For an extra $14,000, the manufacturer will also sell you a companion drone to go with your mammoth SUV.

Meet the Meishi 917, also fondly dubbed the M-Hero 917 from Dongfeng – China’s first off-road automotive brand. Drawing inspiration from the robustness of military vehicles, the M-Hero 917 boasts a design characterized by sharp lines and a commanding presence. Its black matte finish and robust bumper lend it an unmistakably aggressive demeanor, reminiscent of a machine ready to conquer any terrain it encounters. However, despite its formidable appearance, it’s essential to recognize that beneath its rugged exterior lies a meticulously engineered chassis and a formidable powertrain.

Designer: Dongfeng Motor Corporation

The M-Hero 917 offers a choice between two powertrain options tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers. For those inclined towards embracing sustainable mobility, there’s a fully electric variant equipped with four electric motors and a substantial 140-kilowatt-hour NMC battery. Alternatively, there’s a range-extender hybrid model featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine serving as a generator, coupled with a 66-kWh battery pack and three electric motors, delivering an impressive output of 816 horsepower. Such capabilities translate into a blistering 0-62 miles per hour acceleration in a mere six seconds, reaffirming the SUV’s prowess on and off the beaten path.

However, what truly sets the M-Hero 917 apart are its standard and optional features, which elevate the driving experience to unprecedented heights. Inside the cabin, attention to detail reigns supreme, with interior door handles reminiscent of the iconic Desert Eagle pistol, and aircraft throttle-inspired levers adorning the center console, granting intuitive control over the vehicle’s transmission and driving modes. Complementing these design elements are three strategically positioned screens, comprising a digital instrument cluster, a navigation display, and a passenger infotainment screen, ensuring occupants are seamlessly connected and informed throughout their journey.

Yet, perhaps the pièce de résistance lies in the SUV’s optional drone package, a testament to the convergence of automotive and aerial technologies. Priced at $14,000, this package includes a state-of-the-art drone that can be effortlessly controlled via voice commands from within the vehicle, offering a unique perspective and enhancing the overall driving experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of a switchable rear steering system grants the M-Hero 917 the ability to execute the elusive crab walk maneuver, further showcasing its versatility and agility in navigating challenging terrains.

The post The M-Hero 917 is a Military-Inspired SUV with a 1000hp Engine, Steer-By-Wire, and a Companion Drone first appeared on Yanko Design.

At the Geneva Auto Show FIAT has revealed its plans to launch a Panda-based vehicle every year until the year 2027. The initiative kicked off at the show with the reveal of five concept cars in line with this vision of a next-generation Panda family that’ll grow bigger with time.

For those who don’t know, the Panda is FIAT’s minicar that’s been in production ever since 2011. The vehicle comes in a basic hatchback form and a much tougher Panda Cross version that’s called the Panda Cross. For the future, FIAT wants to expand the basic body styles to the pickup, campervan, SUV and coupe crossover with the Panda concepts that’ll eventually take shape as production cars. The concepts in question for the global market here are all based on the platform by Stellantis, the parent company.

Designer: FIAT

At the time of writing, FIAT hasn’t given any insight into the technical details but has confirmed that all these variants will be bigger than the original Panda. Also, they’ve confirmed that the production version (sometime in the future) of these concepts will come with the option of gas, hybrid or electric powertrain. Other than that, around 80 percent of the components will be common to all the versions. So let’s have a look at all of them in detail right away.

City Car Concept

As clear from the name, the City Car will be a glimpse into the general direction of the brand in the future. This one is similar to the Panda in more ways than not. There are eye-candy square doors and peculiar pink tires (inspired by the Barbie, maybe). The car is inspired by the iconic Lingotto building in Turin known for its rooftop test track. Reminiscences of the structure are apparent in the design of the concept including things like the structural lightness, overall bright theme and the space optimization on the inside. Talking of the interiors, they are made from sustainable materials including bamboo and recycled plastics.

Pick-Up Concept

FIAT already has a foothold in the Brazilian pickup market in the form of the Strada. The second concept wants to build on the success by inculcating fun and functionality with this concept. The perfect amalgam of a pick-up with the functionality of an LCV and the comfort of an SUV, the vehicle is fit for urban lifestyle. For people who like an outdoorsy lifestyle, the FIAT pickup concept sets the tone for the future.

