing, as well as public sector uses such
as on-site management offices for events, construction, and the media.
Designers of the GMC PAD @ GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio were:
Steve Anderson, Senon B. Franco III, Jay Bernard, Phil Tanioka, Sidney
Levy, Brian Horton, Alessandro Zezza, Christine Ebner, Frank Saucedo
| Make |
GMC |
| Model |
PAD |
| Concept Year |
2006 |
| Engine / Drivetrain |
Diesel-Electric Hybrid |
Image Gallery
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