Image Copyright : Cadillac
Cadillac Aera Concept 2010
Since past 7 years a design challenge is held in LA along with the LA Auto Show, where designers from seven auto makers show their best futuristic designs. This year, Cadillac Aera Concept, an entry from GM Advanced Design team won the LA Design Challenge. The goal for this years design challenge was to envision the '1,000 lb car', lightweight 4 passenger vehicle that maintains comfort, safety, driving performance and style while staying in the weight requirement limits.
The Aera is powered by compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System that has a 10,000-psi composite air storage tank with capacity for a 1,000-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.