GAC design unveils ‘van life’, an electrified and compact car concept for long distance travels
'GAC car culture 2: van life' at milan design week 2023 At the 2023 edition of the Salone del Mobile, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group) unveiled »
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‘GAC car culture 2: van life’ at milan design week 2023
At the 2023 edition of the Salone del Mobile, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group) unveiled ‘GAC Car Culture 2: Van Life’ — a new electrified, compact, and streamlined car concept for long road travels. Envisioned as an alternative to airplanes, this latest futuristic design follows the company’s ‘Car Culture 1 – Barchetta’, first revealed in October 2022 during the opening ceremony of its Milan Advanced Design Studio (see designboom’s feature HERE).
focusing on freedom, discovery, sharing, and adventure
‘The GAC Car Culture Series aims to go beyond the traditional concept of a vehicle, designing objects that not only transport people but create lasting memories and experiences. The ‘Van Life exhibit at Milan Design Week embodies this vision, showcasing GAC’s design philosophy and culture. In the future, GAC plans to continue exploring more new car culture series projects, driving innovation and development in car design. With its focus on freedom, discovery, sharing, feeling, and remembering this car represents the ultimate symbol of adventure and exploration, allowing you to travel wherever your heart desires,’ writes the automotive brand.
electrified, low-carbon, and customizable car design
GAC Milan’s Design Director Stephane Janin and Studio Chief Yann Jarsalle joined forces to develop the ‘Van Life’ car exterior and interior. Together, they optimized the silhouette for long journeys while revisiting driving performance with efficient electrification technology. The interior features a simple structure that can be customized to fit the passengers’ needs. The cabin is versatile and allows for sleeping arrangements on long journeys. Passengers can plug or attach any necessary equipment, such as seats, screens, storage, trays, lamps, and a hammock.
On the other hand, the car focuses on using and reusing existing features, reducing the carbon footprint and waste. It incorporates a new generation solid-state battery, which is safer, more efficient, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium-ion batteries. Most parts of ‘The Van Life’ are made from recycled waste materials such as plastic but also long-lasting high-tech materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, making it lightweight and range-efficient. Furthermore, the car’s unique wheel tread system allows it to maintain traction on various terrains, such as mud, sand, and rocky surfaces.
Last but not least, an AD navigation system takes over driving, even in roadless, remote locations, using the position of the stars in the sky to find its way in case there is no network.
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project info:
name: GAC Car Culture 2: Van Life
studio: GAC Design
head designer: Fan Zhang
car interior + exterior: Stephane Janin | @sjanindesign, Yann Jarsalle
visualization + sound: Alexis Poncelet, Edouard Suzeau, Kevin Abramo (visualization only)
chief modeling: Thomas Pellerin
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
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