Drakkar by Tomasz Biel, Poland

2009: Brave + Bold. America’s Next Iconic Vehicle.

Drawings on Display at Michelin Challenge Design™

Biography

Tomasz Biel received an MSc in Engineering of Architecture from the Silesian Polytechnical High School in Gliwice. Currently he is working as an architect, sometimes as a graphic and advertising designer, but since a young age has been interested in cars and product design.

He has realized his car design ideas with entries into contests since 2006. His first significant success was being selected as a finalist for the 2007 Michelin Challenge Design. He also won two design contests prepared by the Polish car designer web site “Designforum.pl”, which enabled him to become the unofficial specialist of old (classical) Polish construction reincarnations.

Description

Cargo delivery is an important part of the American automotive industry. Many types of trucks, vans, and pick-ups carry different cargo across the continent creating part of the American dream. The Drakkar project is a trial project for finding and filling a whole in this market.

Its destination is a fast and comfortable delivery less than three tons of shipment mainly on highways but also in the midtown. The name of the design refers to a legendary long ship which helped the Vikings move fast to conquer outermost countries.

The Road set creates two parts:

• Truck. About 4.7m long, 2m wide and 1.6m high, keeping aerodynamically shape hidden under “bricky” silhouette. The strong power unit, supplied by hydrogen cells, gives it power for all six wheels which allows for it to run fast and economical like a passenger car. The interior is designed for comfortable traveling, and occasionally living by two occupants. The rear pair of wheels works only when the heavy trailer is fastened. When a truck moves alone the wheels and trailer lock hides inside the body. Light trailers don’t require a rear pair of wheels.
• Trailer. The possibility to use many types of them transforms into a vehicle from cargo transporter, bus, camper or limo. The vehicle also can be useful for army, fire brigades, emergency, etc. The trailer wheels are powered by additional electrical motors and can turn to make maneuvering in the city easier.

My proposal for “wheels that appear bigger than they really are” is Tireless wheel made of identical flexible elements. Springiness of each segment allows eliminating classic tire.