To commemorate the Model T, Ford recently challenged five universities from around the world to a design contest, charging them with the task of creating a revolutionary vehicle concept for the 21st century.
The four-month contest has come to a close- and a hundred years after the Model T first revolutionized the modern world, the winner has been announced.
The "ika" (Institute of Automotive Engineering Aachen) won the challenge, as well as $25,000 in scholarship funds. The only European entry, participants from Aachen University in Germany created an innovative concept that embodied the spirit of the original Model T and best met the criteria of the challenge.
Eight students and four engineers worked to develop a machine that met certain requirements set by Ford. For instance, the vehicle had to accommodate at least two passengers while being light, durable, simple and practical. The concept also needed to offer a driving range of at least 200 kilometers, and base target price was not to exceed $7,000.
The ika team at Aachen met the challenge with their modular "Model T for 2015" concept. The concept resembles a three-seat pickup truck with central driver's seat- meaning less development and manufacturing costs for left or right-side drive models. The concept weighs just 800 kilograms and could be produced as a gas, hybrid or electric vehicle. The CO2 emissions also vary between 54 and 100 grams per kilometer- depending on the chosen propulsion system. In all, the concept embodies the goal of the original Model T with a distinct look to future environmental and societal needs.
Professor Stefan Gies, managing director of the ika, said "we are very proud, as the only European institute, to have been able to participate in this exciting competition. Then to top it off with winning is not only very satisfying, but also confirms that German engineers and students have the capability to compete successfully on the international stage".
photo:Ford
The four-month contest has come to a close- and a hundred years after the Model T first revolutionized the modern world, the winner has been announced.
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The "ika" (Institute of Automotive Engineering Aachen) won the challenge, as well as $25,000 in scholarship funds. The only European entry, participants from Aachen University in Germany created an innovative concept that embodied the spirit of the original Model T and best met the criteria of the challenge.
Eight students and four engineers worked to develop a machine that met certain requirements set by Ford. For instance, the vehicle had to accommodate at least two passengers while being light, durable, simple and practical. The concept also needed to offer a driving range of at least 200 kilometers, and base target price was not to exceed $7,000.
The ika team at Aachen met the challenge with their modular "Model T for 2015" concept. The concept resembles a three-seat pickup truck with central driver's seat- meaning less development and manufacturing costs for left or right-side drive models. The concept weighs just 800 kilograms and could be produced as a gas, hybrid or electric vehicle. The CO2 emissions also vary between 54 and 100 grams per kilometer- depending on the chosen propulsion system. In all, the concept embodies the goal of the original Model T with a distinct look to future environmental and societal needs.
Professor Stefan Gies, managing director of the ika, said "we are very proud, as the only European institute, to have been able to participate in this exciting competition. Then to top it off with winning is not only very satisfying, but also confirms that German engineers and students have the capability to compete successfully on the international stage".
photo:Ford