Enel, a global leader in renewable energy, launched ‘WinDesign,’ an international contest where talented professionals and students, in the domain of engineering, architecture and design, are invited to imagine and design new wind turbines. The goal is to develop turbines projects that blend more seamlessly into the landscapes that host them, thereby supporting a wider role for them in the energy transition.

A Contest for Win(d)-designers

Wind turbines are widely recognized as a symbol of clean, renewable energy; nevertheless, there is growing interest in reimagining their design to further harmonize with the surrounding landscape. In response to this challenge, Enel is launching a forward-thinking initiative aimed at transforming the visual and functional design of next-generation wind turbines. The WinDesign contest seeks to engage top-tier talent from around the world, offering financial incentives to encourage innovative solutions. The competition is open to seasoned professionals in architecture, engineering, and design, as well as to companies, start-ups, research institutions, universities, and students.

The Quest for “Innovability®”

The current competition is being managed through the Open Innovability Enel’s website, a platform specifically set up to attract innovative ideas from outside the company. The word Innovability®, combines innov-ation and sustain-ability, thereby highlighting the two essential ingredients to build tomorrow’s energy world.

Tech specs, and more

The competition calls for wind turbines that of course comply with the industry’s technical regulations and standards: three-blade rotor turbines, combining the most efficient and suitable solution with the least environmental impact. But the contest asks for more: in addition to their innovation and sustainability, proposals will be evaluated in terms of their design, technical and economic feasibility.

running tor rewards

The competition will be divided into two phases.

In Phase 1, participants-whether individuals or teams-are invited to submit their preliminary ideas on the Open Innovability platform by August 30, 2025. In September, Enel will announce the selected participants who will advance to Phase 2. Each shortlisted proposal at this stage will receive a reward of €5,000.

Phase 2 will remain open until November 29, 2025, and will focus on more detailed submissions, including full technical and economic feasibility studies. A jury-composed of academic experts and Enel representatives-will evaluate the final proposals, with winners to be announced between December 2025 and January 2026.

The first-place winner will receive €250,000, the second-place entry €150,000, and the third-place project €50,000. There will also be special awards of €15,000 for the best projects in terms of Design, Technical and Economic Feasibility, and, needless to say, Innovation and Sustainability. However, it is not possible for any single proposal to receive more than one award.

Beyond the contest

In addition to looking for brilliant, innovative ideas for the wind turbine of tomorrow, Enel is also keen to highlight innovation as the driver of the energy transition, to show that technology and sustainability must go hand in hand, and to demonstrate that global challenges, like the decarbonization process, can only be met by working together.

Enel SpA generates, delivers, and sells energy in 28 countries on five continents, serving 55 million customers, while 72% (63 GW out of 87 GW) of its installed capacity comes from renewable sources: not only wind, but also hydroelectric, photovoltaic, geothermal power plants, and storage plants. Enel is also leading the way in electric mobility, with some 29,600 public charging stations worldwide.

Guest Feature by Tatevik Avetisyan / ArchDaily

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The eVTOL Jetson ONE flies to Southern Poland and completes its trials for mountain rescue operations. Using two of its production-ready eVTOLs, which have already taken flight without the pilot’s control, the company traveled to multiple mountainous destinations around Poland, including Mt. Lubań, where the Jetson eVTOLs managed to reach the summit in under four minutes. The team says that the personal vehicle flew in strong and gusty crosswind conditions peaking at 36 miles per hour, which they add many helicopters struggle to cope with. During the rescue operations, Jetson’s eVTOL was able to operate from narrow spaces while manned by a single pilot. 

