A Mazda hatchback envisioned by students

The next generation Mazda concept vehicle, conceived and engineered by automotive engineering students at the Clemson University International Centre for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), was unveiled for the first time in its finished form. Christened the 'Deep Orange 3' (though it is finished in a more greyish hue), it has body panels designed by student, Frederick Naaman, from the Art Centre College of Design in California. The car was unveiled at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars.

Derek Jenkins, Design Director for Mazda North American Operations, said that to be part of a college program of this calibre that focuses not just on one aspect of a vehicle, but the vehicle as a whole, is an automaker's dream come true.

"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," Jenkins said.

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

Students in Clemson's graduate automotive engineering program are required to create and manufacture a new vehicle prototype in partnership with students from the transportation design department at the Art Centre focusing holistically on the vehicle and the end-user.

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