Fastback Concept

This concept is an ode to the success of FIAT Fastback in Brazil and the FIAT Tipo in the Middle East and Africa. Created on the same modular platform and bearing a very sporty look, the Fastback concept builds on the sustainable commitment of the brand without compromising on the performance quotient. This comes courtesy of the aerodynamic performance for lower fuel consumption.

SUV Concept

This is a more muscular version of the Panda resulting in a more spacious interior for a family to ride in comfort. On those lines, the car is loaded with all that a family would desire in a performance SUV. Top that off with the safety, versatility and attractive design of the concept and FIAT lovers will have enough reason not to go elsewhere.

Camper Concept

Lastly, FIAT has created the ultimate all-terrain vehicle that brings adventure seekers close to nature without much fuzz. According to FIAT, the concept pays homage to “Fun-ctionality” of the 80s Panda. It has the versatility of a regular car for urban commutes and the toughness of an SUV to go adventuring anytime, anywhere.

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Honda introduced the UNI-ONE personal mobility chair for people with lower limb immobilization at the end of 2022. The Segway-like version for people who want an advanced electric wheelchair contraption with flexible movement capabilities will officially debut at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, next month, with a VR application twist.

The Japanese automaker will leverage the self-balancing personal mobility device (mostly intended for the disabled) for a seamless virtual reality world, which they are calling the “Honda Extended Reality (XR)” experience. The idea of fusing the real-world riding on the UNI-ONE with the virtual world environment sounds like a winning proposition, and Honda doesn’t want to let go of the opportunity.

Designer: Honda

The SXSW attendees will get the opportunity to get first-hand exposure to this unique VR experience from 10-13 March at Honda’s booth #729 at the SXSW Creative Industries Expo at the Austin Convention Center. This amalgam of two different technologies is directed towards solving the hardware limitation of a comprehensive metaverse reality that is otherwise only limited to the visual input and confined to a limited space. According to Hirokazu Hara, vice president of New Business Development, at American Honda Motor this will expand the “joy and freedom of personal mobility into entertainment applications.”

Hirokazu further added that the never-before thought of combination will elevate the multimodal immersive experience three-fold. The self-balancing tech dubbed Honda Omni Traction Drive System (HOT Drive System) and the advanced sensors on the 154 pounds UNI-ONE (permitting movement and tilt in any direction) will leverage a new VR and AR entertainment. This will shoot the extended reality technology and application development possibilities to another level, inducing the interest of early adopters more than ever before.

For instance, racing through a track on a virtual planet with lesser gravity than on Earth will be possible on a hands-free device capable of going at a top speed of 3.7 mph. The rig will combine the visual input from a VR headset and the freedom of movement to make the user feel as if racing on a real track in an alien landscape. The fact that Honda is vesting so much interest in this possibility with the UNI-ONE speaks a lot about how the future is going to pan out in the Metaverse world. According to Honda the extended reality (XR) technology will be perfect for malls, theme parks, or any other indoor or outdoor entertainment hubs with a lot of open space to move around.

The post Honda UNI-ONE wheelchair finds innovative use in VR worlds as extended reality mobility experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Totem Automobili, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and innovative automotive creations, has once again captured the essence of automotive history with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece: the GTAmodificata. This limited edition marvel pays homage to the legendary Alfa Romeo GTAm, blending classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to redefine the boundaries of automotive excellence.

Originally produced in limited quantities from 1965 to 1969, the Alfa Romeo GTA has always held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Totem Automobili’s passion for reviving automotive icons shines through in their GTA-based restomods, and the GTAmodificata takes this dedication to the next level.

Designer: Totem Automobili

The GTAmodificata has a potent 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine for a heart, meticulously crafted by Italtecnica Engineering. Boasting an impressive 810 horsepower and 538 ft-lbs of torque, this powerhouse propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.6 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 186 mph. Yet, performance isn’t the only hallmark of this masterpiece. Weighing in at just 2,414 pounds, the GTAmodificata achieves a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, delivering exhilarating performance while retaining impeccable handling dynamics.

Crafted around a custom-built carbon-fiber monocoque, the GTAmodificata seamlessly blends lightweight construction with structural rigidity, resulting in a driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is refined. Custom-engineered billet aluminum double wishbone suspension units and R53 dampers ensure precise handling and stability, while bespoke carbon fiber bodywork, adorned with a metallic carbon finish, exudes timeless elegance.

The interior of the GTAmodificata features custom seats, instrumentation, and dash, trimmed in exquisite leather and Alcantara, enveloping occupants in comfort and style. Carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin underscore the car’s performance-focused ethos, while advanced LED lighting adds a modern flair.

