We’ve been seeing a torrential and exciting downpour of automotive designs at Yanko Design for the past few months. Each automotive was innovative, bringing to us something we had never seen nor experienced before. From killer speed to dashing good looks, to impenetrable safety standards, every automotive we featured at YD broke some design barrier for us, and hopefully, they did the same for you as well. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of automotive designs that we feel were the best of the lot. From a bicycle with square wheels to an eVTOL aircraft that doesn’t need a pilot’s license– each of these drool-worthy automobiles is mercilessly pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry. Automotive enthusiasts will be itching to get their hands on them, and take them for a spin on the streets!
1. Ford Mini Bronco
Designed by Mexico-based Kobayashi, the Ford Mini Bronco gives us a thrilling glance into the year 2030 – the year which this unique and mindblowing car has been designed for. The Mini Bronco is equipped with modern elements, amped by a compact, two-door configuration, which brings to mind the Suzuki Jimny. The automotive is designed to redefine the off-road segment, by offering it with a refreshing and rather unique perspective.
2. Palladio
Dubbed Palladio, this concept for a hybrid yacht is designed to be ultra-light and can speed up to 55 knots maximum. It looks straight out of a sci-fi movie set in water and features a futuristic, mouth-shaped, avant-garde design that gives the impression that a pod is cruising through the waters. The yacht is made from carbon fiber propelled via twin Castoldi jets, and powered by two FTP engines.
3. Vanderer Citroën 2CV Electric Mini Camper Van
Vanderer is a niche automotive design firm that recently designed a beautiful electric mini camper van inspired by the iconic Citroën 2CV. The classic 2CV was given a futuristic transformation, harmoniously merging the charm of the past with the sustainability of the present. It features an integrated electric powertrain and provides a clean and eco-friendly driving experience.
4. Gordieiev’s Bicycle with Square Wheels
Say hello to the bicycle with square wheels. Designed by Sergii Gordieiev, this innovative bicycle is like a war tank moving on its metal tracks without any wheels! The wheels on the bicycle don’t roll, but instead, the rubber on the conveyor belt-like platform rotates as soon as you hit your foot on the pedal. It is completely usable in a city, and you can take turns on it.
5. Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car
Called the Xpeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, this eVTOL flying car is designed and developed by AeroHT electric aviation wing of the Chinese auto company XPeng. Unlike most of the traditional ideas found on the market, this modular flying car has a unique and different approach, it features a two-part design – one part car, and the other an eVTOL, allowing it to seamlessly switch between land and aerial modes.
6. Helix
Dubbed Helix, this lightweight electric VTROL aircraft is designed by a Palo Alto, California-based company Pivotal, and it has been in the works for about a decade. It doesn’t need a runway or pilot’s license to go airborne! It features fixed rotors and tandem wings, and is a single-seat aircraft that can be flown without an FAA pilot certification!
7. Electric Mobility Bicycle
This Cake bike-inspired electric bicycle takes the hybrid nature of personal commuters to a whole another level. The commuter has a modular nature that makes it ideal for different kinds of users. The bicycle takes inspiration from everyday gadgets, featuring a sleek form without compromising on the bike’s robust aesthetic at all. Although the saddle does have an awkward shape, that may not be comfy for the rider for long durations.
8. Renault 5 E-Tech
The French carmaker Renault debated its iconic sports car in a retro-modern avatar called the Renault 5 E-Tech. The modernized and cute version carries the same fun and styling in an eco-friendly version. It has more rugged wheel arches, as well as a boxier body frame and a flowing soft-top roof. The original bonnet air intake has been morphed into a charging port.
9. Mitsubishi DX Concept
Dubbed the Mitsubishi DX Concept, this compact and versatile lifestyle van is designed to perfectly portray the company’s commitment to boosting the arena of adventure travel. It is called the “tiny adventure van”, and has a rather futuristic and innovative design. It was presented at the Japanese Mobility Show, a show that focuses on awakening the “adventurous spirit within”.
10. Adventure Electric Unicycle
The Adventure electric unicycle was truly designed to push the boundaries of exploration! It features a beefy 4000 W motor capable of producing 200 Nm (147.5 lb. ft) of torque and 850 N traction force. This converts it into a powerful commuter that is ready to conquer steep inclines and uneven terrain with the utmost ease and efficiency! It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and goes at a top speed of 110 km/h.