Porsche’s race cars from the 1960s are canvases for functional art. Lightweight, streamlined and fitted with ducting and louvers, cars such as the Porsche 718 RS60 Spyder, 356B 1600GS Carrera GTL Abarth built by Zagato, 1965 904/6 prototype and the 907 had one objective: to win races.
Art Center graduate Tom Harezlak sought to inspiration from these iconic racing vehicles in the creation of the 903 concept, a vehicle which serves as an exhibition of ideas and tech that help it achieve its mission: ‘pulling its own weight.’ The concept proposes ways to reduce parts count, collect energy and conserve it.
To this end, the car’s 3D printed body also functions as its engine block as well as the seats, cooling system, and other components. The seats use the exterior surface as bolstering and are fitted with hammock-like stretchable seating materials, forgoing a traditional frame and foam to reduce weight. The wrench and jack are not stored away but double as interior grab handles.
Part of the car’s mission is a Silver Buckshot approach to sustainability, meaning every little bit matters. The lighting attracts and further fuels itself on insects and the biodiesel tank doubles as a muffler with the heat and CO2 further feeding algae-based biodiesel production.
The radii on the hood leads rainwater down to two channels with microturbines and let gravity provide a little extra juice for the battery. These are located in the rear and under the mesh seats as well. Even more significant is that this reveals how the car is intended to be left outside reducing the ecological impact of building a garage.
See more of Tom’s work on his website
