CU-ICAR Concept Car the Talk of Michigan Auto Conference

Deep Orange 3, a next-generation Mazda-sponsored concept vehicle conceived and engineered by Clemson University automotive engineering students at the university's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) outside Mauldin, was the talk of a recent automotive conference in Michigan.

Among other things, the car was noted for its use of "origami" sheet metal techniques using a patented technology that involves folding and riveting laser cut sheets of aluminum to form the car's body.

“This product is not just about the origami, but the whole vehicle itself … the fact that we as students were able to create a vehicle from the ground up,” Bhavuk Makkar, powertrain lead of the vehicle, told MLive after unveiling the vehicle last week at the 2013 Center for Automotive Briefing Seminars near Traverse City.

Deep Orange 3 features a unique hybrid powertrain that automatically chooses front-, rear- or all-wheel-drive; a load-bearing structure based on innovative sheet-folding technology patented by Industrial Origami; and a groundbreaking 3+3 seating configuration in sports car architecture.

As part of the graduate automotive engineering program at CU-ICAR, students are required to create and manufacture a new vehicle prototype. The Deep Orange project is breaking new ground in the thinking about automotive design and function.

The program provides students with experience in vehicle design, development, prototyping and production planning. Each year, a prototype vehicle is developed with a new market focus and technical objectives. This year the goal was to creat a vehicle for Generation-Y.

The project showcases advanced vehicle technologies and provides students an opportunity to work directly with automotive industry partners to innovate and develop ideas.

“These students have provided fresh and inventive ideas from sketch pad to sheet metal, and the final product truly speaks to that open dialogue and collaboration between the Art Center College of Design and Clemson University,” said Derek Jenkins, design director for Mazda North American Operations, in a statement.