Limited to just five units worldwide, the Totem Automobili GTAmodificata is easily one of the most exclusive cars we’ve featured on this website. Priced at €1,100,000 (~$1,203,000), this masterpiece represents a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, surpassing its predecessors in both performance and prestige.

The post Only 5 of these Alfa Romeo GTA Custom Restomods will be made first appeared on Yanko Design.

There are many hugely popular campervan base models around the world, but one that essentially overshadows them all, and has camping enthusiasts styling their own creations around it, is the Volkswagen van. VW-inspired campers have their takers in plenty thereof Type 2 founders, Hearth Gardella and Ryan Schassen, have created a VW-themed pop-up camping trailer from aircraft steel construction in a compact form factor that is faster to build.

The RV builders based in Woodburn, Oregon, Type 2, is hoping to create a sizable inroad in the expensive and heavier tow-campers with their T2.3 which thrives on its “lightweight, affordable, and timeless design.” Currently available for preorder for a non-refundable $1,000 deposit, T2.3 comes in three different variants with one classic pop-up roof that enhances the internal standing headroom to 6 feet 4 inches.

Designer: Type 2

Modeled after the 1940s Volkswagen bus, the T2.3’s design replaces fiberglass construction with aero-grade steel panels. This keeps the camper lightweight and adds to its durability. With the use of steel panels, the camper with its pop-up roof is faster to manufacture and fairly easy to tow behind a small electric vehicle.

Measuring 9 feet 6 inches long and 5 feet wide, the camper weighs under 980 lbs in all three options (detailed below). Outfitted with three windows on each side, and a single door toward the back half, the camper has a liftgate hatch. For more space inside comprising a convertible U-shaped sofa, an expandable kitchen counter, and a rear window seat (in the entry-level Sleeper model), the T2.3’s entire roof rises above.

Adding an outdoor shower system and 1-gallon electric hot water heater to the Sleeper and we have the T2.3 Sleeper Plus. The most exciting option is the Kitchenette model. The rear window seat here is removed to accommodate a full L-shaped kitchen complete with a dining table, induction cooktop, and stainless-steel sink. Of course, the change in features makes for a change in the pricing structure as well. The Sleeper model starts at $29,950, the Sleeper Plus scales the figure to $35,000, while the one with a kitchenette will set you back $39,000.

The post VW-inspired 10-ft towable camper pop-up roof increases standing headroom to 6 feet 4 inches first appeared on Yanko Design.

Amidst the bustling corridors of the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, sustainable innovation company Orbic has unveiled a device that will radically alter last-mile and intra-urban commutes forever: the world’s first 5G-enabled eBike, equipped with AI for object avoidance and collision detection.

Designer: Orbic

Orbic’s leap into the eBike sector practically reshapes how we perceive mobility, safety, and connectivity on two wheels. “Introducing Orbic’s 5G e-Bike at MWC Barcelona is part of our innovation pipeline that implements advanced technology to expand connectivity and enhance user experiences,” said Mike Narula, President and CEO of Orbic. “By integrating 5G connectivity and AI technology, we aim to redefine the riding experience, making it safer, more connected, and environmentally responsible whether on city streets, in suburban neighborhoods or the challenging terrain of mountain trails. The 5G e-Bike represents a significant leap forward in electronic mobility, and we are excited about bringing this new technology to cities across the globe.”

Central to the eBike’s design is its AI-powered avoidance detection system, featuring a sensor with a 140-degree field of view at the rear, which actively monitors for potential hazards and alerts riders through audible and visual warnings. This focus on safety is further supported by the eBike’s array of cameras: a 64MP front-facing camera for capturing and livestreaming (yes, the Orbic bike has its own built-in action camera!), an 8MP camera on the front display ideal for video calls, and a 2MP rear camera dedicated to enhancing safety through collision avoidance and object detection.

The eBike’s frontal camera array

A rear camera helps with vehicle detection

Stuck in traffic? The touchscreen can be used for entertainment too!

Additionally, the eBike boasts a 7-inch, all-weather touchscreen display that provides riders with essential information such as battery status, speed, and navigation data, ensuring attention remains on the road. The eBike’s 5G connectivity not only minimizes lag for a responsive user experience but also enriches the riding experience by enabling features like live streaming, trail sharing, bike-to-bike communication, and real-time navigation.