The test is a breakthrough for the team, who says that this could be ideal for rapid assistance in hard-to-reach places due to natural interventions such as floods, washed-out roads, or even inaccessible terrains. Stéphan D’haene, Jetson CEO, adds that the GOPR team has identified a real-life scenario where, ‘if the Jetson ONE is strategically placed on a mountain summit, it could cover an area up to 700 km² (270 mi²) of otherwise difficult-to-reach terrain.’ The mountain rescue operation trials took place when the GOPR Polish Mountain Rescue Team invited Jetson for tests. The representatives of other rescue organizations were also invited to observe and provide feedback so the flying vehicle’s team can evaluate and refine their aircraft’s systems whenever needed.

all images courtesy of Jetson

Personal flying vehicles for emergency use

In a report by the European Avalanche Warning Services, there were 71 fatalities around Europe between the seasons of 2024 and 2025. 21 casualties were reported from France and Switzerland, 11 in Italy, eight in Austria, five in Norway, two in Sweden and Spain, and one in Slovakia. Jetson’s mountain rescue operation tests have shown how eVTOLs can be used to quickly respond to these emergencies. Jarosław Jurczakiewicz, Head of the Podhale GOPR Group, describes how the trials aren’t a tech showcase of the flying personal aircraft.

‘Equipment like this could enable fast access to casualties, especially in situations where reaching them by ATV or on foot takes dozens of minutes if not longer depending on the availability of prepared mountain trails,’ he says. Aside from being a personal vehicle, Jetson is now looking into optimizing its eVTOL for life-saving rescue operations that can allow first responders to quickly reach destinations that were previously inaccessible. At the time of publishing, the company is setting up its new headquarters and expanding operations, including pilot training, in California.

the eVTOL Jetson ONE flies to Southern Poland and completes its trials for mountain rescue operations

the company traveled to multiple mountainous destinations around Poland, including Mt. Lubań

the team says that the vehicle flew in gusty, crosswind conditions peaking at 36 miles per hour

the aircraft was able to operate from narrow spaces while manned by a single pilot

view during the test flight

the vehicle could be ideal for rapid assistance in hard-to-reach places

view of the flying vehicle

the company is now looking into optimizing its aircraft for life-saving rescue operations

the trial ran in collaboration with GOPR Polish Mountain Rescue Team

project info:

model: Jetson ONE

company: Jetson | @jetsonaero

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Aston Martin unveils the Vantage S as a sharper version of its flagship front-engine sports car. The model is set to debut this weekend at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s positioned as the most performance-oriented variant in the current Vantage lineup, its upgraded design refining both the mechanical and visual character of the car. With 680PS from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and enhanced handling calibration, it reinforces the Vantage nameplate’s focus on driver engagement while referencing the brand’s legacy of high-performance ‘S’ derivatives.

images © Aston Martin

subtle Design Tweaks over the vantage

Subtle changes in the exterior design signal the Aston Martin Vantage S’s enhanced performance potential. A new front hood vent, finished in either gloss black or carbon fiber, adds visual weight and draws hot air away from the engine bay. At the rear, a full-width decklid spoiler generates 44kg of additional downforce at top speed, part of a broader aero package that contributes to a total of 111kg.

The enhancements continue underneath. Reworked suspension geometry, a stiffer rear subframe now mounted directly to the body, and revised damper tuning result in sharper turn-in response without compromising low-speed ride quality. The attention to refinement includes a ten percent reduction in transmission mount stiffness, allowing for more harmonious movement between powertrain and chassis.

the Aston Martin Vantage S debuts with subtle design changes and sharper dynamics

interiors emphasize a heritage of craft

Inside, the Vantage S builds on the standard model’s template with focused material choices and signature details. A mix of Alcantara and leather, accented with carbon fiber inlays, establishes a sport-oriented atmosphere. An embroidered ‘S’ on the seat shoulders, made from sixteen meters of thread and over 2,000 stitches, is a continuation of Aston Martin’s craft tradition.

Trim options expand on this theme with anodized finishes on the drive mode selector, matched to seatbelts and stitching. An available Inspire Sport interior package introduces semi-aniline leather in new color combinations, complete with chevron quilting and perforated patterns designed to evoke motion even at rest.

new hood vents and a rear spoiler improve cooling and increase downforce

Performance Adjustments Build on Familiar Foundation

Performance is slightly improved over the recently redesigned Vantage. The Vantage S reaches 60mph in 3.3 seconds. That’s just 0.1 seconds quicker than the base model. Meanwhile, the 202mph top speed is maintained. Beyond the headline figures, engineers worked on making the car feel more responsive. This includes tuning the throttle, adjusting the launch control, and fine-tuning how the car reacts to driver input in each drive mode. While these changes may seem incremental in isolation, together they sharpen the car’s feedback in ways experienced drivers will appreciate, especially those familiar with the current Vantage baseline.

