Motor
09-02-2008, 11:39 AM
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2008/08/27/nferrari127.xml
The Ferrari Monza looks more like a spaceship than a car.
Designer Iman Maghsoudi says future cars will be capable of travelling speeds of 125mph, too fast for a human to operate manually as they lack "sufficient concentration".
As a result, computers will have to be programmed to drive them.
With the Monza, at slower speeds, the "pilot" sits in a cockpit similar to straddling a motorcycle and has full control.
Once the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed, an onboard computer changes the car's aerodynamic profile, using winglets called canards ahead of the front wheels to create lift and reduce friction.
The highly original Monza design aims to minimise friction and stop unexpected headwinds from sending the vehicle pirouetting into the sky at the slightest gust.
Two fins adjust their orientation automatically with the increased airflow to keep the vehicle grounded.
Known for their fast cars and striking looks, the Monza is designed to put today's sports cars to shame, but then it is only an idea, and also a very expensive one.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza1.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza2.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza4.jpg
It's a little overwhelming and far too radical a concept that I would normally expect from Ferrari. It's cool, I guess. It belongs right at home in a Manga.
Discuss. :eatpop:
The Ferrari Monza looks more like a spaceship than a car.
Designer Iman Maghsoudi says future cars will be capable of travelling speeds of 125mph, too fast for a human to operate manually as they lack "sufficient concentration".
As a result, computers will have to be programmed to drive them.
With the Monza, at slower speeds, the "pilot" sits in a cockpit similar to straddling a motorcycle and has full control.
Once the vehicle reaches a predetermined speed, an onboard computer changes the car's aerodynamic profile, using winglets called canards ahead of the front wheels to create lift and reduce friction.
The highly original Monza design aims to minimise friction and stop unexpected headwinds from sending the vehicle pirouetting into the sky at the slightest gust.
Two fins adjust their orientation automatically with the increased airflow to keep the vehicle grounded.
Known for their fast cars and striking looks, the Monza is designed to put today's sports cars to shame, but then it is only an idea, and also a very expensive one.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza1.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza2.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/monza4.jpg
It's a little overwhelming and far too radical a concept that I would normally expect from Ferrari. It's cool, I guess. It belongs right at home in a Manga.
Discuss. :eatpop: