When people think of advanced new engines, they tend to focus on improvements in power or fuel economy, but engine innovation can also yield reductions in engine size and weight. The people at EcoMotors have been working on an engine that not only promises more power and greater efficiency, but does so in an unusual package.
The company’s OPOC (opposed piston, opposed cylinder) engine is essentially a horizontally opposed engine with one big difference. Within each of its cylinders, there are two pistons traveling in opposite directions. The resulting engine is very low top to bottom, very short front to rear, and fairly wide. In either two- or four cylinder form, it’s a completely different shape than any other engine out there.
In order to derive the greatest benefit from such an engine, a vehicle should be designed around its unusual shape. To demonstrate what such designs might look like, EcoMotors sponsored a design contest at America’s two best design schools: Detroit’s College for Creative Studies (CCS) and Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design (ACCD).
The contest was called “Reshaping the Future,” and students at each school were asked to create concepts that would make best use of the OPOC engine’s unusual characteristics. The designs were to be judged based on how well they harness the packaging advantages of the OPOC engine—in other words, “More Space for Man, Less for Machine.”
The designs were also evaluated on how well they fulfilled target customer needs—efficiency, attractiveness, and societal relevance. The judges knew more than a little about these factors, as they had all served as design chiefs for one of the Detroit Big Three. Wayne Cherry ran GM styling from 1992 to 2004, Tom Gale headed Chrysler’s design team from 1985 to 2000, and Jack Telnack was Ford’s styling chief from 1980 to 1997. A more distinguished and discerning panel of judges would be hard to find.
The overall winners in the three categories—Mid-Size Sedan, Full-Size Pickup, and Emerging-Market Vehicle—will be announced at the Los Angeles auto show this week; we’ll have an update soon.
In the meantime, here are the 23 concepts that the feverishly creative student minds produced:
2020 Datsun Pickup by Alex McGowen (CCS)
This 177-inch long mini truck, intended for emerging markets in Southeast Asia, is barely a foot longer than a Mini Cooper Clubman, but still provides room for four, a useful cargo bed in the rear, and covered storage in front where the engine normally is. The OPOC engine, in this case a twin-cylinder 150-hp version coupled to a CVT, is nestled under the back seat where its short length and generous width fit easily.
A structure composed of bonded aluminum extrusions provides good strength and stiffness at minimal tooling costs. The orange body panels are plastic and have anchor points so that more cargo can be strapped on. A full-size spare tire, which McGowen deems necessary for the less than perfect roads in the target markets, is tucked into the right side of the truck, which only has one door on that side. McGowen’s goal was for the vehicle to look solid, but not cheap, even though he envisions a price under $5000.
2025 Volkswagen Teneo by Marty Coons (CCS)
With this Teneo, Marty Coons has tried to reimagine the modern compact crossover by making it vastly lighter and roomier. Composite materials as well as the front-mounted OPOC engine account for the light weight. By placing the wheels at the extreme corners of the chassis, Coons has maximized the space within.
In addition to the luggage space behind the rear seat, he’s also added a small exterior bed to provide further cargo utility. He also has a reinforced roof so that larger items can be carried overhead.
Eco Exotic Luxury Sedan by Taylor Langhals (CCS)
Taylor Langhals placed the OPOC engine—two of them in fact—in the rear just above the axle. This freed up space in the front end, allowing a much shorter dash-to-axle dimension. As a result, even though his creation is no longer than a Porsche Panamera, and a full 10 inches lower, it has similar interior space—if less headroom.
The huge tires planted near the corners of the car provide a very athletic stance, while the taut, but highly sculpted surfacing further emphasizes the muscular image. The car looks like an automotive version of Mr. Olympia.
By using two of the larger OPOC engines, there is sufficient power to propel the 3100-pound car to 60 mph in under five seconds. When full power isn’t needed, one of the engines is de-clutched and shut down to improve efficiency. The high engine position provides nice visual imagery through the rear deck, but does nothing to promote a low center of gravity.
Ford Pickup by Eric Um (CCS)
Eric Um approached the design of this truck by understanding that even most pickups spend 80 percent of their time carrying passengers. So he decided to create a modular vehicle that could efficiently carry passengers, while still working like a truck when necessary. He started with both a short- and a long-wheelbase chassis. Each chassis could accommodate a small or a large passenger compartment, with a matching large or small cargo bed.
The OPOC engines were integrated within each axle, creating individual power modules. For passenger or light-duty use, the truck would have only one power module driving the front wheels. But when hauling heavy loads, a second power module would be added to the rear axle, creating four-wheel drive and provide much greater hauling capacity.
Um’s notion is that the various parts would be shared within a community, although each driver would retain on a unique interior to provide a sense of ownership. Given the mess some people leave in their vehicles, not sharing interiors may be one of Um’s best ideas.
Eco 6 by Jae Han Sang (CCS)
A BMW X6 clone designed for efficiency
Jae Han Sang likes the feel and proportions of the BMW X6, but he wants it to be more efficient. So he’s designed a machine that shares the X6 size and profile, but constructed from high-tech materials to reduce its weight. He imagines the structure made from carbon-fiber composite members, while the skin is produced from aramid-fiber reinforced plastic, a material used in aircraft. Similar materials are used on the interior components.