the 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 now produces 680PS with quicker acceleration

chassis updates include a stiffer rear subframe and recalibrated dampers

the interior combines Alcantara and carbon fiber with S embroidery details

red and bronze accents tie the exterior and cabin design together

the Vantage S makes its debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed

project info:

model: Vantage S

company: Aston Martin | @astonmartin

The post aston martin unveils new vantage S, sharpened with subtle design upgrades appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

A series of colorful solar facades and photovoltaic murals give the SunRise tower in Alberta, Canada, renewable energy. Once an aging, 12-story residential building, the retrofit by Mitrex with murals by indigenous artist Lance Cardinal can help reduce carbon emissions by using the building-integrated photovoltaics. These are solar panels that don’t look like the regular ones with a bluish tint. Instead, they resemble tiles or panels, with the energy-absorbing technology hiding underneath them. 

The building-integrated solar facades and photovoltaic murals in Alberta, Canada, work as the sunlight hits the surface of the panels. During the retrofit, the company made sure that the system was large enough to meet the energy goals of the project, so they improved the original plan, which was only for a 60 kW system, and increased it to 267 kW. That big jump can help the building exceed the 50 percent carbon reduction target.

all images courtesy of Mitrex

solar facades and photovoltaic murals in alberta, canada

The colorful solar facades and photovoltaic murals outside of the SunRise tower in Alberta, Canada, double as street art. The building-integrated panels come in a mosaic of granite tones and bright orange, yellow, blue, and purple accents. The murals are found on the northern wall of the building, standing tall at 85 feet, by the Edmonton-based Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal. These photovoltaic murals next to the solar facades in Alberta, Canada, are a tribute to First Nations and Chinese cultures, which are part of the history of the area. It is dubbed the world’s largest BIPV mural, and at the time of publishing, it is being officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. The system is not painted but built directly into the solar panel system. 

Mitrex and the building team, including the architect MBC Group and the contractor Chandos Development, worked carefully to make sure the project would be realized. Before the renovation, the energy company studied the aging building’s needs, created energy models, tested panel colors, and planned a rainscreen system to keep the building safe from different weather conditions. In the end, Mitrex’s solar facades and photovoltaic murals were installed on all four sides of the building in Alberta, Canada (the murals being on the northern wall). The total system is 267 kilowatts, enough to create around 180,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year, and it is equal to the amount of power used by 23 homes in one year.

these solar facades and murals in Canada resemble tiles or panels with the energy-absorbing technology

they cover the four sides of the building

construction view of the solar facades and murals of SunRise tower in Canada

the retrofit by Mitrex with murals by indigenous artist Lance Cardinal can help reduce carbon emissions

view of the the retrofit by Mitrex with murals by indigenous artist Lance Cardinal

project info:

name: SunRise Retrofit

company: Mitrex | @mitrex_solar

artist: Lance Cardinal | @lancecardinal75

architect: MBC Group

contractor: Chandos Development | @chandosltd

location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 

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Samsung Electronics introduces the Galaxy Z Fold7, its thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone yet, equipped with 200 megapixel wide-angle camera. Announced during the Samsung Unpacked conference on July 9th, 2025, the company showcases the dubbed high-resolution camera with AI-enhanced imaging that automatically edits the lighting, detail, and realism of the photos and videos so they can stay sharp and vivid, even in low-light settings. Aside from the debut of the 200 megapixel wide-angle camera, there’s also a 10 megapixel 100-degree camera on the main display for group selfies. Several camera settings help improve the look of the images and videos.

