| Make
|
Michelin
Challenge Design |
| Model |
Hurricane |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
Electric |
|
The unusual styling of the Hurricane
was inspired by nature. |
 |
|
The Hurricane was created by a trio of designers from
the Seoul National University of Technology in South Korea.
They are Hoyoung Jo, Jinseok Song and Kyuwon Kim. The
concept was created for the 2009 Michelin Challenge Design
competition. For 2009 the brief was to create a "brave
and bold" vehicle which could represent America's
next iconic vehicle.
Most elements of the Hurricane concept's design have in
some way been influenced by nature. The chassis itself
draws inspiration from the way a seed casing protects
the delicate seed inside - or in this case the driver.
In the event of a collision the chassis acts as one giant
crumple zone deferring the impact momentum around the
driver. When it comes time to scrap the vehicle more than
90% of the frame can be recycled.
In a further effort to improve the environmental credentials
of the concept the unusual wheels have been designed to
have as little impact as possible on the ground. The random
pattern of the tire tread is designed to hide the tracks
of the vehicle during off road excursions, while the unusual
spiral shape and elastic quality of the wheel rim acts
as a simple and effective suspension system.
Powering the Hurricane concept is an all-electric drivetrain.
This is possible in part due to the lightweight construction
techniques and materials. Power is topped up through a
series of solar panels positioned in front of the seating
area. |
|
