Hasta La Ideas

The field of transportation covers a lot of ground, and offers a lot of opportunity for designers. Technology, manufacturing, concepts, classic styling, craftsmanship and stunning visuals are just a few of the aspects up for debate and discussion. The impact of transportation on the environment adds a level of urgency as well, ensuring that the level of innovation in this industry will continue at breakneck pace through the future. Here are a few stories that caught our eye through the year, a compelling mix of old and new, high- and low-tech, that will keep you moving.

Auto Design Mash-Ups: A Dodge-Chevy, Nissan-Porsche, BMW-Lamborghini & More

NeoMam Studios took the time to design and render a series of concept cars that speculate on a world where competing car brands join forces to create mash-up vehicles that incorporate the styling cues from each brand. The results are as awesome as you’d expect.

Volkswagen’s New California Camper Van is Packed With Utilitarian Design Featuresp

We took a look at Volkswagen’s new California Camper Van, and the cleverly designed features and accessories that go with it. Mobile living here we come.

Turn Your Two-Wheel-Drive Car into Four-Wheel-Drive by Adding Hubless Orbis Electric Wheelsp

Ring-Drive wheels from Orbis can turn any car into a hybrid, AWD vehicle. All while using one of the design worlds most polarizing objects, the hubless wheel. Love it? Hate it? You decide.

A Simple, Portable Object that Easily Frees Your Stuck Car

While we’re on the subject, if your new, or current, two-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle gets stuck, the Grabber Traction Device easily adds the tooth your tire needs to get out.

Reader Project: Revolve: The Wheel in Foldable Formp

The Revolve folding wheel project, designed by Andrea Mocellin, takes a standard 700c bike wheel and allows it to collapse into a small object that can be easily transported and stored. The design of the wheel has a unique aesthetic, and opens up new opportunities for collapsable bike design.

Robert Bollinger Discusses the Design Process Behind the Bollinger B1 Electric Sport Utility Truckp

Back in March we caught up with Robert Bollinger and he detailed some of the design process behind his new electric sport utility truck. The dual-tailgated vehicle opens at both ends to allow a full tunnel through the body, opening up a world of transportation options.

Car Design Fans: Check Out This Free, Downloadable 372-Page Catalog of Rare Historical Porschesp

It’s no secret that designers love Porsches. It’s also no secret that most of us will never be able to afford one, and certainly not one of the rare vehicles sold at a 70th Anniversary Auction in October. So instead of driving a million dollar+ car, you can have the pleasure of downloading a PDF of the catalogue and keep dreaming.

A Designer Buying a Car, Part 4: Subaru Forester, Aesthetics and Practical Considerations

Coming back to reality, our intrepid editor took a designer’s eye to a more realistic vehicle, the Subaru Forester, and was not happy with what he found.

Our Favorite Skateboard Designs from frog’s DECKxDESIGN Challengep

For NYCxDesign in May, frog teamed up with Art Start and invited members of the NYC design community to design and create skateboards, which were then auctioned to raise funds for Art Start. The results did not disappoint!

CeramicSpeed’s Bearing-Based Chainless Bicycle Systemp

The Driven concept bike drive train system, created by CeramicSpeed in conjunction with the University of Colorado’s Mechanical Engineering Department, shows how hard it is to replace the traditional chain and derailleur system we’ve been using for 100+ years. But it looks cool.

On the Floor with Core: The 2018 North American Hand Made Bike Showp

Finally, for those of you not lucky enough to make it to the North American Hand Made Bike Show, we went in your place and took a bunch of photos for your enjoyment.