In our continuing series of FOX-style programming, we examine three more cases of design studios going rouge, designing things OTHER than automobiles (GASP!) while they have some down time during this wonderful economic period we have at the moment.

As designers, we take every opportunity possible to put our own spin on a product design and aesthetic.  Come along for the journey as we take a look at three more efforts by our auto design comrades.

The Pininfarina xten Office Chair

Cars have seats.  Offices need seats (chairs).  So, designers create office chairs.  And if you love your office chair full of expensive materials (the Technogel seating surface is made breathable and swamp-butt friendly) and styling cues from the last few Ferraris, then the xten is for you.

The Porsche Design RFF135

Designed for the Royal Falcon Fleet of Singapore, the RFF135 (catchy name and all) is the catamaran for those of us who can’t get enough of Bond movies.  The sketch is very much a traditional design school speedform.  Throw some big wheels on it, and you have your Sophmore year clay model.

The Lotus CIV (Concept Ice Vehicle)

While this doesn’t look like any Lotus we know, it definitely looks like it’ll do what it’s name suggests: explore Antarctic ice shelfs and glaciers… and probably at breakneck speed as well.  How do you slap a Lotus name on it and make it official?  Why, add in a prerequisite Recaro seat first, that’s how!