Samsung says that for its thinnest foldable smartphone, the upgraded ProVisual Engine can process images faster so they save immediately in a single click and keep their crispness and detail. There’s also a Night Video, which comes with intelligent motion detection to separate moving subjects from still backgrounds and reduce noise in movements. For additional color depth, the 10-bit HDR can result in videos and photos with richer color, deeper contrast, and lifelike detail, ‘no matter the time of day,’ the company adds.

all images courtesy of Samsung

Unveiling Samsung’s thinnest foldable smartphone

Samsung’s thinnest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold7, weighs only 215 grams, which is even lighter than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra. When the phone is folded, it is 8.9 mm thick, and when unfolded, it becomes only 4.2 mm thick. On the outside, the device has a 6.5-inch screen, which is wider than the last model and uses a 21:9 aspect ratio, meaning the screen is easier to read, type on, and scroll through. It is also good for one-hand use, just like a normal phone. When users unfold Samsung’s thinnest foldable smartphone yet, the Galaxy Z Fold7 looks like a small tablet. The main screen is 8 inches wide, and it is 11 percent larger than the screen on the older version. 

The screen uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, showing deep black colors and bright, vivid details, and this screen also uses Vision Booster, and its brightness can go up to 2,600 nits to make it easier for the users to see the display during the day. Because of its large screen, the Galaxy Z Fold7 can double as a portable workspace, which is also ideal for multitasking. Users can open several apps at once, copy and paste between them, or drag files across the screen. In the same conference, the company also unveils the pocket-sized Z Flip7, with a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It is also the company’s slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet, measuring only 13.7mm when folded. Samsung’s thinnest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold7, as well as the Galaxy Z Flip7 are available from July 25th, 2025.

Samsung Electronics introduces Z Fold7, its thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone yet

side profile of the device

view of the device when folded

view of the smartphone when unfolded

the company also reveals the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet (shown on the right)

the phone also debuts the 200 megapixel wide-angle camera

project info:

name: Z Fold7 and Z Flip7

company: Samsung | @samsung

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Pagani unveils the Huayra Codalunga Speedster, an open-air interpretation of the coupé version the car manufacturer introduced in 2022. Designed by the Pagani Grandi Complicazioni division, the vehicle was sketched by Horacio Pagani, inspired by the racing cars of the 1950s and 1960s. The manufacturer expects to produce only ten examples, and the deliveries of the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster start in 2026. Works of artisans find space in the interiors of the vehicle. The first are the solid-milled metal parts like the gauges and meters, chiseled delicately by hand until they become small sculptures on the dashboard.

The racing-car influences of the previous eras come through the steering wheel and gear knob, reinterpreted using a carbon fiber frame, mahogany inserts, and aluminum rivets hammered and polished by hand. Throughout the interiors, the feel of the 1960s cabin spills over, with finishes in semi-matte. The car manufacturer also develops a fabric especially for the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, drawn from the techniques used in haute couture. The pattern takes design cues from the four-exhaust symbol of the Pagani Hypercars, which is a system of circles multiplying and overlapping. Each embroidered element has over 450,000 individual stitches, all made by hand, and owners can see them on the fabric dressing the seats, door panels, and center console.

all images courtesy of Pagani

side windows from the race cars in the 1940s and 1950s

For the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, the car manufacturer uses a new monocoque, which unites the body and the frame in one piece. The headlights are injected into the body, so they look like they are carved into the surface. The front bumper includes a splitter that pushes the air under and around the car. For the front window, the team lowers it so it connects with the roof or top, making the entire frame look like a teardrop when viewed from above, and the shape is softer compared to the company’s other hypercars. The side windows take inspiration from the race cars in the 1940s and 1950s, having a lower shape and curve at the back. The hardtop roof is removable too, and when it is on, it creates a continuous look from the front window to the rear.

Tradition plays a role in the design, with the doors opening sideways instead of raising upwards. Hidden air channels are under the car for ventilation and to give the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster a clean and smooth look. The roll bar, found at the back of the vehicle, connects the outside green shade to the semi-matte interiors, creating a visual flow from the exterior to the dashboard and gear lever. The rear bumper includes an air diffuser and two aero fins, which help push the car down to the road at high speeds, and the taillights look like they are floating. Then, there are six pipes around the car for the exhaust system, each made with titanium and ceramic coatings.