Orbic’s 5G eBike reveal at MWC 2024 represents a seismic shift in eco-friendly transportation, operating without fossil fuels and emitting no carbon, aligning with the company’s dedication to sustainable technology development. This approach offers riders a guilt-free mode of transportation that doesn’t compromise on innovation or performance.

The post This 5G eBike has a built-in action camera and infotainment system: Orbic 5G eBike Hands-On at MWC 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Traversing snowy terrains is now going to be even more fun and environmentally friendly with the Vidde Mobility electric snowmobile. Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina the vehicle makes minimal noise without compromising on the power delivery of a conventional gas-powered snowmobile.

According to Vidde founded by Christian Lystrup, the terrain vehicles around the globe create 30 megatons of CO2 every year. Out of which over “two-thirds of the total emissions produced by the entire country of Sweden.” The Vidde Alfa is deemed to solve this with an initial footprint of less than 100g co2/ km compared to the 550g co2/km of any gas-powered snowmobile. The vehicle is slated for a late 2024 release for a price tag with a wider production horizon planned for 2025. It was launched on February 18, 2024, at IceHotel in Swedish Lapland.

Designer: Vidde Mobility and Pininfarina

Standing out from the rest as a trailblazer of the snowmobile industry, this snowmobile is groundbreaking when it comes to eco-friendly performance. The electric snowmobile comes loaded with a battery heating system for operation at a low temperature of -39 degrees Celsius. For the looks, Pininfarina influence is apparent with a distinctive bold orange and white-hued theme on the sleek body shell placed on the runner and treads finished in industrial black.

The collaborative effort is focused on identifying a solution that elevates the pleasure of driving and making sure it is functional and attractive keeping in mind the longevity of use. This electric snowmobile will be tested at the vast expanse of Swedish Lapland by the Icehotel for the remainder of the season to get real-time data in real conditions. According to Christian, the first batch of units are signed up and there are some limited slots left to pre-book the Vidde snowmobile.

According to Annika Fredriksson CEO of Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, “During the winter a lot of people use snowmobiles for both personal and professional purposes. If we can turn all these snowmobiles into electrified versions it would have a hugely positive effect on nature and wildlife, both for the reduced CO2 emissions and sound disturbance. This fills us with hope and will play a part in reaching our sustainability goals for 2030.”

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Electric, Hydrogen and Hybrid vehicles are going to partly solve the environmental crisis, but the fact remains, the number of vehicles on the roads isn’t going to reduce. The battle for every inch of road space will intensify in the future, no matter how desperately the compact concept vehicles try to gain popularity.

The only viable solution then left are the flying cars which I’m now a great fan of due to their mostly impractical approach to things in real-life conditions when air space is going to get crowded. One probable solution for tropical regions in particular is an amphibious vehicle that’ll bypass traffic congestions on freeways for timely travel schedules.

Designer: Bernardo Pereira

The CROSSER V1 is designed keeping in mind the commuting needs of coastal cities. The primary idea of this kind of transportation is to have flexibility of transportation in such regions for speedy commuting. The fact that this is an electric vehicle reduces the amount of noise created, and also the levels of pollution. The fleet of CROSSER vehicles creates a customized service for inhabitants of urban cities to meet the 24×7 hour needs of every kind of user.

According to the designer, the rise in sea level will eventually lead most of the world’s population to migrate to these regions and look for viable means of earning livelihood. This will lead to an increase in road congestion and pressurize the already overburdened mobility systems. Thus, leading to the dire need for new mobility solutions when owning a private vehicle will no longer be of interest to the majority of Populus.

The future of mobility will be dominated by diverse needs that depend on the user’s travel intention, interaction and lifestyle. This leads to a transition that allows for interconnected mobility systems that are in line with sustainable practices and technologies. Bernardo initially created four different iterations for this concept and the final design is this amphibious transportation service that serves the users. The vehicle has an intelligent navigation system that takes the fastest route, either on land or water.

The CROSSER is developed to be an adaptable service that goes beyond passenger transportation and bears modular features for modifying the interiors depending on the needs of the user. By default, the vehicle comes with a four-seat configuration with a display to beam all the route information, weather and warnings. The vehicle boasting a panoramic view has seats with sensors and adjustable headrests.

When it’s time to tread on the waters, the CROSSER V1 employs the suspension system to raise the maximum height angle by 90 degrees. Everything is done autonomously aided by the LiDAR and Radar sensors, without the need to stop the vehicle. The in-built dual cameras with a 150-degree viewing angle further add to the feed of the user’s display. This whole system not only aids in water travel but also identifies obstacles on land.

