2005: Germany.
Scale Model on Display at Michelin Challenge Design™
Biography:
Steven van der Veen is a 23 year old student of Industrial Design (final course year), specializing in car design and lives in the Netherlands, Europe.
For the third year in a row, van der Veen was selected as a finalist for Michelin Challenge Design (MCD). In 2003, he created his design, the ‘Peugeot Ulzer’ and in 2004, the ‘Honda ASP’. For this year, 2005, he was selected to display a scale model of his design, the ‘Audi A1’.
He did an internship at Donkervoort in 2004. Donkervoort is a Dutch car manufacturer of sportive open wheel road cars. His assignment was to finish the design of the Donkervoort J25 Prototype. He did the styling and design of the headlights, roof (hard top and soft top), doors, windows, bonnet, wheels, roll-bar and grill. He also adjusted most lines and proportions to make the car look better.
He is hoping to find an internship or a job in the automotive industry after his training is finished.
Description:
Steven van der Veen’s Audi A1 is a small and sportive two-seater that is very suitable for commuter traffic and sales people. The styling of the Audi is – besides comfort, excellent driving capacity and a strong engine – very important. Steven created a small vehicle with the looks of a big car.
The Audi A1 appearance also perfectly fits within the Audi line of design, because people recognize it as an Audi A1, most without knowing the A1 actually doesn’t exist yet.
The car is equipped with a rear engine (1.8L Turbo). With this configuration, the bonnet can be very short and low without conflicting with pedestrians safety regulations. An other point is that the complete nose section can be used more efficiently as crash absorption zone. The massive engine block can’t enter the interior, because it isn’t there at all.
The total length of the car can be reduced to 3 meters and 15 centimeters due to the engine configuration. An extra advantage is that the car is easy to handle and to park.
The car weighs less than an average commuter vehicle allowing for better performance without a high fuel consumption. Large wheels at the corners give the car a comfortable driving behavior and a good straight line stability.
The interior design reflects the exterior. All parts are designed to be functional in the first place. The color scheme gives the interior a sportive but elegant character.
This car has taken Steven over 250 production hours without computer controlled machinery and is made entirely of wood and Perspex.
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