Pagani unveils the Huayra Codalunga Speedster, an open-air interpretation of the 2022 coupé version

Suspension system forged from aluminum alloy

For the monocoque of the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, the car manufacturer uses Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62, which makes the frame robust and lightweight at the same time. The suspension system, which helps stabilize the car, is made from forged aluminum alloy and has a double-wishbone layout. It also has variable-rate springs and coaxial shock absorbers so the suspension can change and adapt depending on the drive. The car’s braking system, made in partnership with Brembo, is made from carbon-ceramic, and at the front, the brake discs are 410 mm wide and 38 mm thick, with 6-piston calipers. 

At the rear, the discs are 390 mm wide and 34 mm thick, with 4-piston calipers. The open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster also has monolithic avional wheels, produced from a single piece of metal, and they are 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. They are fitted with Pirelli Trofeo R tires, which are high-performance tires used in racing. The design of the vehicle was inspired by cars from the 1950s and 1960s. The design team wants to bring this back, but not just the feeling of it. They want to revive the look, too. From 2026, ten owners of the open-air Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster can drive the vehicle and admire the sculptures throughout it.

the car manufacturer uses a new monocoque, which unites the body and the frame in one piece

the headlights are injected into the body, so they look like they are carved into the surface

the roll bar, found at the back of the vehicle, connects the outside green shade to the semi-matte interiors

the rear bumper includes an air diffuser and two aero fins

throughout the interiors, the feel of the 1960s cabin spills over

view of the seats

solid-milled metal parts, chiseled delicately by hand

the racing-car influences of the previous eras come through the steering wheel and gear knob

project info:

name: Open-air Huayra Codalunga Speedster

car manufacturer: Pagani | @paganiautomobili

division: Pagani Grandi Complicazioni

The post pagani debuts open-air speedster huayra codalunga with hand-chiseled sculptures in cabin appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

FusionFlight’s jet-powered personal VTOL Axion can be reconfigured into a flying racecar, an air ambulance, or a heavy-lift drone. Designed for a single pilot, the flying vehicle takes off with eight small jet engines instead of propellers. They use fuel rather than electricity, and for the design team, it gives the flying racecar slash air ambulance-suitable VTOL more power. The frame has a flat design to help the personal aircraft fly quicker while using less fuel, and this shape also allows the pilot to carry cargo or medical equipment either with them or below the flying vehicle since there’s a large space here dedicated for attachable tools and packages.

Axion’s tank can hold up to 30 gallons, giving it a long-range flight, and all the engines of the aircraft are placed inside the body of the vehicle rather than exposed. In this way, it keeps the engines safe and the flight quieter, especially with the jet engines. The team says that an important part of the flying racecar or air ambulance-suitable VTOL is the thrust vectoring system, which controls the direction of the jet engines and their power. It allows the vehicle to take off and land, even in rough or small spaces.

all images courtesy of FusionFlight

VTOL that can be turned into flying racecar or air ambulance 

FusionFlight’s Axion can drift in the air at up to 200 miles per hour, and the team says it is faster compared to other electric aircraft that use propellers. Another comment from the team is the fact that the vehicle uses fuel, which means the pilot doesn’t have to charge it and wait for hours before taking off again since filling the tank only takes a few minutes. In terms of size, the flying racecar or air ambulance-suitable VTOL can fit in a regular parking spot or even on top of a truck. Because it doesn’t use propellers, it can fly in narrow spaces like between trees or cliffs.

When it is on the ground, the VTOL’s engines send hot air to the front and back to keep the ground from getting damaged and make it safe for people to stand beside the aircraft even when the engines are running. The flying racecar or air ambulance-suitable Axion has eight engines built in pairs, so if one engine stops working, it can still fly safely using the other seven. The pilot can choose between manual or automatic control. In manual mode, the pilot uses joysticks to fly, while in automatic mode, the pilot picks a location on a screen, and the Axion will fly there by itself. So far, the VTOL is built on-demand, and the pilot can request to reconfigure it into a flying racecar, an air ambulance, or a heavy-lift drone, while still keeping the eight small jet engines around it.

side view of the flying vehicle

the personal aircraft has eight small jet engines around it

the frame has a flat design to help the personal aircraft fly quicker while using less fuel

this flat body shape also allows the pilot to carry cargo or medical equipment

project info:

name: Axion

company: FusionFlight | @fusionflight

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Rolls-Royce has unveiled a one-of-one embroidered Phantom Dentelle in Dubai, commissioned by a Middle Eastern client as a gift for their father. The automotive project was overseen by the brand’s Private Office Dubai, a regional hub dedicated to personal commissions.

