OPEL
Approach
From the start, the project team decided to use a number of techniques and manufacturing processes usually associated with science and engineering. These would help the designers to feed ideas and changes into the concept development process, making it leaner and faster. For example, design of the interior and the exterior was combined in one process, while KISKA’s many years of expertise in automotive and motor cycle design, engineering, and lightweight materials enabled it to find additional creative and engineering direction for the project. The result was an approach that eliminated traditional barriers between car and motor cycle design.
Result
The e-vehicle that emerged from this process featured many unusual design elements that underlined Opel’s commitment to innovation and the environment. “The ground breaking idea was to create a cool, sexy experimental vehicle that goes beyond traditional cars and motorcycles ensuring maximum driving pleasure", says Sebastien Stassin, Managing Partner at KISKA. “We feel more than delivered on this,” he adds. “With the launch of the Rak e the pioneering days of the original Opel brothers continue!”
The exciting Opel concept vehicle is just 1.3 metres wide (slightly over 4 feet 3 inches) and seats two people in ‘tandem’ configuration for superior aerodynamic performance and energy efficiency. The clear canopy, which combines the functions of roof and windscreen, gives 270-degree visibility with no blind spots. Its clever hinge arrangement ensures that it maintains a low profile even when open. Finally, a version limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/h would satisfy the requirements of most European countries for use by 16-year-olds.
Background
The Adam Opel AG has a long tradition of environmental awareness supported by extensive research and development. In 2011 the company launched the Opel Ampera, the first electric vehicle in Europe for everyday use.
In order to even more meet the needs of young people for excitement and affordability, Opel invited KISKA to join it in the search for an exciting electric vehicle that would interpret ‘modern urban mobility’ in a visionary way. The challenge was to package Opel’s exciting technologies and revolutionary design approach in an appealing experimental car study for the Frankfurt Motor Show. The result of this extraordinary and exemplary cooperation is a unique concept and starts a new era for both, Opel and KISKA.
Benefit
The Rak-e was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (15-25 September 2011) and attracted large crowds to the Opel stand. According to Friedhelm Engler, Director of Advanced Design GM Europe: “A great design team from Opel and KISKA worked in an integrated and seamless way. With KISKA we found a supplier that challenged our high standards. The results of this collaboration speak for themselves.”
See here a video of the Rak e at IAA.
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