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Description:
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In researching the basis of my retro futuristic design, I found
the
Peugeot 402 series most intriguing.The romantic, sweeping lines
of the 1938 Peugeot 402 and 402B seem to be reminisant of an era
when “streamlining” was evident in everything from Architecture
to railroad locomotives.But it was the 1938 two seat Darl’mat
that truly inspired this exercise in retrofuturism. The
Darlmat Form is still visually exciting to look at. yet the basic
front engined,
rear drive concept could benefit greatly from 21st century technology.With
the
advent of new automotive technologies It has become more viable
than ever to
produce cars that are practical yet visually striking. My Idea
of such a design is the Peugeot 402 Retrospect Darl’mat.
Design Elements:
In this exersise, I wanted to retain certain design elements
of the original
402. It was important to let the design ”evolve” by fusing the
old with the
new. The lines are kept clean and simple. Semi rounded shapes
are enhanced with
folds and creases at key points of the body, creating a mixture
of both hard
and soft edges.Evoking the stance of vintage grand prix race
car, the
Clamshell shaped fenders are set out and away from main body
the wider wheelbase
provides better stability the “fuselage shaped body gradually
tapers off at the
front and to the rear.Flanking each side, the continuous A-pillar
sweeps back
radically, flowing in a graceful ellipse; cascading into the
rear C- pillar .
The windscreen and door shut line follow the same pattern, forming
a sleek
silhouette adding to the retro futuristic aspect of this concept.The
subtle but
abrupt kam-back, rear completes the package. The combination
of both hard and rounded surfaces create a design which is balanced.
More importantly, I feel a redeeming factor in retro design
is what was considered streamlining back in 1938 could be by
todays standards aerodynamically efficient.
Technical elements:
Good design can yield many innovative technical attributes. New
technology
presents new possibilities in a concept’s design. It is exciting
to see and
utilize new technologies
as they emerge into the automotive industry. More importantly,
I feel that
new and emerging technologies can fuel novel design. This is very
evident in
this particular exersise
The fold away headlamps when not activated lights flop back into
the fenders.
When the lights are turned on, the headlamps “pop’ to attention.
this
technology is not new, Peugeot had worked with such a concept
back in the
forties.But with new technologies, headlamps are getting smaller,
lighter and can be more easily adapted into this type of situation.
The windscreen glass uses liquid quartz technology to electronically
tint sections or the entire canopy to filter out unwanted light
or darken completely
for privacy. The centrally located control console utilizes drive
by wire
technology,allowing the car to be operated from either side, left
or right.
In 1939, Peugeot offered a two seat sports version of this
car in England.
Inspired by the 1937 lemans prototype that was capable of speeds
of over 90
m.p.h. Specially prepared by Emile Darl’mat,only 200 were made.
The modified 402 engine, the 302 chassis made a wonderful balance
of speed and beauty. In my eyes, it is the perfect Peugeot to
revive for the 21st century.
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