The design takes inspiration from a piece of rare couture lace, chosen for its intricate floral elements and luminous texture. Crafted on a traditional Leavers loom, the lace’s dimensional detailing informed both the embroidered interior and bespoke exterior finish.

images courtesy Rolls-Royce

160,000 stitches create intricate interiors

Inside the Roll-Royce, the full-width Gallery — a defining feature of the Phantom — displays a custom embroidered panel. Rolls-Royce designers interpreted the lace through over 160,000 stitches, layering eight embroidery techniques in colors such as Rose Gold, Sunrise, and Oatmeal.

The result is a mesh-like base made with a triple-run stitch, overlaid with satin and raised embroidery to evoke the sheen and contours of couture floral forms. The stitching captures shifts in light, creating a quiet shimmer throughout the cabin.

Rolls-Royce unveils a Phantom Dentelle with embroidered interiors

finishing details of rose gold

Echoing the Gallery, the Waterfall between the rear seats is embroidered with 70,000 additional stitches. Its pattern continues the lace-inspired motif with tonal harmony and detailed botanical elements. Rose Gold finishes appear throughout, including on the speaker grilles and treadplates.

The interior is upholstered in a pairing of Sunrise and Grace White leathers. RR monograms are embroidered into the headrests, and the veneer surfaces are rendered in a high-gloss Piano White.

the design draws from handmade couture lace woven on a rare Leavers loom

The Phantom Dentelle’s exterior is finished in a two-tone palette of Crystal over Arctic White and Crystal over Palais Nemasker Dawn — a bespoke color reserved for the client. A double coachline in Sunrise resolves in a hand-painted branch motif, referencing the embroidery within.

The 22-inch polished Disc wheels include body-colored centers and Arctic White pinstripes. The polished Pantheon Grille is topped with a Rose Gold Spirit of Ecstasy, a detail echoed in the engraved treadplates.

over 160,000 stitches are used to create the Gallery embroidery inside the Phantom

the rear Waterfall features an additional 70,000 stitches, echoing the Gallery design

a hand-painted coachline in Sunrise resolves in a floral motif referencing the lace

the exterior paint combines Crystal over Arctic White with Palais Nemasker Dawn

Rose Gold accents appear on the speaker grilles and engraved treadplates

project info:

name: Rolls-Royce Phantome Dentelle

brand: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The post rolls-royce reveals one-of-one phantom dentelle with embroidered interior appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Oilstainlab’s HF-11 vehicle reflects retro-modern design inspired by classic Porsche and the Canadian-American Challenge Cup race cars. To appear at the JDM vs EURO car show in Los Angeles, US, on July 12th, 2025, the lightweight supercar uses two-layer, aerospace carbon fiber for a robust frame, and its butterfly-winged doors open extensively enough to already showcase the cabin from the outside. Stepping inside, the Porsche race car-inspired HF-11 by Oilstainlab, the use of carbon fiber continues throughout the seats with three-point seatbelts.

The modern touch comes through the digital gauges and display as well as the rear camera, push-button handbrake, and start button to fire up the vehicle. Even the mirror is digital, equipped with a high-definition display. One of the retro design elements, which also hints at the race cars in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup as well as some classic Porsches, appears as the racing helmets stored in the doors of the vehicle. Oilstainlab wants HF-11, inspired by classic Porsches and race cars, to look clean; hence, the absence of dramatic and sculpted lines on the exterior.

all images courtesy of Oilstainlab

oilstainlab’s HF-11 inspired by classic Porsches and race cars

At the back of the vehicle, passersby see parts of the engine and power system where they’re traditionally hidden. The design team leaves them semi-open to show the inner workings and designs of the supercar. The fenders above the wheels are big enough to cover the wide tires, designed to reduce drag and increase the vehicle’s road grip. The team also shaped the side of the car downward to guide the air towards that direction and keep it stable at high speeds. There’s also a hidden rear wing to give the vehicle additional downforce.

