Space-saving OneDoorCar revealed
Russian inventor conjures up a novel concept that packs more space per square metre than any other vehicle on the marketThis is a classic case of thinking inside the box.
Unveiled at the recent Geneva motor show, the Lego-like creation pictured alongside is the handiwork of a Russian inventor named Malyshev Alexander (pseudonym Alexander Createric), and it’s arguably the ultimate interpretation of a Tardis-like vehicle that packs generous interior space within tiny exterior dimensions.
The OneDoorCar – so named because the only door is on the rear of the vehicle – is literally a box on wheels, standing 2.5 metres long (almost 200mm shorter than a Smart ForTwo), 2.16 metres wide and 2.1 metres tall.
This version seats four occupants and their luggage in bus-like fashion as there’s a central passage that provides entry and egress.
There are also ‘long-wheelbase’ versions that stretch 2.7 metres, 3.15 metres and 3.4 metres in length, providing seating for up to eight occupants.
Among the packaging tricks to maximise interior space and keep the centre of gravity low is the location of the engine and transmission under the seats.
You may question the passive safety of a vehicle this small, but it shouldn’t collapse like a house of cards in collisions as the passenger cell is encased within a rally-car-like rollcage.
Boosting flexibility, the seats can be configured in a variety of ways depending on the number of passengers and cargo on board.
“This concept car was privately presented on the Geneva motor show to more than 20 major auto-makers company and this caused a big interest from them,” said Alexander Createric.
“I hope, with cooperation of the major automakers companies, this type of car will be available soon on the roads around the world, and we can significantly reduce traffic jams in big cities, increase the number of parking spaces and make cars safer.”
With its kooky proportions and styling that’s reminiscent of an armoured gold-bullion hauler, we’re not convinced the OneDoorCar has any commercial viability, but it’s still an interesting exercise in rethinking automotive packaging.
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