Q.Auto Expo 2016: Motormind's killer Hyperion 1 Concept

[USER="136"]Nikhil Kalra[/USER] thank you. But all credit should go to Motormind for designing such an amazing roadster. The Indian auto scene is surely getting more exciting with firms like these who are passionate about design and giving the enthusiast what they want.

Wow amazing pictures [USER="20"]NikilSJ[/USER] :)

Motormind, a Bangalore-based design studio showcased a spectacular looking concept, the Hyperion 1, at the Auto Expo 2016. The sports car is Motormind’s take on a roadster with design cues of a Formula One car. The Motormind stall was buzzing with activity since Day 1 of the expo and it’s not difficult to see why. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4797[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4798[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4799[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] The Hyperion 1 was created by Shahid Haq, a mechanical engineer who has also specialised in automotive design at the Coventry University. The mean looking Hyperion 1 is based on a space frame chassis made of steel developed in-house and the body is made of FRP composites. It’s Motormind’s attempt at the ‘Make In India’ initiative for the automotive industry. The Hyperion 1, Shahih Haq said, was to showcase the design prowess of Motormind to established auto makers here and abroad. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4800[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4801[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4802[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] The car gets sharp lines, creases and of soft corners in all the right places and looks stunning in red. The Hyperion 1 gets carbon fibre bits on the wing mirrors and interiors. At the front, a set of LED headlamps with DRLs take centre stage but what really catches your attention is the exposed wheels on all four corners. The wheels are 19-inches in diameter and look great in gloss black. The front bumpers protects the exposed wheels and also channels air effectively and gives it a dynamic look. The roadster doesn’t get a windscreen like the BAC Mono or the Ariel Atom and this enhances the sporty look further. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4803[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4804[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4805[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] On the side, the Hyperion 1 features air ducts that channel cold air into the engine bay for optimum performance and aerodynamics. The Hyperion 1 features scissor doors that are electronically powered and swing up with the push of a button. Motormind has used 3D printing technology extensively. The steering wheel is an example of 3D printing technology done right. The Hyperion1 gets paddle shifters too. The roadster gets sporty seats developed in house at the company’s facility in Bangalore. It not only looks good but holds the body frame well too. It gets a touchscreen interface for media and controlling other aspects of the car. Cool blue LED strips on the interior have been used as ambient lighting and complements the interior well. At the rear, you’ll find a set of LED tail lamps and centrally mounted exhaust. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4806[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4807[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4808[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4809[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] The Hyperion 1 gets CNC-milled wings on the side pod for generating stability and downforce at speeds. A V6 motorists at the rear behind the passenger cell and sends power to the rear wheels. The engine bay is made of composite material and is electrically powered too. The V6 makes around 200-250BHP and is mated to an automatic transmission with triptronic function. The folks at Motormind were kind enough to fire up the engine for me and all I can say is it was a riot. The V6 sounds like a beast and Motormind say they will offer the car with different states of tune and different transmissions as well. Braking duties are taken car of by disc brakes on all four wheels. The roadster is mounted on pushrod suspension on all four corners. But more than the technical specs, what impressed me was the fact that this is probably the first time an Indian firm has attempted designing and manufacturing a running roadster concept. Yes, this no design study, the Hyperion 1 actually moves unlike other concepts shown at various auto shows around the world. [CENTER] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4810[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4811[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4812[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4813[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4814[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4815[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4816[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4817[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4818[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4819[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4820[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]n4821[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] Shahid Haq told me the concept was sketched out first followed by CAD modelling. A team of eight members including Haq then went about making the panels and other bits and bobs by hand and the result is mind blowing to say the least. The fact that it is a running concept rather than just a study itself shows how committed the guys at Motormind are. The main challenges the team faced were packaging components like the engine, radiator and suspension in such a tight package. The Hyperion 1 weighs close to a ton which isn’t bad for a roadster in this day and age at all. With the Hyperion 1 concept, Motormind hopes to get the attention of auto majors in India. Motormind says they can tie up with any manufacturer for designing and prototyping a car and they assure me that they can do it in less the cost of what auto majors usually spend on prototyping a car as they have developed unique methods where they can cut costs without compromising on quality. After seeing the Hyperion 1 and getting a chance to speak to Shahid Haq, I can safely say Haq and the company will scale great heights in designing cars and here’s hoping they bring out more radical concepts in the near future.