Citroen C-Metisse Concept Car

We'll start with a dream car that only French could dream up. It has such an unmistakable style that my son Ian (6 years old) upon seeing it immediately asked "Is it French?" Certainly, it's one of the best-looking designs of all time. For more pictures click here - (click to enlarge) -





(images credit: Serious Wheels)

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Fish-Controlled Car

Speaking about cool cars, here is one built around an aquarium. The fish inside controls where the vehicle is going and how fast. The computer tracks the movements of fish' eyes and points the car in the direction fish is looking.
This site has a video of it in motion.



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Air-Powered Car

There are different ways to power the car, and this blog mentions the often over-looked way:

"Bob is sick of paying fuel prices. His car could run on vegetable oil, of course, but that's still 25p a litre, and he doesn't want his fuel to congeal on those cold winter mornings.

So he installs a few compressed air tanks instead. The expansion of this air pushes the pistons to move his car. He uses the air pumps at petrol stations to refuel. Sometimes this costs 20p, but mostly he avoids those stations."
(from Urban Fantasy Blog)

If you think such practice is not feasible, consider this link (www.theaircar.com) to an actual "compressed air fuel" car being built:



(image credit: MDI)

Vintage & Modern Concept Buses

1950 GMC Futurliner "Bus"

A priceless form and very "pulp-ish sci-fi" looks... Could've been an actual bus, if not for the more pragmatic exhibit applications.









One of 12 built by General Motors, a self-contained display and transport vehicle created by the GM design staff under Harley Earl's direction. Opening side, lighting, retractable stage, distinctive center 'cupola' cockpit driving position and dual wheel front axle. Used in the 'Parade of Progress' touring exhibit created by 'Boss' Kettering that complemented the GM 'Motoramas' from 1940 through 1956. One of only three survivors restored in their original 'Parade of Progress' configuration (the others are in long term ownership by NATMUS and Peter Pan Bus Lines), this Futurliner is fully functional and has toured Canada in corporate promotions. A matchless symbol of the American auto industry at the height of its power and influence.

(more of this unique concept see here)




Modern Bus & Truck Concepts

Isuzu Corporation published a "concept art" calendar with great designs. Here is a sample:








Human-Powered Bus Concept

One of Honda's entries in the Los Angeles Design Challenge, the Running Bus, offers a different take on hybrid energy--inspired by California's fitness culture, it packs 10 stationary runners inside the bus for power. Losing weight will obviously get you places...




Finally, new GMC Concept Bus, or rather the house...

Replaces Commute and Suburbia in one fell swoop. Click to enlarge images.





"The GMC PAD, an urban loft with mobility, is quite simply a home ownership concept that represents a reasonable solution to the problem of urban sprawl...
Why commute? With the PAD, it’s where you live, where you work, or merely where you want to be. Whether located in walking distance from your job, or wintering at Mammoth, with the GMC PAD, home is where you want it. And commuting is what other people do."

Though these buses are far removed from the Volkswagen Van, they make you wish these were the hippie times all over again :)