The Trioba 2+1 is a high performance electric sports car for the year 2020 mainly for the right hand drive market (UK, India and others) conceptualized by the Indian car designer Shashwath Bolar. It derives its inspiration from organic and asymmetrical forms in nature, fashion and sculpture. The Trioba 2+1 concept won the 3rd place in the “Stile Italiano Giovani 2008” International Car Design Exhibition at Turin, Italy. The exhibition was also part of the World Design Capital – Torino 2008.
Contents
Interior space
The interior space is based on enhancing social interaction and focuses mainly on the third seat. From Shashwath’s MA Automotive Design (Coventry University, 2006 - 2007) research and three seat user tests, it has been found that the following parameters affect social interaction directly and indirectly and these have been considered while designing the interiors:
Exterior
Once the seating layout was established the exterior was designed around it, hence designing inside out. The form is largely symmetrical and asymmetry is introduced in such a way that it does not hamper aerodynamic efficiency. The features include asymmetric body panels and bonnet, which creates interesting, highlights and provides space for boot and a spare wheel. The non – driver side has an asymmetrical gull-wing door, which provides easier ingress and egress for occupants.
Power
This rear driven concept has modulated Li-ion batteries, which gives the freedom to use space behind the third seat in such a way that optimizes seating space within. The Power Control Unit (PCU) provides sufficient power to the rear wheels through the Rear battery (Power = 250KW) and transmission unit. Air-intakes are provided to cool the Li-ion batteries and large vents are provided at the rear for dissipating heat from batteries.
3-seat concept
Since 2000 there have been many 3 seat / 2+1 concepts launched by almost all big OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in various motor shows around the world like the Jeep Treo, Renault Zoe, Wind, Nissan Urge, Pivot, Volvo 3CC Ford Reflex, etc. This clearly shows an upward trend for this new segment of cars.
Moreover research shows that one-child family is a growing trend all over the world and also the average occupancy in cars has gone down (The avg. occupancy per car in UK has gone down from 1.64 to 1.59 between 1985/86 and 2002/03). Looking at the rate at which our natural resources are getting depleted, it is ironical to build cars that over satiate our demands rather than meet our needs. This clearly shows the huge potential for the 3 seat cars in the near future.
Development
Once final sketches, renderings and package drawing was done a quarter scale clay model was done in 6 weeks. Later a mould was taken and an FRP model was created out of the mould. Further sanding, hand polishing, painting and finishing was made on the FRP model to arrive at the final model.