Opel
Icona
The
Opel Icona concept is the work of skilled Colombian designer Juan Pablo Bernal
P, who created the concept while an intern at Opel's design studio. The concept
was developed as part of his final year project for the Umea Institute of
Design in Sweden.
The
Opel Icona concept was conceived for the year 2050, and to accompany the
concept Juan Pablo created a fictional future in which the Opel Icona concept
plays a role.
The
Opel Icona's design is driven by both form and function. It's an attractive and
sporty looking vehicle, which at the same time manages to provide the space and
packaging for a number of very clever features.
The
sail folds away into a compartment behind the driver, while the keel - which
helps provide stability while in the water - is neatly hidden under a panel at
the lower rear of the Icona when not in use.
The
rear wheels of the Opel Icona have two positions. Land mode - obvious really,
that's when they're down and provide power when on land. And water mode -
that's when they are pulled back up into two housings where they sit flush with
the bodywork. When in water mode they can be used as impellers to drive water
jets which provide thrust for the vehicle.
Unfortunately
the Opel Icona is only a two-seat vehicle - with room for only one adult and
one child. This, coupled with the fact it provides the occupants with no
protection from the weather, would make it impractical for most single-car
families. However if a four-seat, fully enclosed version were ever developed it
could provide some of the answers to the world's future transportation
problems.