Under the hood lie two OPOC engines side by side, with their crankshafts mounted transversely. The two engines together take up less space than the standard BMW V-8 allowing a lower hoodline for improved visibility and aerodynamics.
Sang’s design is perhaps the sportiest looking SUV we’ve ever seen and if it came in at the 2300-pound weight that he envisions, it might be one of the fastest as well.
Mercedes by Cara Kim (CCS)
Cara Kim’s goal was to shrink the external dimensions of a luxury sedan like the Mercedes E-class without reducing its internal space by taking full advantage of the OPOC engine’s compact size. She did this by fitting a single EM100 engine just behind the rear seat and forward of the rear axle.
She has reduced both front and rear overhangs to shave some six inches from a stock E-class’s overall length, while extending the wheelbase by over 16 inches. Kim’s car is slightly wider than stock, but sits about four inches lower, giving it a far sleeker look.
The design’s muscularity is emphasized by a greenhouse that is substantially narrower than the lower body, which is characterized by knife-edged fender tops at all four corners. We suspect that interior space might be tight for more than four passengers, but luggage space should be fine, thanks to the now vacant underhood area.
2020 Messerschmitt by Timothy Mann (CCS)
Tim Mann understands that much of the emerging world still relies on motor scooters and cycles for basic transportation. His vision was to design a four-wheeled motorcycle of sorts that could replace these two-wheelers with an equally efficient but safer and more comfortable conveyance.
To achieve these ends, he designed a highly-aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped body that sat on four narrowly spaced wheels. The machine’s 52-inch overall width minimized the real estate it would occupy on the road, while its narrow upper body—made possible by the tandem seats—and 51-inch height meant that it would be punching only a small hole in the air.
An EM100 engine sits below and behind the rear seat and drives the rear wheels. Hubless wheels combined with airless tires simplify the design while looking cool and allowing for aerodynamic wheel covers.
C-Segment Sedan by Brian Malczewski (CCS)
Brian Malczewski’s vision was to take advantage of the OPOC powerplant to complete repackage a luxury sedan in the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class segment. He ended up with a machine about the same size as a Chevy Cruze but with far more space.
One major packaging advantage comes from eliminating the hood and positioning an OPOC EM65 in the rear along with its radiators. The engine drives a generator that powers small electric motors in each wheel, making the car a series hybrid. The black component slung under the car is a battery, which makes the car a plug-in hybrid.
The design looks more like a compact SUV than a luxury sedan, but the prominent, protruding wheels make a powerful statement. You’ll notice that the fenders wrap very closely around the tires, a feature made possible by a suspension that is contained within each wheel.
Toyota Sport Wagon by James Leo Yamazaki (ACCD)
James Leo Yamazaki’s goal was to create a wagon for “Brosome” (Brotherhood and Awesome) dads without sacrificing practicality. The result combines the three rows of seats, all-wheel-drive, and SUV ground clearance in an overall length of around 180 inches.
Key to achieving this was the short hood allowed by a single OPOC EM80 engine driving the front wheels. It also powers a generator which energizes a pair of electric motors provided drive to the rear wheels.
The short engine compartment allowed room for a large passenger cabin to accommodate the three rows of seats. The machine’s high stance and powerful haunches give it a very muscular look, but visibility out the back or towards the rear quarters looks to be minimal at best.
Jaguar Concept by Ege Arguden (ACCD)
Few cars have been as startling as the E-type was when it debuted in 1961. Ege Arguden’s Jaguar concept pays homage to the original with its oval grille, covered headlights, and curvaceous bodywork. But despite its sleek lines, this is a full four-seater with decent luggage space. A dual-module (four-cylinder, eight-piston) EM80 OPOC engine resides between the rear seats and the rear axle, powering the rear wheels. The engine’s compact size makes this position possible without compromising the car’s center of gravity height and rear cargo capacity.
Despite a tall and long greenhouse to provide space for four occupants, Arguden’s concept looks low and sleek thanks to its curvaceous fenders that create a flamboyant belt line. The car’s rounded ends also reduce the car’s visual bulk.
Ferrari Concept by Adriano Raeli (ACCD)
Adriano Raeli’s brainstorm was to design a car that equally showcased the body and the chassis. Incorporating visible structural elements and voluptuous body panels, we can almost see Raeli’s inspiration: lingerie.
With an EM120 OPOC engine mounted ahead of the rear axle, there’s plenty of room for four seats in a reasonable length. At the same time, the distinctive fenders and wheel arches create muscularity and pay homage to Ferrari’s F1 cars. The open rear end and prominent diffuser further cement the sporting connection.
Mini Pickup by Berk Erner (ACCD)
Designing a compact pickup in Mini clothing is not too hard, but maintaining a reasonable level of utility is more difficult. Berk Erner’s approach was to position a dual-module OPOC engine under the passenger compartment, allowing a very cab-forward design with a reasonable bed length.
The end result is still a two-seater, but one with much greater cargo versatility. With its open wheels and flaring fenders, it also has a powerful off-road orientation.
