Our friends at Local Motors have just announced the winners of their recent Pacific Northwest competition.  The comp, aimed at designing a vehicle for the “beautiful extremes” found in the region — earth, wind, water, fire — with the principle idea of thriving in the elements, received over 75 unique concepts.

The winning entry, Pierre Gimbergues’ “GAIA” concept, is a four-seat roadster dedicated to letting the wind flow through our hair as we traverse the trails heading to our mountain-bike starting points.  The vehicle’s high ride height are further accentuated by the definitive shoulder-to-body break, in which the upper portion of the vehicle’s bodyside is defined by an elemental color (green, red, blue, brown) and the lower by a darker, textured material capable of surviving the pounding of the terrain.

Recently, the quickly-growing LM has noted that any of the concepts that win a competition have the ability to become a future vehicle, should there be enough desire and feedback to do so.  Time will tell if the GAIA will be seen on the road, but it’s a promising start.

Other winners included Olivier Poulet’s “PANGEA” in 2nd Place and Marc Senger’s “Pacific Motors Rove” in third.

More images and full press release below.

GAIA – 1st Place

PANGEA – 2nd Place

Rove – 3rd Place

April 8, 2010
For Immediate Release: Local Motors designers from  around the world compete to design the perfect car for the Pacific Northwest Car enthusiasts from around the world designed cars specifically for the Pacific Northwest – here are the top 3 winners, which could be built by Local Motors.

The Challenge: Design a vehicle to inspire the drivers of the Pacific Northwest to “Thrive in the Elements”. With Earth, wind, fire and water as your guide design a car for an atmosphere of beautiful extremes. The Local Motors community answered this challenge with over 75 unique concepts designed for the region.
The community including folks from the Pacific Northwest voted to choose the winners. Local Motors is the only car company that allows the community to participate in the car designs, engineering and build processes. Depending on continued support for the following designs, Local Motors may bring them to market and build the most desired vehicles in the Pacific Northwest.
1st Place
Pierre Gimbergues
GAIA
Versailles, France
Styling Details: Gaia is a 4-seat all-terrain roadster. With  open top and dedicated rear storage for bikes and boards, it is designed for outdoor enjoyment. The muscular  proportions and modest size demonstrate its agility.
www.local-motors.com/press

Powertrain: Powered by electric Wheel Motors fueled by a flat battery pack integrated into the chassis.
How does this design allow people in the Pacific Northwest to “Thrive in the Elements”? According to Pierre, “The concept is that of a dynamic SUV which could turn into an all-road roadster or an extreme spider. This feature permits a feeling of freedom and cool sensation. The objective was to create a versatile SUV for the athletic people of the Pacific Northwest, allowing them to “Thrive in the Elements”.
2nd Place
Olivier Poulet
PANGEA
France
Styling Details: Modular possibilities with an equally attractive cabriolet or closed top version. Built
with every space utilized for functional storage, this 5 passenger small scale CUV style vehicle has
incredible, and variable capability. With personalizable block coloring, bioplastic materials and optional solar panels, this is a vehicle for a driver who cares both about his/her carbon footprint, as well as an attractive ride.

Powertrain: Electric, additionally powered by solar panels if desired.
How does this design allow people in the Pacific Northwest to “Thrive in the Elements”? Olivier
designed for “youth, or people with a young spirit who can not stay in one place. They need to move,
discover, and explore new territories. They are ready to experience any new extreme sports – while
being responsible toward the environment.”
www.local-motors.com/press

3rd Place
Marc Senger
Pacific Motors Rove
Massachusetts, USA
Styling Details: Marc has incorporated features fit for specific use cases taken directly from car lovers in the Pacific Northwest. The thoughtful details like the stream assist paddles, seed planter and clothes drying bins make this special, while the overall proportions, existing powertrain incorporation and material usage make it feasible.

Powertrain: Subaru 2.0l Biodiesel engine paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries for added range and efficiency (52 mpg combined mileage).
www.local-motors.com/press

How does this design allow people in the Pacific Northwest to “Thrive in the Elements”? Marc
designed for a personal testimony from a Pacific Northwestern. “Evan, a barista on Monday and thrill seeker on Saturday seeks thrills with hills, not gas fills. That’s why the Rove uses a torquey 2.0 liter biodiesel boxer engine to help maintain a low center of gravity, paired with lithium iron phosphate batteries for added range and efficiency (52 mpg combined mileage) and all-wheel drive. In the case that Evan transcends the cusp of civilization and gets stranded, he doesn’t want to rely on his iPhone to notify rescue. That’s why Rove has a built-in distress beacon. And following a long hike, Evan can fill up his water bottle in the “Lifeline” center stack H20 stream, filtered by natural cotton, sand, and gravel elements, and sleep with the aid of its audible trickle.”

About Local Motors
Local Motors is a new American car company setting an exciting and sustainable course to design,
manufacture, and sell cars. Revolutionary yet simple, Local Motors creates a direct connection with
customers who guide design development based on personal desires. The outcome of this open,
collaborative process is meaningful, exciting cars designed specifically for car enthusiasts in local areas.
Local Motors will build micro-factories in regions where demand is highest. Cars are built and sold
from the micro-factories on a just-in-time basis. Both the products and process are sustainable. Local Motors vehicles feature best-in-class fuel efficiency. The development and manufacturing process dramatically reduces waste while maintaining the flexibility to incorporate new, efficient technologies as they emerge.
The first Local Motors design concept to be designed by a community of enthusiasts and talented
designers worldwide, is the Rally Fighter by Sangho Kim. View the Rally Fighter and contribute to the future design and development at www.local-motors.com.
Contact: Ariel Ferreira, aferreira@local-motors.com, (989) 600-0534