André Costa Wins Peugeot Design Contest with Moovie

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around André Costa's winning design for the Peugeot Design Contest, specifically focusing on his two-seater electric concept car, the Moovie. Participants explore various aspects of the design, including its features, functionality, and potential applications, while also engaging in light-hearted commentary.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss the implications of larger wheels, suggesting that they require fewer turns to travel a distance, potentially leading to less energy expenditure.
  • Others raise concerns about the higher moment of inertia associated with larger wheels, questioning how this might affect driving dynamics.
  • One participant humorously suggests that a high moment of inertia could benefit smooth drivers but may be problematic for those who frequently accelerate and brake.
  • Several participants express playful ideas about the car's design, including the possibility of modifying it for winter use and concerns about its visibility and security.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about the practicality of the car, including comments on its adorability and functionality as a second vehicle for commuting.
  • One participant challenges the assertion that larger wheels inherently reduce energy requirements for travel, suggesting that frictional losses and gear reductions also play significant roles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the implications of larger wheels and the overall practicality of the Moovie design. The discussion remains unresolved on several technical points, particularly concerning the energy efficiency and driving dynamics associated with the vehicle's features.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about energy expenditure and driving dynamics depend on specific conditions and assumptions that are not fully explored in the discussion. The playful nature of some comments may also obscure more serious technical considerations.

Ivan Seeking
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...This year the third Peugeot Design Contest saw André Costa carry off the first prize for his outrageous two-seater electric concept car, the Moovie. With the Frankfurt Show just weeks away, Peugeot has now released images of the actual working model that was built from Costa’s original concept. It’s one concept worth examining, particularly now that the small electric-powered two-seater city car has gone from drawing board to reality.
http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/hero/4506_29080535525.jpg
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4506/
 
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The big wheels have a reason behind it, the bigger the wheel less turns it has to make to travel, less turns less energy expended.

But... the moment of inertia is also significantly higher... The rest seems to be up to the gears.. pfft

I think I'd rather have that business jet featured on there.
http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/hero/3887_09.jpg
 
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moose said:
"The big wheels have a reason behind it, the bigger the wheel less turns it has to make to travel, less turns less energy expended."
Yeah that caught my attention too. Still looking into that one to see if it makes any sense.
 
moose said:
"The big wheels have a reason behind it, the bigger the wheel less turns it has to make to travel, less turns less energy expended. "

But... the moment of inertia is also significantly higher...

:smile:

Reminds me of a joke about an SUV that's so big, you'll never need to drive it; you walk in the driver's side door, and walk out the passenger side at your destination many miles away. Hence, perfect fuel economy! There's no catch.
 
I may be off base, but I'd think a high moment of inertia is a better thing for those who tend to drive smoothly; it would only be problematic if you tend to accelerate/brake frequently. (Like most drivers out here. *sigh*)
 
That's just adorable! Can you exchange the front wheels for skis and make it a snowmobile in winter? It's so close to the ground, even if I slid off the road in ice, it would be more like sledding than crashing. :biggrin: The downside is everyone would see your clutter in the car, and the thieves could probably just pick it up and put it in the back of their pick-up truck. Can I get one with a really loud horn and blinking lights on the roof so I don't get squashed by the SUVs who won't see it?

Seriously, if I wasn't afraid someone would just pick it up and carry it away to steal it, it's the sort of car that would be fun as a second car for the daily commute. It looks like something out of the Jetsons! :biggrin:
 
It looks French. :biggrin:
 
I like the door.
 
  • #10
Moonbear said:
That's just adorable! Can you exchange the front wheels for skis and make it a snowmobile in winter? It's so close to the ground, even if I slid off the road in ice, it would be more like sledding than crashing. :biggrin: The downside is everyone would see your clutter in the car, and the thieves could probably just pick it up and put it in the back of their pick-up truck.
If that be the case, think what a high wind would do.

BTW, where are the pedals? :biggrin:
 
  • #11
Astronuc said:
If that be the case, think what a high wind would do.
Whoweee! Better get me the optional parachute! :biggrin:

BTW, where are the pedals? :biggrin:
Under her feet of course. :-p
 
  • #12
moose said:
"The big wheels have a reason behind it, the bigger the wheel less turns it has to make to travel, less turns less energy expended. "

Only to the extent that we [may] have fewer frictional losses in the drive train and on the road. And it may eliminate a gear reduction. But if you are saying that in principle this reduces the energy required to travel a given distance, no.
 
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  • #13
So much for dates in the back seat...:biggrin:
 
  • #14
Ivan Seeking said:
So much for dates in the back seat...:biggrin:
:smile: That's a lot of windows to frost up too.
 

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