German design is normally not known for outlandish concepts. And in a Design Challenge where you can let your Studio go wild, the same can be said about VW’s entry, the Slipstream.

This vehicle concept is so reserved that I could have sworn I’ve seen it in several Japanese auto shows in years past.

Q: So, how does VW take a design that will probably actually happen in 2057 and present it for the Design Challenge?

A: They get their best artists to create breath-taking futuristic scenes and images that are solely based on eye-candy.

I don’t care how reserved the concept is… give me the images as a desktop for my MacBook!

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It’s apparent from this year’s entries who has some amazing sketch talents. Toyota was able to take their entry in the 2007 Design Challenge, the Biomobile, a rather tame concept (compared to the rest) and give it that “WOW” factor with some hot sketches. After reading that run-on sentence, you are probably going to ask me what the concept entails.

Well noble readers, the concept is a vehicle that sucks in pollution and utilizes it for power, all the while bending and stretching to get around in a world where the only way to develop land is vertically.

Not a new idea by any means, but the “Matrix”- themed styling is interesting to look at. Pretty colors and lights… mmmmmmm…

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In the I Just Watched an Anime, so I’m Pretty Sure a Japanese OEM Will Mass-Produce This by 2012 category comes a new entrant: The Nissan OneOne.

Evidently, Nissan didn’t learn from the other signs of the impending Robotocalypse and have created this vehicle meant to watch your children, buy your groceries, and murder you in the night when you are sleeping.

To find out how you can avoid being robotically gutted, read on. Read more

According to the Terminator movies, the battle between man and machine continues as the T-1000 melts its way into our bleeding hearts. Well, label this Mercedes concept for the Design Challenge as the first sign of the impending robot apocalypse.

Press Release and Photos after the break. Read more

The results are in for the winner of the 2018 Mazda 3 concept. Mallory McMorrow told it best when asked what the future 3 should embrace.

I want a MAZDA3 that gets me — the everyday sports car, the 5-door that makes me forget I own a 5-door.”

Don’t we all Mallory.

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Well this probably won’t help but it will look like you know what your are doing or look ridiculous trying. In todays “formless” design world this is pretty extreme. Could organic design be coming back?  I hope not but I am sure it will happen some time. Just like the dull uninspiring eighties fashion style is coming back. Why, do we have nothing better to offer. This is a pretty cool piece to have laying on your desk….. for someone to swipe, and at $150 bones that makes for one lucky swiper.

More pics below…..

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Cleveland Institute of Art unveils MVRDV design for $53 million expansion

The CIA has kicked design up a notch over the last few years taking in many awards and getting great job placement. To keep the success moving they are upgrading their campus with an architectural look toward the future. This will contrast nicely to the existing building which was used as a Model T factory back in the day. Check out the pics below and post your thoughts. The Cleveland neighbors aren’t sure what to think being very conservative themselves. Who better than an art school to push the boundaries as to what good design is.

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Check out this hilarious interview with the big three on the future of the automobile….. Onion News Network anchor Brandon Armstrong argues passionately for the existence of flying cars.

Mean Automakers Dash Nation’s Hope For Flying Cars

Although no date was really given, here is the info for the CCS/Toyota Lecture Series featuring Karim Rashid:

Karim Rashid is a world-renowned designer of products and space, with over 2,500 products to market.

Lecture: 4pm; Reception following

Wendell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium, Walter B. Ford II Building

College for Creative Studies

Limited seating and parking (structure on Brush St.) / Both are on a first-come, first-served basis

After the lecture, follow us to MOCAD for a night of Art and the Sound of Design

9pm, No Cover

w/special guest Karim Rashid aka DJ Kreemy

Playful, bold, unforgettable in personality and design, DJ Kreemy spins a set at MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART DETROIT, yet another spin on Rashid himself. Also performing live Jeremy “Ayro” Ellis

9pm at MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART DETROIT

4454 Woodward Detroit MI. 48201 313.832.6622

We all knew it was coming: Ford is (finally) developing a unified design language. From the early 00’s “new edge” design, to the overly geometric design of the 24/7, to today’s “kinetic design” in Europe, Ford is one company who rarely stands still when it comes to developing and nurturing a design language.

That is all about to change, and most of us are up tempo that this will help unify Ford design worldwide, as well as bring some great design talent and ideas Stateside.

Read on for the article from Automotive News.

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