[Update: Unfortunately, VW requested the removal of the photos of the student project, but you can still get a glimpse of the micro car study in the video above]
Over the years, we've featured a great number of studies from independent and amateur designers as well from students here on Carscoop. However, what you see pictured here isn't one of your common photoshop / renderings but a real life concept model that was created by a team of interns at Volkswagen Design Brazil.
Named VW In, the conceptual study is the result of the combined efforts of Kauré Martins, Rogério Okabe, Guilherme Motta and Wadson Gomes Amorim (winners of the "Talento Volkswagen Design 2008") under the supervision of Oscar Mendoza and Marilia Biill.
The micro car was developed throughout 2009 and was displayed for the first time at a special event in Brazil this past December.
The goal was to create a Smart Fortwo-sized/like mini capable of accommodating two people plus some luggage in similar comfort to the VW Fox supermini.
The team came up with several proposals to power the 2.48 meter (97.6-in.) long car including VW's current 1.0-liter engine and various two-cylinder units (inline, V-shaped and boxer versions), all mounted at the rear, plus a plug-in version equipped with four in-wheel electric motors.
The vehicle's design is simple, but in a cool, 'Apple' sort of way, and is heavily influenced by the Volkswagen Up! concept series.
The main question we would like to pose here is whether or not a vehicle of this type and size could have a future in VW's range, especially after the presentation of the forthcoming 3+1 seater Up!. Have your say in the comment section below.
Volkswagen IN Concept: Product Description
Project developed by the interns of Volkswagen Design Brazil, winners of the "Talento Volkswagen 2008" contest. Aimed at developing the professional, creative and entrepreneur skills. Bringing fresh ideas to the company and a new mobility proposal.
We live in a time of changes in man-object relations. People wear not only with clothes, but with everything they consumes, seeing beyond the physical atmosphere of the products to absorb their values and concepts.
The proposal of Volkswagen IN is to align global trends for the development of the automotive industry, thinking of a car for nowadays that aims to minimize the traffic-jam of big cities, applying the concepts of sustainability and customization, creating a compact and versatile car, that fills most of the needs through creative solutions and especial materials.
Bringing the successful concept of the Volkswagen FOX called "Designed Around the Passenger", this project try to went a step forward, creating a 2.5 meters car for two people plus luggage, with the same comfort of the Volkswagen FOX, but with a clever use of each free space inside this, optimizing the relations between one person and the size which a car need to have to transport him.
This micro car takes advantages of the plug-in hybrid Technologies and in-wheels electric engines to provide even more inner space, and moreover this project contemplates the use of a small combustion engine fueled by ethanol, getting closer to the reality of small developing countries.
Innovating in an automotive product is not only to create an attractive shape, but also to rethink the solution for problems caused by this product. Acting effectively on solutions for the society, environment and mobility, considering individual desires of each customer, is the best way for a successful product.
Despite of the age or the needs of each user, this car is the answer for all those who increasingly are concerned with saving time and the environment.
Authors: Kauré Martins, Rogério Okabe & Guilherme Motta
