GREEN MEANS GO!

The race to lower carbon emission rages and manufacturers are dreaming up means of transporting passengers without posing further threat to the environment. If in the past ‘green’ efforts paid lip service to a worthy cause, today it is a serious concern with tremendous business and environmental benefits.

From personal transporters to private jets, designers are busy reinventing modes of transportation that have high aesthetic value and fuel efficiency, yet reduced toxic emissions. They are also incorporating materials that are natural, abundant and bio-degradable.

Incorporating ‘green’ materials is the big idea behind new transportation because it means that environmental objectives are taken into consideration from the time a concept is committed on paper. If in the past it was an afterthought, today it is the driving force.

In the following pages some examples of how we are going to cover distances, from tiny cross-town jaunts to long-haul trans-Atlantic flight.


VROOMING IN THE RAIN Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
The Mercedes-McLaren partnership presents crowning glory of their collaboration, the 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss, designed with 1955 300 SLR Roadster. The roofless car (be reminded that it also comes without windscreen) boasts carbon-fiber bodywork on an SLR-supplied 650-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8 paired with a five-speed auto. Just like its parent, the SLR722, this baby can reach a top speed of 217mph, and go from 0 to 60mph in mere 3.5 seconds. It features swing doors that can cover either the entire cockpit or just the passenger side. When braking from speeds above 75mph, its retractable air brake automatically deploys. Only 75 units will be produced.

BAMBOO BOOM The Ross Lovegrove Bike by Biomega
Designer Ross Lovegrove has created a high-end bicycle with bamboo frame, demonstrating that the grass has applications far beyond traditional objects. First exhibited at Milan’s Design Library, the bikes are now in commercial production at Danish bicycle manufacturer Biomega. Units are distribute through international partners; in Asia, they are available in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

MINI AND ME Republic of Fritz Hansen’s Airstream for Mini Cooper S Clubman
Banish forever images of trailer parks filled with the jetsam and flotsam of humanity. Airstream Inc. and MINI team up to create a one-off MINI Cooper S Clubman paired with an Airstream trailer. This “silver bullet” Airstream trailer has luxury factor amped up by design firm Republic of Fritz Hansen of Copenhagen. The unit, measuring 22 feet, features sleek wood panels and comes with new interpretations of Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan Chair, plus four Series Seven chairs. Exteriors match that of the Mini Cooper S Clubman in color and details. Some features are customizable.

CATCHING THE BUG Meyers Manx Dune Buddy
The ultimate dude dream, the dune buggy returns after more than three decades of absence. Bruce Meyers and the Meyers Manx are back with the Manxter 2+2 and Manxter DualSport range of street-legal fiberglass dune buggies. Meyers revolutionized the design of dune buggies in the mid-‘60s by using fiberglass body on a steel frame and a VW suspension and running gear. The model’s performance off-road has turned it into non-leisure utility vehicles for forest rangers and beach patrols.

VERITABLE VEYRONS Bugatti Veyron 16.4 customized by Mansory
Mansory has customised the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 for the Linea Vincero range. Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon, the models are manufactured using the finest carbon fiber making them totally lightweight, aerodynamic and comfortable.
Bugatti has also unveiled the Bleu Centenaire, a new special edition range of of the Veyron. The range marks the company’s 100th anniversary and pays tribute to four legendary Bugatti drivers who drove the Type 35 to prominence: Frenchman Jean-Pierre Wimille, Italian Achille Varsi, Englishman Malcolm Campbell and German Hermann Zu Leininger. The Type 35 was Bigatti’s among most successful racing models.

HAPPY CAMPERS Custom-built Mehrzeller Caravan
Replace the old expression happy camper with chich campr with the Mehrzeller Caravan with custom work from Merhzeller. The futuristic model is stopping traffic and drawing raves with multicellular design. The fun starts with Merzheller’s online Configurator that users can work with to produce exterior and interior layouts correspond to their needs. Inhouse designers take over using initial input from individual customers as design parameters.

THE FULL MONTY Foldable Monty Bike EF38
We have been bombarded with revolutionary hybrid cars, ie, models that run on both gas and alternative fuel source, but such twin-power option has been in use on bicycles for a very long time. Monty Bike offers the EF38 foldable model with alternative electronic engine. It comes with 250-watt, 36-volt electric engine and lithium battery, as well as a pedal system with throttle lever, speedometer and integrated battery level indicator. Manufactured in aluminum, it reaches top speed of 25kph. It comes in a transport bag.

SUPER FLY Aerion Supersonic Business Jet
The untimely demise of the Concorde has forced business travelers to endure long haul flights, but with the launch of the Aerion Jet with supersonic engines, corporate raiders are back in quick action. An 8am flight from Paris gets one ready for a breakfast meeting in Manhattan, while that from the North American east coast to Asia is covered in just 9.5 hours. Operating costs are equivalent to today’s large business jets. The cabin measures 6.2 feet in height and 6.5 feet in width—comparable to today’s super mid-size jets. A flat floor throughout its 30-foot-long cabin accommodates three seating areas, a full galley and lavatory. Seats are equipped with armrest control for entertainment and communications options, and recliners can be heated or cooled to individual preference. The Aerion supersonic jet can access all airports with strict noise and emissions regulations.

SOL EFFICIENT Solar-powered Verdier VW Camper
The solar power and alternative fuel make the Verdier VW camper a hit among eco-conscious motorist, but its design is wowing everyone.

A Special Jury Prize winner at the Caravaning Design Award 2006/2007 for Innovation, the Verdier Solar Power model features intelligent solar panel system, Sun Tracker, which provides electricity to on-board accessories while the vehicle is in stationary position. Equipped with an on-board computer and GPS, the panels calculate optimal position to harness sun rays. At rest, its pneumatic suspension lowers the vehicle so that it rests on the tires and achieves better stabilization. Its sliding half-door on the passenger side incorporates a folding staircase, and the passenger seat itself can be mechanically transformed into stairs. A wireless Internet connection is another standard feature. The model is designed by Alexandre Verdier.

WHAT WOOD YOU DO Carlos Alberto Vespa Scooter
Portuguese carpenter Carlos Alberto has selected 10 types of wood to recreate a Vespa scooter that mimics the original’s sensual curves. Calling it Vespa Daniela after his daughter, the model is the painstaking result of piecing together steam-bent and laminated veneers to form the body. Naturally, the seat and package tray are also made of wood. Heavier than the original Vespa after which it was modeled, the Vespa Daniela is still a head-turner.

COCO RIDES Chanel Segway Limited Edition Personal Transporter
So many things have happened to the personal transporter since inventor Dean Kamen designed it for Segway in 2001. A hit among urbanites since its first commercial production began in 2002, it has become a ubiquitous cross-town accessory. Equipped with gyroscopic sensors, the passenger easily balances himself on this electric vehicle. Leaning forward and back allows him to cover distances, while a handlebar allows him to turn. But the Segway Personal Transporter story is far from over: Segway X2 is a smart limited edition designed by Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld. The black Chanel Segway features quilted leather fenders, handles, and a leather pouch. At top speed of 20kph, it is the most fashionable thing on wheels.