At the Geneva International Motor Show 2007 (pav. 5 stand 5041) the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) of Turin is presenting “beON”, a real size concept car designed by the students of the 4th RSP Master in Transportation Design – work experience a.y. 2005-2006 course.
The full-scale model (3860 mm long, 2100 mm wide, 1600 mm high, wheel base 2750 mm) stems from the decision to concentrate the research efforts of the Master course student on the search for a solution that might marry style with technology, hybrid propulsion with excitement.
The 19 students, led by the master coordinators Carsten Astheimer, Head of Design at Brunswick Boat Group and Luca Borgogno, a Pininfarina Designer, have come up with a concept car that clearly voices the ideas of freedom and movement, developed around a structure conceived to represent excellence in terms of functionality and originality.
The vehicle, a two seater off-road sports car, has been designed to travel over deserts, beaches and wild terrains, as well as negotiating the urban jungles, offering its passengers the best interior comfort together with the opportunity of enjoying the view outside the cockpit; it’s ideally suited for travel in extreme conditions, allowing nature to be experienced with the maximum freedom and in the most adventurous way.
For the mechanics, the choice has fallen on a hybrid thermal-electric engine connected to a very special hydraulic transmission system placed within each wheel hub. This ingenious combination ensures excellent off-road performance and seeing as it can also act as a break, it means that the traditional disk and calliper breaking system can be completely eliminated.