Of all the electric car designs we’ve seen, this one is the most puzzling yet. The Hinterland Project starts with the shape of an airplane fuselage and turns it into a sustainable vehicle. However, it looks more like an electric tin can with wheels to us. The idea is its aerodynamic shape and lightweight aluminum chassis will increase the vehicle’s range, solving one of the most pressing problems plaguing electric vehicles circa 2008.
Maybe the car’s Canadian designer Martin Aubé is onto something. Think of it this way: if car buyers can be conned into driving the millions of toaster-shaped rattletraps traveling the nation’s highways now, given sufficient advertising, there’s no reason why gullible consumers won’t snap up cars that look like swollen locomotives.
editor@dvice.com
By Jim J at 3:51 PM ON 08/21/08
reminds a little of the Dymaxion car
By loveTech at 4:37 PM ON 08/21/08
What a cool looking vehicle! The article is a bit harsh... Instead of smart-aleck comments, we would have liked more facts, such as would the lightweight aluminum chassis pass US auto crash tests. Also how much does the shape and weight increase range in comparison to other vehicles?
By Teminus at 10:34 PM ON 08/21/08
I like it.
By lafe at 8:36 AM ON 08/22/08
I like it too.
By GT at 11:55 AM ON 08/23/08
The specs seem a little hard to find on this car, but going to the source the second design with the flat back-end is very familier to many scion drivers out there today. I like this design much better then all the other teardrop or half circle pod type eco friendly designs out there. I could see this even moving conceptually toward the time when we won't need to steer our vehicles around (I really can't wait for it) since the length appears condusive to relaxing back and it seems to very areodynamic (efficient).
By moosemoss at 10:33 PM ON 08/23/08
I think it's beautiful. It's a shame you can't be more open-minded to innovation, which so often take decades to be accepted by the masses.
By vfdbxgcf at 12:02 PM ON 08/29/08
actually, looks like the most realistic concept car I have ever seen. I really like it!
By BEEDEE at 10:28 AM ON 09/06/08
The dymaxion of the 21st century...I'd buy IT!
By imagerchy at 6:59 PM ON 11/25/08
I feel that the criticism in this article is ridiculous. You can relate any shape known to man to any other shape. A critic like this relates what is limited in there simple, un-visual, incapable, un-maginative mind. The consumers of these products buy what is familiar. It is rare that a product that is revolutionary in shape and functionality is accepted by the public. There for the author is a victim of there own demise. People like this are the reason designers are limited as designers. authors and the typical car buyer are one and alike. you buy what they sell! if you can afford a Yugo you buy a Yugo and appreciate its capabilities. if you can afford a Maybauch, you buy a Maybauch and enjoy its capabilities. I feel in all industries the designer has finally gained control of the products that the corporations produce. good design can change your life, good design an change the world. thanks Imagearchy