| Make
|
Lotus |
| Model |
Esira |
| Concept
year |
2010 |
| Production
year |
2025
(theoretical) |
| Engine |
electric |
|
The bodywork is made up of two rubbery
materials stretched over a tubular frame |
 |
|
The Lotus Esira concept was designed by Jack Lamburn during
his final year at Northumbria University in Newcastle
Upon Tyne, UK.
The Esira concept takes Lotus' overriding design philosophy
of featherweight construction to a whole new level, and
the vehicle uses several clever ideas to help bring the
weight down to a bare minimum.
Designed for the year 2025, the Esira concept features
a unique construction method never before seen in a roadcar.
The bodywork is made up of two materials, d3o - a non-Newtonian
material which has recently been used in everything from
protective
motorcycle gear to bulletproof vests. d3o normally
acts like a rubbery gel, but when it is struck it immediately
turns into an extremely sturdy solid, before returning
back to its original shape. This material would be used
to protect the occupants in the event of a crash.
The second material used for the bodywork is one dubbed
'metal rubber'. This can be stretched and molded like
rubber - so the bodywork can react to the movement of
the suspension system - but it can also conduct electricity
so that its shape can be adjusted by the onboard computer.
To give the bodywork some support, the Esira features
a tubular frame over which the 3do and metal rubber are
stretched. While this is not unlike the construction method
used in the BMW
GINA concept, the use of advanced and reactive materials
in the Esira would make it much safer and sturdier. Also
with the Esira the bodywork changes shape as the car is
moving to keep the airflow as smooth as possible. For
example when the front wheels are turned the bodywork
changes shape to follow the angle of the wheels.
The interior of the Lotus Esira is slightly more traditional
than the exterior in that it uses materials currently
in use, like carbon
fiber, to make a secure cocoon for the driver and
passenger. The interior also features a clever mechanism
for opening the doors. Instead of a handle mounted on
the door, there is a lever under the seats which is intended
to look a little like the ejector seat handles of a fighter
aircraft. This idea is designed to inject some added excitement
into the cockpit.
Powering the Lotus Esira concept is a hydrogen fuel cell
system which drives two electric motors turning the rear
wheels.
Similar and related vehicles:
Lotus Esprit Concept
Lotus Elan Concept
Lotus Elise Concept
Lotus Eterne
Lotus Hot Wheels
Lotus Extreme
Lotus Etna
Lotus Eigne
Lotus Esquive
Lotus APX
Source: Carbodydesign.com |
|
