Now, this here is what we call next-level thinking. Imagine a car in which the driver is indistinguishable from his conveyance. Where the two entities merge to become some manner of cyborganic motoring organism that allows the driver to experience the feel of the road as if the car was an extension of his own cells. That's the idea of Mazda designer Matthew Cunningham, who named the Motonari RX concept in honor of a Japanese warrior. Controls are projected to be manipulated by way of a driving suit containing millions of microscopic actuators. Under the hood is a 427 ci Chevrolet rat motor. Just kidding. [Design Los Angeles]
Press Release:
Mazda Motonari RX
The Motonari RX, named after legendary Japanese warrior Mori Motonari, non-invasively integrates the driver with the vehicle making each indistinguishable from the other. A driving suit serves as the primary interface between the occupant and the vehicle, which contains millions of microscopic actuators functioning as a haptic envelope. This allows the driver to experience the road psycho-somatically, receiving electrical stimulation to specific muscle groups.
The entire structure of the vehicle is comprised of a 100 percent re-prototypable, carbon nano-tube/shape memory alloy weave with a photovoltaic coating. This enables programmable tensiometry and fluid movement while insuring efficient energy transfer to the in-wheel electro-static nanomotors.
The four omni-wheels allow 360 degree movement. Acceleration and direction is determined by two armrest mounted control points. Occupant positioning controls the effectiveness of cornering and is comparable to street luge maneuvering in appearance.
Mazda R&D of North America
Designer:
Matthew Cunningham