About the concept:

The Versa-quatic is a two-seater, battery-powered sports, recreational vehicle which introduces a new, more physically-active and sensually-enchanting driving experience through full-body user motion inspired by fitness equipment, in particular, the stair (Versa) climber.
Today’s production car is becoming increasingly automated and predictably “convenient” resulting in the deterioration of driver road instincts and reflexes and providing less incentive to focus on his or her vehicle’s behavior. The Versa’s answer to this problem comes in the form of cardio-activity and fitness which increases an individual’s alertness, awareness and overall mental clarity. In a motorcycle-like seating position, the user utilizes his or her upper and lower body in a sliding motion to steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle.
The Versa’s exterior design and styling is inspired by marine life, in particular the Common (Spinner) dolphin. Along with its streamlined, rear-tapered body shape, the vehicle inherits rear foil wings inspired by dolphin flukes to increase to maximize aerodynamic efficiency through downforce. Uninterrupted side air flow made possible by flush-surfaced front wheels is another aerodynamic advantage to the Versa’s design.
Front in-wheel electric engines and battery pack make the concept energy efficient and eco-friendly. In addition, the Versa utilizes a majority of biodegradable exterior body panels reinforced by an aluminum chassis.

About Christopher Lavelanet

Christopher is a an MA Automotive Design graduate from the Coventry School of Art & Design, and I am currently working as a Project Manager/Industrial Designer for a product design firm in New York City by the name of 4Sight Inc. At 4Sight, Christopher has been the lead designer and manager of a wide variety of product and packaging projects for Fortune 500 companies such as Pepsi Co., M&M’s, Church & Dwight, Baxter Healthcare, and more. As part of the CSAD MA course, he gained valuable automotive design experience which includes a finalist concept in the Ferrari: “New Concepts of the Myth” Competition (Nov, 2005), a 2nd place Corus Award for “Best Vehicle Design” (New York City Metro Taxi), a shortlisted entry in the Interior Motives Design Competition (Sept, 2005), as well as a sponsored seat project with Bridge of Weir Leather Co. (April, 2005). Chris is now broadening is horizons by embarking on a freelance eyewear project for Oakley and hopes to eventually reintegrate himself into the auto industry as a professional designer in the near future.

clavelanet@gmail.com
www.cl-designs.com