Open Wheels and slimmer aero bodies

[botsapper]

Interesting trend. New concepts have moved away from aerodynamic one/two-box designs and into small cross-section bodies with articulating open wheels. More compact interior packaging but also less frontal surface area. Does create more design opportunities from the usual 'soap bar' designs.

Frankfurt motor show: Audi urban concepts signal carbon-fiber future for small cars - Autoweek

Opel brings the electric funk to Frankfurt auto show - Autoweek

VW 1-Liter Lives On As Audi ‘E1’ e-tron Concept: Spy Shots, Gallery 1 - MotorAuthority

[kach22i]

Great links and an astute observation.

I say it's all fun & games until you go into a turn or encounter a crosswind.

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I have no idea why they "freed" the rear wheels of the Mindset, but I still like it in-spite of the silliness.

Mindset electric car

Alter your Mindset: Electric German city car gets first drive

[Sven7]

Those open wheel things are really popular with design students because not only do the cars look sleek, they don't have to worry about sculpting the fenders either. I personally can't stand them because they never, ever get produced. It's like visual masturbation. That Audi is one I haven't seen yet, but it'll be interesting if it's a success.

[Rokeby]

the Audi E1 E-tron looks like a cross between the VW 1L and the Kia Soul...
with open fenders and pseudo-psychedelic paint -- shouldn't it be pink? --:

[Frank Lee]

Not sure it's a trend- that "open" wheeled stuff has been around more or less since the beginning.

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Not sure it's a trend- that "open" wheeled stuff has been around more or less since the beginning.

When's the last time a major auto manufacturer produced an open wheel vehicle? 1920? lol we haven't seen this stuff in production for 90 years.

[Frank Lee]

We were talking about production vehicles?

[skyl4rk]

*cough* crush zone *cough*

[drv2die]

didnt the prowler have the front wheels open it was in production. cant think of another one right now.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

*cough* crush zone *cough*

Where is the crush zone on your bicycle?