Thursday, September 17, 2009 10:00AM - By AlexIon

Designer Gabriel Wartofsky has concentrated his efforts on creating a multi-modal transit system dubbed the TFL Bikeshare. Shaped specifically for London and its iconic public transportation, the system includes a foldable electric bike, a smart bus hub network and a multi-tasking RouteMaster bus with a panoramic second floor. The concept uses an unique Oystercard that you use to rent an e-bike which you later drop when arriving to a transit hub. Speaking of the e-bikes, they’re designed for durability with airless tires, a robust tubular construction and shaft drive. All in all the TFL Bikeshare network concept makes sense, but when we’ll actually get to ride one remains unknown. [via Tuvie]
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 11:30AM - By AlexIon

Matt Williams is a talented British designer that has developed his own take on the esteemed KTM motorcycle brand. Dubbed “KTM Motorbike”, this stylish two wheeler has a low slung chopper seating position and a futuristic design (which appears to arch forward). Under the sleek bodywork, this offroad superbike hides a KTM V twin engine and a hub-centered steering system that offers a more usable steering angle than conventional forks. With added maneuverability and stability, the aggressive KTM Motorbike sets the bar pretty damn high when it comes to riding in style. [via TheDesignBlog]
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Monday, September 14, 2009 10:00AM - By AlexIon

Designer Johnson Drew is appealing to our addictions to both speed and water. His latest development is the Gator Hydroplane concept that not only comes with a daring design, but also makes for an aggressive water commuter. Nature inspired, the Gator is a concept boat that focuses on advanced safety measures. It comes with front steering fins for better control and maneuverability, keeping it stable on water while pushing the throttle. About 30 feet long and 15 feet wide, the hydroplane draws power from two small jet engines, ensuring one hell of a ride. [via TheDesignBlog]
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009 1:00PM - By Chris Weiss

While not a very practical means of navigating to your local delicatessen, this “land yacht” design by Stefan Radev is certainly one of the most striking vehicle concepts you’re likely to see within the next week or so. The one-seater uses a massive sail in back for steering and features a drastically elongated chassis, making it look like it belongs somewhere on the Bonneville Salt Flats. To earn a bit more practicality without ceding any beauty, be sure to check out BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics concept, which will be debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. [via Dvice]
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 11:30AM - By AlexIon

The German design duo of Tom Mudra and Hans Tobias Schicktanz have built a lightweight, attractive and sleek e-bike that is well suited for the urban environment. Dubbed “Mosquito”, the bike features an electric motor that runs on lithium batteries, has a total range of about 37 miles (on a full charge) and a top speed of 31 mph. Ideal for getting around the city, the bike’s ergonomic design includes a removable center pole that makes it a pleasure to both ride and look at. On request, the frame cover of the Mosquito can be crafted from carbon fiber, wood or plastic. A fun concept to be on, isn’t it? [via TheBlogPaper]
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009 12:30PM - By Jared Newman

Conventional wisdom holds that yacht owners are always engaged in one-upsmanship, so they’d surely delight in U.K. design firm Drive’s completely over-the-top concept. Supposedly inspired by automotive design, the 125m 7Cs superyacht stands high above the water line, and experiments with character of line, proportion, and graphical breakup. And of course, it’s loaded with swanky features, such as a helipad, garage bays for docking smaller vessels, a rear “surrounded” jacuzzi, a double curved staircase leading down to the atrium and an area at the stern for contemporary glass structures. If built, the superyacht will likely cruise at 20 knots, with a traveling range of 5,000 nautical miles. The design firm is currently working on the interior design and gauging interest from the rich and famous. [Press Release via BornRich]
Monday, August 17, 2009 12:30PM - By Chris Weiss

The company that has been repeatedly castigated for its lack of foresight and originality is now asking: ” Whadda YOU got?”. The Lab is a new GM initiative in which it’s opening its design studios up and allowing members of the public to provide insight and criticism on upcoming designs and technologies. Whether out of desperation or game-changing ingenuity, the Lab will be an interesting glimpse at automotive design that is usually kept top secret until launch time. The first two projects up for discussion on The Lab are the “Bare Necessity Car” and “Bare Necessity Truck”, which would appear to be a move toward more efficient, practical vehicles that people actually want to buy. Just last week, GM began selling cars on eBay–so even though it took a $50 billion lifeline to get there, GM is finally brainstorming creative critical solutions for the future automotive market. [via NY Times]
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009 10:00AM - By Chris Weiss
Designed independently by Xuacu Pérez Quesada, the Honda RA-X is a strikingly-sporty two-door that would surely rise to the upper echelon of Honda vehicles and sit among other performance machines like the Acura NS-X. Unlike many concept cars, the RA-X was designed to work within today’s production technology and systems, so if Honda took a liking to it, we could see them on the road within years. While striking, the opposing lines from the front and rear create an X within the middle of the profile eliminating the smooth symmetry that we’re used to seeing in a sports car and creating a random focal point that is difficult to ignore. Elements like Lamborghini-esque doors, triangular arrays of LED taillights and 350-horsepower, mid-rear engine visible through glass help to divert our attention back to something a bit more pleasing. [via Auto Motto] Continue Reading
Friday, August 7, 2009 10:00AM - By Chris Weiss

Inspired by the rugged off-terrain vehicles that compete in the most trying conditions in the world during desert races like Baja and Dakar, the Bowler Raptor is a mean, sand-ripping piece of 4WD infamy. Designed by Ryan Skelley, the all-terrain buggy features an exposed carbon fiber chassis and full electric drivetrain. It is designed to hit speeds up to 130 MPH. When it experiences the inevitable rollover, the independently-secured body panels pop of with the loosening of a few hex bolts and are easily replaced. The “hot swap” Lithium-Titanate batteries that power this beast can be recharged in a standard wall socket or dedicated high-power outlet. While it may try just a tad too hard at looking bad-ass, we have a feeling it’s ready to deliver. [via Tuvie] Continue Reading