Few industrial design students can expect, while still students, to design an entire car—both the interior and exterior—that will actually be prototyped. But that's exactly the opportunity pursued by Daniel Rauch, who was studying ID at Germany's Folkwang University of the Arts back in 2017. In conjunction with the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, German industrial engineering conglomerate Thyssenkrupp was developing the third generation of their blue.cruiser, a solar-powered car, and tapped Rauch for the project. Thyssenkrupp and the university then actually built a functioning prototype of Rauch's design.
"The design of the thyssenkrupp blue.cruiser combines the silhouette of a classic coupe with a clear and modern design language."
"As a student at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Daniel Rauch designed the entire vehicle (exterior, interior, color and trim) on his own. He accompanied the process from the first sketches and concepts, through simulation CAD models and production data, to the final design and ensuring implementation down to the last detail."
"More efficient and practical for everyday use than ever before, the new four-seater features a spacious and modern interior. Innovative lightweight steel structures characterize the development of the body: the lattice frame with roll cage, the specially developed steel rims and the rear seat made of the sandwich material LITECOR represent the increased use of steel and have the advantage of making the car particularly light - without compromising on safety. In addition, as in any other sports coupe, there are special features such as distance warning, central locking, info display, heated seats and electrically adaptable suspension for maximum driving comfort."
I do wonder what happened to the car, but the website for it doesn't mention its current condition nor whereabouts.
Today Rauch is a fully minted industrial designer with his own firm. You can check out his work here.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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Industrial Design Student's Solar Car was Actually Prototyped
Great story and super elegant design. I love the steel rims, they remind me of the rare 16 inch light metal alloys that Audi made for their first gen A8 - also known as the winter alloys. The long hood is also a great look and the raised nose - like a shark. Awesome.
Who said all solar powered race cars have to be ugly :-)
It took part in driving 3.000 kilometers through the Australian outback.
In 2017 it was 2nd in the 2017 World_Solar_Challenge cruiser class.
More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Solar_Challenge#2017
And where to find it? ... Well here:
https://www.bosolarcar.de/news/detail/article/der-thyssenkrupp-bluecruiser-im-deutschen-museum/
That said, I'm bias. My favorite - not as sexy, but more effective - the "Solar Team Eindhoven".