This futuristic, zero emissions hovercraft concept won't be gracing our wilderness zones any time soon but it definitely merits a mention. Dubbed the "Aqua Volkswagen," the concept was created by Zhang Yuhan, a 21 year old graduate in Industrial Design at Xihua University, China. The concept is a finalist submission in the CDN China Car Awards, a competition created to reward the creativity of young designers. The brief for entrants was to create a "Chinese off-road vehicle" by Volkswagen with "go-anywhere" capabilities to tackle the vast expanse of wild countryside in China.
Reminding us of the amphibious three-wheeler concept from this year's Michelin Challenge, the zero emissions hovercraft is a supported by a cushion of air and capable of crossing a range of surfaces including: lakes, rivers, wetlands, dirt roads, snow and ice. It is driven by electric and hydrogen fuel cell motors, including four propellers for the propulsion of the vehicle. The lines of this concept are "amphibious" clean, linear and simple, with equally minimalist external and internal features. It is designed for two passengers but we're just wondering how they actually get in?! Could it be that small round hatch at the rear of the vehicle, I surely hope not!
Source: Diseno-art
To make it work: Add Retractable wheels for hard smooth terrain, cambered roads, so it steers straight on them. Add high intakes where the hatch and bonnet logo are. Make it 15% bigger to accommodate these intake volumes. Add a hinged canopy. Make it buoyant and Add retractable buoyant booms that stabilise it if it stops on water. I NEED A LAB!
They only really seem to have a meaningful role in situations where it is necessary to traverse very soft boggy or sandy ground.
As stated by many transport design students and people who do the concepts....\"they don\'t actually have to work\"
but yer its not all terrain either: i\'d love to see it glide over a speedbump. (not sure if they have those in China mind...)
That is Far Fetched And Ridiculous (amounts of) Traction.