The post This amphibious electric vehicle has the smarts for practical urban mobility needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Meet the all-new Saltsaun NW trailer, a sauna that you can hitch up and tow anywhere with you. You can use the sauna in your backyard, or wherever you like. The NW trailer is influenced by the covered wagons that used to roam Oregon, and it is designed to be a versatile on-/off road trailer, allowing a Himalayan salt-lined cedar wood sauna to be attached behind any vehicle. There is an option of an electric or wood stove, for when you’re traveling on or off-grid.

Designer: Bend Teardrop

The Saltsaun NW trailer isn’t the first of its kind, but it does have a very appealing and unique design with impressive amenities and capabilities that truly set it apart. The trailer consists of a highway-speed-capable and off-road-ready square-tube chassis that measures 6×8 feet. The trailer measures 13 inches and rides on 15-inch wheels. The roof of the Saltsaun NW features the design and construction skills we saw in the teardrop trailer by Bend, which creates a rounded-roof body, quite similar to a solid-roofed covered wagon.

The trailer is made from cedar wood locally sourced in the Pacific Northwest. It features a large checker plate panel up front, with aluminum paneling below, and a corrugated metal roof scaffolding that provides protection to the wood from the hazards of road and weather. The roof also shelters a small porch with two integrated seats which are designed for cooling off.

The Saltsaun NW trailer can house four to five adults on its benches. The focal point of the design is the electric or wood stove that can set the temperature between 100 and 200 °F (38 to 93 °C).  The trailer’s electric model features a 3-kW steam-ready heater that can be plugged into a 110-V outlet with a recommended 20-A+ output., whereas the wooden stove model is intended to be an off-grid solution, and it is equipped with a rock basket for steaming, as well as a deep-cycle battery, and 100-W solar panel for the interior/exterior lighting.

The post The Saltsaun NW Trailer Lets You Have A Sauna Anywhere And Everywhere You Go first appeared on Yanko Design.

Campervans have their own set of advantages, but it’s a fixed construction you cannot choose to part with when you want to use the vehicle for everyday street life. This shortcoming may have given birth to the idea of slide-in camping solutions that convert the vans into campers when the wilderness calls. Over the years, with the transforming needs of adventurers, these camping solutions have evolved so much so that a company in Austria has now designed a full-proof camping box to fit at the back of your vehicle and leave you wanting nothing more.

Built with the notion of bringing real-life luxury to the road, the CampBoks slide-in camping solution comprises a fully equipped slide-out kitchen, foldable bed, sliding dining with a cantilevered bench and table, outdoor shower, and an optional, portable toilet. With all these amenities, the CampBoks can transform any ordinary van into a capable camper for wherever your adventure may take you.

Designer: CampBoks

The comprehensive camping box slides onto the seat rails of, or can be fitted into, a range of vehicles such as the Ford Transit, VW Transporter, Mercedes V-Class, Renault Trafic and the like. The versatile Camboks kit, with all its versatility, adds some weight to the back of your vehicle: It weighs 140 kg, which is more than the ordinary options on the market. But the features you get with this one, I’m sure we won’t mind the extra few kilos.

The traditional camper slide-in can keep the weight in measure since they come with limited facilities such as a bed and perhaps a kitchen. The CamBoks adds to these customary features with outdoor dining, a compact work table, and a full-fledged kitchen and fits snugly in a midsize van.

The CampBoks is designed and manufactured entirely in Austria with three compartmentalizations. The driver-side section comprises a slide-out kitchen provided with a single-burner Primus gas stove, small worktable, 15-L refrigerator box, and sink with a faucet that using an attachment can double as an outdoor shower.  The compartment in the middle has a sliding table which is provided with two benches – sliding out – from the two main sections on either side of the table. In the passenger side section, CampBoks provides a slide-out with three Euroboxes you can use for bulk storage.

Toward the inside, you have a folding A-frame bed, which folds in to form a sofa on either side (toward the inside of the vehicle and the tailgate). By the night, it can lay flat to transform into a full-size bed for a couple. You get under-bed storage plus two 12-L fresh water canisters slipped in underneath. Alongside the comfy bed (useable in seating position as well) you get a side-mounted swivel table that can be your additional dining or work desk, depending on your mood and weather. With all its features and an additional option to include a dry separating toilet, the CampBoks starts at approximately $7,000.

The post Experience True Van-Life Luxury with this Tailor-Made Camping Box for All Your Needs first appeared on Yanko Design.