L.A. Auto Show’s Design Challenge 2009

What emotional connection will the young generation of 2030 have with the automobile? Having grown up with ultra modern technology and virtual communities, they will probably have a different understanding of transportation. This is the subject grazed this year for the design challenge.

The big automakers have come up with different responses.

Audi presented two concepts, the eOra and the eSpira. They are controlled by the driver’s thoughts and body movement.

At General Motors, driving was mixed with a video game for "Car Hero." As the car heads to a destination, the driver is challenged by making some skilful moves at the right time, as in the game Guitar Hero. As the driver improves, the system allows him or her to gain more control over the car and the car progressively decreases its wheels from 4 to 1.

With the Helix, Honda takes some hints from biotechnology. Using materials that can change shapes combined with the driver’s DNA, the vehicle will adapt itself based on changes in the driver. The Helix is also capable of being modified into 3 different positions to adapt to traffic conditions.

Madza takes its Souga concept and gives the owner the freedom to create and customize his or her vehicle, starting with a standard base price. The order is then quickly sent to production.

At Nissan the future will depend on an electric roadway system called the "GRID." The teens of 2030 will ride the V2G (Vehicle To Grid) system and the old highways will become obsolete.

Finally, Toyota chose to embellish communication with the "Link," which is self-serving and runs on spheres instead of wheels. The system allows the driver to locate friends and lets the driver travel with them and exchange music, etc.