Aera Design Study (United States of America, 2010)

General Motors entry to the LA Auto Show Design Challenge 2010 was the Cadillac Area, a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe, with a range of 1000 miles before refueling. The car achieves performance and efficiency without compromising size, capacity and safety. It also takes Cadillac’s design philosophy of “Art and Science” into new territory with an new approach to ultra-light weight vehicle design. According to Cadillac, the Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist approach to long distance luxury touring.

Aera’s body structure utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame and is similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed from unique, alloy-utilizing, semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a strong, extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially “grown” into a single part lattice structure.

The vehicle drives using the harnessed power of compressed air via a Pneumatic Drive System (PDS). Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has capacity for a 1000 mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.

Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) promotes active safety.

In 2010 the Design Challenge was awarded at the Los Angeles Auto Show for the 7th time. Clearly, the challenge 2010 was referring to the need for society to minimize consumption of the earth's resources and produce and consume more sustainably.

The major automotive design studios were invited to develop an efficient, light-weight, four passenger vehicle (not to exceed 1,000 lbs./454 kg kerb weight), that is both comfortable and safe, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the styling consumers demand. For the first time studios from Germany and Japan took part in the competition which gives studios a chance to explore new ideas in automotive design.