Today, if you wish to own an off-roader and a fast car, you go and buy an SUV and a sports car. Some carmakers convince you that they already have such a ‘2-in-1’ car in their products portfolio. Cars such as the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X6, Range Rover Sport etc., all claim to be off-roaders which can also behave as a sports car. Though most of these big SUVs are at home on an off-road track or a racing track, they do have some elements of compromise that’s built into them. Also, they aren’t that futuristic in their design and operational philosophies. So a car that can play both the above-mentioned roles, is still to come. Or is it already here? According to Brazilian designer Fernando Machado, the Duality concept is his answer to this 2-in-1 conundrum.
Looks like something from the sets of Fast & Furious 500. Cool!
So what exactly is this thing? Although it looks like a vehicle from Star Trek, as its name suggests, the Duality concept is designed to be two cars in the body of one. Though this concept might not win a beauty contest, it would definitely steal away the first prize for versatility and ingenuity. If this concept were to turn into reality, it could become the cusp for automotive design and engineering. What is it about the Duality concept that makes it so unique and futuristic? Well, the genius of this design not only resides in what you can see, but also in the stuff that you can’t, at least at first sight.
Fernando Machado – The brain behind the Duality concept.
The first innovation is to be found inside those massive tyres (apparently, made by Michelin). These tyres can change their basic shape according what the driver wants of them. They can either help you go fast (like a sports car), or help you go off the beaten path (like a 4×4) if that’s what you fancy.
The mode on the left is when you want to go fast.
There are a total of four tyres, but each tyre is sub-divided into two parts. The Duality, therefore, has the equivalence of eight tyres. These tyres consist within them, high-strength hexagonal polymers that act like crumple-zones to provide high-speed impact absorption if you crash your Duality. The tyres also house a total 6 fuel-cells to power the vehicle.
Oh look! It has retractable wings, too.
The second breakthrough comes with the articulated suspension system of the Duality. This allows the vehicle to transform between speed racer mode or the outback mode. In short, this system can raise or lower the Duality according to the drive mode you choose. And because the wheels contain all of the major drive components, the centre of gravity of the whole vehicle can be placed low and that aids in the total stability of the vehicle.
The articulating suspension results in variable ride height.
The final surprise is in the cabin of the Duality concept. Because all the drive bits and powerhouse are on the outside (inside the tyres), there is some real liberation of space for the occupants. Cabin features include seats that massage you and a transparent roof to provide that open and airy atmosphere.
Nest concept doesn’t sound groundbreaking. Aren’t all modern vehicles made with those same ideas?
Some more info on the Duality concept for you folks.
After having said all that, we really hope someone comes and chips in some dough, so that this interesting concept could at least come to fruition. Yes, there isn’t much information on the works and intricacies of the technology and the mechanicals of this concept, for now. But hey, it is just a concept and a really cool one at that. Let us know of your thoughts and opinions on this, in the comments section.
Amazing publication Suraj Viswanathan! Best Regards! Fernando Machado