Local Motors tries to rewire automotive design and building processes
Click to enter the Local Motors gallery
There is just way too much happening on the Local Motors site. Hundreds of vehicle sketches, people voting on this and that, different phases of the competition with names like Design, Checkup, and Garage Voting. But, if you ignore the complexity of the interface, you'll find a few totally cool automotive ideas, like the Green Apple city car, above. The idea behind Local Motors is to have a community design a car and then build it in their local area. Forget the 100 mile diet, this is like the 100 mile car - if it ever comes together.
For now, there are all the sexy sketches to look at. I've put some of my favorites in the gallery below - I particularly like the solar panels on the VW-like van concept that turns into an open air cinema. Not all of the designs are green cars, but Local Motors does stress "sustainable practices in manufacturing, as well as utilization of lightweight materials technology and efficient powertrains," as LM's Ariel Ferreira wrote in an email to AutoblogGreen. "The coolest part about Local Motors, is that the customers choose which cars will be built per region. They choose the design, they choose the best and most efficient powertrain option for the local area."
Gallery: Local Motors Design Ideas
[Source: Local Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kevin 9:16PM (11/14/2008)
I've always been surprised that the manufactures (domestic at least) haven't come up with a universal engine, transmission, driveline setup.
Say all cars with driveline 1AR will be able to fit specifically sized engines with cooling systems, accessories etc. up to a certain measure and still be able to pass safety inspection. Then, install universal wiring harnesses connections with computers that are reprogrammable for all said engines compatible with driveline design.
Ford already does much of this throughout their lineup. But, what if all the domestics came together on it. Especially if the drivelines where built to a universal spec so that safety, smog, economy, etc. could all be accounted for without having to do full crash testings again.
You could make the Dell of cars where manufactures can compete on specific design aspects rather than the package as a whole.
That way, I could get my Mustang with an Lsx engine or vice-versa. This would pit engine teams against each other for specific applications. But, it would give the consumer more choice, increase overall reliability through universal design, and increase overall sales.
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