Flights of fantasy in LA


Lightweight cars of the future were on display at the Design Los Angeles section of the LA Auto Show.

The Maybach Den Riki Sha

The Maybach DRS Image: Design Challenge LA

The full scale design concepts were all aimed at preserving the environment, while providing space for four passengers in comfort and weighing no more than 1,000lbs (453kg).

The Design Challenge, previously only open to LA-based auto design studios, was extended to include designers from Germany and Japan.

Possibly the most bizarre entry was the Maybach DRS, Den-Riki-Sha, an electric powered rickshaw propelled by a computer-controlled, self-balancing electric drive unit.

The Mercedes Biome

The Mercedes-Benze Biome Image: Design Challenge LA

Other entries included concepts from  Entries also came from GM, Volvo and the Mercedes-Benz Biome - a car made from a material called BioFibre, grown in a plant nursery from 'Mercedes DNA' and a harvested fluid called BioNectar4534.