LA design stars

By Ross Pinnock

19th October 2007

It’s a Mercedes – but not as we know it! This incredible model is called the SilverFlow, and it will star at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

As we previewed in our LA Design Stars gallery, the amazing machine is able to take different forms thanks to its futuristic micro-metallic body, which is shaped using clever magnetic fields. The Merc can even be turned into a pool of material for easy storage, and is capable of repairing any bodywork damage by itself.

Owners simply create a vehicle that suits their requirements either by using controls on the keyfob, or by choosing from a series of ready-made designs. These are all inspired by classic Mercedes grand prix race cars and come in an infinite choice of colour and trim combinations.

However, you face a 50-year wait if you want to get behind the wheel of the SilverFox, because it is only one of the cars entered in the 2007 Design Challenge at this year’s LA Show. The theme for the competition, ‘Robocar 2057’, has prompted a string of far-out designs from seven other major car makers, too.

The Nissan entry takes a different approach. Its OneOne is designed to be the ultimate pet, and its name is derived from the Japanese description of a barking dog!

Power comes from synthetic muscles in its rear ‘legs’, on which the OneOne skates along. But due to the car’s hinged structure, it can sit low on the road when operating as a sporty performance motor, or ‘stand up’ to provide improved visibility and easier parking in town.

Using its advanced on-board GPS system, the OneOne is designed to complete certain tasks – such as collecting the shopping or doing the school run – all by itself.

Other brands competing in this year’s competition are Honda, Audi, General Motors, Toyota, VW and Mazda. The winner will be announced at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. Hummer won last year’s competition.