2020 Ford F-150 by Bruno Gallardo (ACCD)
The need for pickups that can carry large objects will always exist, but in the future, such machines will need to be smaller and more fuel efficient. Bruno Gallardo’s plan to improve packaging efficiency is to use two OPOC engines, one tucked into each flank of the pickup under the front of the cargo bed.
The result is some three feet chopped out of what was the engine compartment. This essentially reduces overall length by the same amount without losing any passenger or cargo capacity. Gallardo highlights this concept by exposing the engines on each side of the truck.
Nissan Pickup by Kenneth Hung (ACCD)
Kenneth Hung’s pickup also mounts the OPOC engine below the cab to reduce overall length while retaining carrying capacity. But Hung’s top priority was to make this pickup look athletic in the image of an off-road racer.
To that end, he has largely exposed the tires and incorporated a central driving position with passenger seats behind and slightly to the rear of the driver’s seat. If you remember the legendary Ivan Stewart’s winning Baja truck, you instantly see the look that Hung has channeled.
BMW Police Motorcycle by Sam Lee (ACCD)
Think of Sam Lee’s creation as a giant scooter, with dual rear wheels for stability and a 120-hp OPOC engine tucked under the passenger seat. The structure is a simple tubular frame that provides numerous storage areas for the necessary police gear.
The width of the bodywork and structure provides some protection from collision. Yet the machine’s sub-three-foot width lets it negotiate very crowded traffic conditions.
Audi for Japan by Yun Hyuk Jeong (ACCD)
To keep this city car narrow, Yun Hyuk Jeong placed his two passengers and the OPOC engine all in a row. Even the two front wheels with their cycle fenders are not terribly far apart. The mid-engine configuration draws inspiration from the Auto Union Grand Prix cars of the 1930s.
Normally, three-wheeled cars work best when engine is placed near the two-wheeled end, which also serves to drive the vehicle. Jeong has chosen the opposite approach in this machine for packaging reasons. The light weight and low center of gravity of the OPOC engine might mitigate some of the disadvantages of this layout.
Farmer’s Vehicle/Tractor by Ross Koball (ACCD)
Ross Koball’s idea was to create a modular vehicle that could be adjusted in size to perform various tasks. Sections can actually be added to the center part of the vehicle to increase capacity as needed.
The design is a simple tubular structure with a basic enclosure for the centrally mounted driver in the front. An OPOC engine is built into each axle module. For light loads only one module is used. But when the payload increases, or four-wheel drive is required, a second powered module can be added to the other end.
Rural Indian Utility Vehicle by Andreas Jakubec (ACCD)
Andreas Jakubec claims that he studied how Indian farmers have used elephants to perform rural agricultural tasks and designed this vehicle to accomplish the same tasks by performing essentially as a mechanized pachyderm.
He placed the OPOC engine under the very forward and elevated driving position, which is meant to suggest sitting atop the great beast. The large cavity behind the driver can be filled with either cargo or passengers and the rear bed provides further carrying capacity.
Mahindra Utility Vehicle by JJ Hwang (ACCD)
JJ Hwang starts with a small power unit that can be used as a walk-behind two-wheeled tiller. He has cleverly designed this 80-hp module so that it can be coupled to what is essentially a clever wagon, in order to carry people or cargo.
When the loads are bulky but light, the forward module can provide all of the necessary power. But when the load is heavy, a second power unit can be added to the rear axle.
Mumbai Scooter/Pickup by Vladimir Almonnord (ACCD)
Mumbai’s streets are perennially crowded, giving narrow vehicles a great advantage. Vladimir Almonnord’s idea was to graft a large load bed onto what is essentially a motorcycle. The OPOC engine provides plenty of power in the space under the rider’s seat while two outboard rear wheels provide stability.
The open bed can carry substantial cargo, and it can be fitted with an enclosure for bad weather or when the cargo requires greater protection. While the overall vehicle is fairly long, it retains the narrow footprint required to negotiate Mumbai’s packed thoroughfares.
Nissan Genki by An Chu (ACCD)
If the Nissan Cube is too conservative for you, An Chu has an answer in the form of this Japanese urban vehicle. The Genki is basically a tall box with great space efficiency, thanks to an OPOC engine mounted under the rear seat. One large door on each side provides interior access, while a folding rear seat can triple cargo capacity.
The four wheels are separated from the main structure and tucked at the extreme corners of the vehicle to add stability and some sporty flair. Yet despite the splayed wheels, the Genki is only 134 inches long and 55 inches wide.
Vivos Taxi by Yeong H. Kim (ACCD)
Yeong Kim’s idea was to maximize the utility and space efficiency of a compact taxi. He started by placing the OPOC engine below the driver’s seat to drive the front wheels. This essentially eliminated the hood and also left a low load floor that maximized space next to the driver and in the back seat.
There’s enough room for easy wheelchair access to the passenger seat, as well as space for wheelchair storage. In fact, the open interior was designed to allow the passengers to share the space with their luggage in those parts of the world where that provides additional security against theft.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/JSNueYIvNLw/
David Hobbs Gary Hocking Ingo Hoffmann Bill Holland Jackie Holmes
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