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January 3, 2006
Suzuki Goes Radebaugh On Us
One of the coolest concepts coming out of Japan is from little automaker Suzuki. Okay, they may be small fries here in America but they are number 3 in Japan.
This concept called the PX was unveiled this past October at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like the press in the west really got a chance with it. Suzuki decided to give journalists one more chance by releasing official photos and I must say, the vehicle is a statement on retro futuristic classic airstream design, so prevalent in the 30's and 40's. I will go so far as to say they must have been inspired by the works of Radebaugh.
Radebaugh was a commercial illustrator from the 30's - 60's but his most well known work is his "The Future We Were Promised" series of airbrush paintings. Radebaugh was the first to envision the future with sleek streamline designs that were both pragmatic and fantastical. He saw a future where science is so technically perfected, it becomes art.
If you look at this Radebaugh painting and look at the Suzuki PX, it's as if a vehicle from one of his paintings came to life.
The PX may look retro on the outside but its all futuristic on the inside. Powered by an eco-efficient four-cylinder engine, the PX offers high-class and comfort; chalk full of amenities reminiscent of the great airstream caravans of the past. The interior is defined by silver finishes, oversized train like leather seating, with an innovative approach to third row seating by having it fold out to become the second row, maximizing space for rear passengers when folded away. The exterior is impressive with large wheel arches accentuated by the look of smooth rivets across its body. The driver's display is a testament to what the auto industry has learned in the last 50 years with user interfaces but the PX takes it one step further with integrated LCD screens without making the console look too techie. What a gorgeous vehicle!
more pictures of the Suzuki PX and Radebaughs' work after the jump
Posted by tranism at 2:42 AM | Permalink
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Comments
gorge pics indeed !! (always have a softspot for Suzuki X90's)
the future-memory mod-vintage design of the 90's still rules... esp with automobiles.
i yearn for "sharp" design (toyota tercels!) where things look more drafted from actual desktop rather than software... photoshop has made cars look abit jellybean. i'd like to begin seeing more hard corners and wafers.
excellent post !!
Posted by: A.J. at January 3, 2006 6:18 AM
Ugh, the steering wheel is the one part of the inside that really makes me cringe. It looks so cheap and plastic-y, like a toy! Other than that, it's beautiful and I want one.
Posted by: Graham at January 10, 2006 1:07 AM
looks like a mini Futurliner
http://www.futurelinerforsale.com/todays.htm
Posted by: Ryan Murphy at January 14, 2006 3:34 PM
I can't believe it, my co-worker just bought a car for $44814. Isn't that crazy!
Posted by: Betsy Markum at May 19, 2006 12:04 PM