DESIGN NAME: Rascassa
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Three wheeler
INSPIRATION: Three wheeled vehicles are uncommon and underutilized in the market. Nevertheless, the practicality and usability of these vehicles can make them shine in their own light when used in the right way, giving a sense of freedom and dynamism even during daily driving. Combining retro styling with modern innovations and smart aerodynamics was one of the main challenges of this project. Rascassa wants to be a modular chimera of ideas from the past projected toward a sustainable future, toward energy efficiency and smart mobility.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Equipped with a Flex four cylinder boxer engine with an active valve control system, this three-wheeler was created as a response to a new concept of sustainable urban and intercity mobility. The Rascassa is equipped with a variable front track system to decrease aerodynamic drag while moving forward and a steer-by-wire system that enable it to be as agile in the city as it is efficient in its retro style.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Simplicity and usability are the cornerstones of this vehicle. Minimalist instrumentation and the ability to fully customize this three-wheeler make the driving experience a true display of personality.The use of steer-by-wire technology in an innovative way allows this car to change configuration, transforming itself to benefit fuel economy and aerodynamic drag.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in June 2023 in Sanremo, Imperia, Italy and finished in February 2024 in Sanremo, Imperia, Italy.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Idea and Conceptual Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Rascassa project was made using Rhinoceros 7 and rendered with Keyshot 11. This project is a virtual prototype to test a new type of vehicle configuration to make easier and appealing the production of a three-wheeler, maintaining an high level of efficiency with a great customization.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 4 cylinder 16 electronically controlled electropneumatic valves 174 hp 1.0 liter Flex boxer engine. Wheelbase 2758 mm, overall length 3964 mm, overall length extended 4310 mm, overall width 1934 mm, overall height 1204 mm, front track 1797 mm, front track extended 730 mm. Estimated dry weight 796 kg. Weight distribution, front and rear, 58/42. Estimated top speed over 250Km/h.
TAGS: Three-wheeler, variable, Boxer, Flex, Flat4, Electric, modular, 3Dprinted, Retrotech, prototype
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The project was characterized by progressive development. First there was a general analysis of the vehicle and its prospects, followed by the search for innovative forms and solutions using CAD modeling; the data collected was subsequently supported by the analysis of articles, videos, manuals, expert interviews, and personal experiences. The final phase was characterized by the integration of each solution into a single abstract entity, making it futuristic and current, while maintaining a high level of sustainability and exploitability through state of the art concepts and solutions.
CHALLENGE: Certainly, the most challenging aspect of this project was to create a steer by wire system and a front suspension compartment that could mechanically work while still maintaining a good level of structural integrity, guaranteeing adequate cooling and a functional aerodynamics to save fuel during medium-high speeds. Therefore, we have designed the front end to be safer in the case of collision, balanced the vehicle and positioned the masses strategically for greater stability together with numerous passive and active safety features to protect passengers in the event of an accident.
ADDED DATE: 2024-03-07 21:28:27
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Andrea Grosso
IMAGE CREDITS: Andrea Grosso
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Andrea Grosso
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