Specs-wise, the Oilstainlab HF-11, inspired by classic Porsches and race cars, uses a custom suspension system from Öhlins and features a double-wishbone system for both front and rear for ideal racing-level handling. The manual steering has an electronic assist, and the engine comes with two flat-six options as well as an electric version. The engine lies behind the driver but in front of the rear wheels, and it is naturally aspirated without a turbocharger. The base horsepower is 600 hp, but it can go up to 1,200 hp. So far, Oilstainlab has already opened the pool of ownership for the lightweight HF-11, so drivers can own the vehicle inspired by classic Porsches and race cars.

Oilstainlab’s HF-11 vehicle reflects retro-modern design inspired by Porsche and race cars

roof view of the vehicle

no dramatic and sculpted lines on the exterior for a clean look

side view of the vehicle

the hood, trunk, and doors open upward

the vehicle as butterfly-winged doors

there are digital displays and gauges inside the cabin

the team says owners can customize the interiors

even the mirror is digital, equipped with a high-definition display

project info:

name: HF-11

design: Oilstainlab | @oilstainlab

The post oilstainlab’s HF-11 evokes retro-modern design inspired by porsche and can-am race cars appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Electrom releases an upgraded slim e-bike that still resembles a velomobile and comes with a movable top and a spacious locker at the back. Designed to travel long distances, the single-seater vehicle has a built-in cowling, or a body cover, that lifts up and down and keeps the biker’s legs protected from the weather conditions. It is made from polycarbonate, which is a robust and flexible plastic that bends instead of breaking in case of accidents. The cowling can also improve aerodynamics, allowing Electrom’s slim e-bike to cut through air more efficiently.

This part also protects the rider when it rains, but for full coverage, they may need to provide their own jacket and helmet (and even a full-body tarpaulin to wrap it around the e-bike as they cruise). The ride has a swing-away front fairing as well as a center stand to help the rider get on and off easily. For Electrom’s slim e-bike, there are no gears to shift. There’s only a throttle and a series of brakes and turn signals, avoiding complications during riding. Since the ride is considered a legal e-bike, riders can use it on bike lanes, sidewalk parking, and even through traffics.

all images courtesy of Electrom

generator chain drive gives a speed boost

Even if Electrom’s slim e-bike resembles a velomobile, it still only has two wheels instead of a typical three- or four-wheeled bike. The tires, wheels, and suspension system are made to handle rough surfaces, and if someone needs even more distance or speed, they can add extra batteries. A feature that the design team wants to highlight is the generator chain drive, which means that the rider doesn’t need to pedal, but if they want to, this chain drive gives the e-bike a boost. When they pedal, the energy is sent in two directions: some goes to the rear wheel, while some is used to generate electricity. Since Electrom’s slim e-bike is built for long-distance travel, riders can use it for up to 200 kilometers on a single charge, which is also enough for multiple city commutes.

For those who need to carry items, there’s an optional locker box that sits behind the rider. It can hold up to over 100 liters of cargo and is waterproof, which the company says makes it ideal for shopping bags and deliveries, even during rainy days. For Electrom’s slim e-bike, the design team uses as many standard bicycle parts as possible. They say it’s easier then to find and replace the broken parts of the ride. The aluminum frame is custom-made at Electrom’s workshop in Canada, as are the carbon fiber and polycarbonate panels used in the body. The e-bike’s colors are added using automotive vinyl wraps, so owners can change the designs without needing to paint it. 

the kicktstand is just behind the front wheel, positioned in the middle

the Electrom slim e-bike comes with a movable dome

the top also protects the rider when it rains or it is too sunny

detailed view of the two-wheeler

riders can use their cloth for full coverage

the two-wheeler has no gears to shift

project info:

company: Electrom | @electrom_lev

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edited by: matthew burgos | designboom

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