designbivouac

Getting Smarter

With the Smart fortwo becoming available in the United States, perhaps more sustainable attitudes towards transport will shift into a higher gear. Who knows, maybe we will see a new generation of innovative modes of moving designs like BMW's C1 coming into the marketplace . It won't be easy to overcome significant challenges, as evidenced by the Smart fortwo vs. Hummer H2 size comparison image below. However, with new advances in active and passive safety coming to the market each year, perhaps we can find smarter alternative modes of movement before gasoline hits the $5.00 mark.

Back to the Future

Not sure just what is going on over at Cadillac headquarters these days but let's hope they keep it up! Ed Welburn and his design team continue to successfully explore the edged aesthetic reminiscent of some of Syd Mead's vehicle designs which inspired so many to think about what the future of vehicle design might hold. The CTS Coupe concept is another successful design exercise in that regard. Thanks to the folks at Cadillac for bringing back that feeling of future think once again. Now, if we could just start seeing more vehicles like this on the road...ideally with a hybrid power plant.

Dynamic X-Drive Indicator on X6 Coupe

BMW's new X6 Coupe will make its North American debut in Detroit soon. One small but notable bit of interface work that comes along with it is the dynamic x-drive indicator. It displays how torque is being supplied to each wheel of the vehicle. This is potentially a helpful way to keep driver's more in touch with just what their vehicles are doing, provided that it does not take too much attention away from the road itself.

Lamborghini Reventon

Inspired by military aviation and the stealth aesthetic, the Lamborghini Reventon is admirable for its purity of statement. Not a bad performer either as evidenced by its recent run against an Italian Air Force Tornado. View more here.

BMW X3 Commercial with Techniques Revealed

The masters at Digital Domain brought compelling sequence to life with the introduction of the BMW X3 back in 2004. This extended version reveals a few of the techniques used. Nicely done.

BMW X6 Concept In The Round

Following a successful debut at the Frankfurt Automobile Show, this video highlights the X6 Concept. Regardless of whether BMW brings out an Active Hybrid version of the X6 right away or not, the vehicle in its own right represents and interesting hybridization approach by matching the best the X series has to offer in terms of a higher stance and bad weather capabilities with legendary BMW performance coupe characteristics.

Relearn To Drive

Nice synergy of product and service offering here. Perhaps we should all enroll.

www.relearntodrive.com
BMW Performance Driving School

BMW Efficient Dynamics Active Hybrid

BMW unveiled the X6 efficient dynamics active hybrid concept vehicle at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. Nice to see a performance-oriented automobile company coming up with hybrid concepts fueled by a passion for driving and a drive to conserve energy resources.

Before and After

Some people may have a tough time spotting the differences between the older model X5 and the all new for 2007 redesign. However, enhancements and changes are significant. This morphing promotional video clearly shows that signature character elements can be retained while achieving significant design revision.

Tesla Motors Electric Powered Roadster

Thanks Ken for the reminder about this unique offering from Tesla Motors. 0-60 in about 4 seconds. Top speed of 130 miles per hour. 250 miles EPA highway.

Learn more at teslamotors.com