The intense heat, barren plant-free landscape and, of course, never ending sand, all combine to make the desert a locale you normally wouldn't go to for fun and relaxation. You might look at deserts differently, however, if you had a Dune Tracer.
The Dune Tracer, designed by Jeff Darling, is a radical tracked ATV concept designed specifically for tackling desert sands and dunes. Inspired by desert beetles, the single-seat Dune Tracer features a dual-mode drive-train, which offers a balance between stability and maneuverability. At low speeds, all four tracks can be operated just like a tank, allowing the vehicle to turn on its own axis. However, at higher speeds, the steering is done solely by turning the front tracks -- just like you'd turn the front wheels of a car.
Obviously the Dune Tracer, and its driver, will be subjected to extreme temperatures. To make sure neither overheats, the Dune Tracer features numerous vents at the rear engine compartment to provide cooling airflow, while two comparatively large side-mounted radiators provide additional cooling. The driver benefits from an air conditioning system that blows cooling air up through the fabric mesh of the seat, over the back of the drivers neck through a small vent, and over the feet and legs via vents housed within the nosecone.
Tank-Like ATVs
The Dune Tracer Concept Features Tracked Wheels
Trend Themes
1. Tracked Atvs - The Dune Tracer concept showcases the potential for tracked all-terrain vehicles, offering increased stability and maneuverability on challenging terrains.
2. Extreme Temperature Design - The incorporation of cooling airflow systems and air conditioning in the Dune Tracer demonstrates the need for innovative solutions to address extreme temperature conditions in vehicle design.
3. Inspired by Nature - The design influence of desert beetles in the Dune Tracer highlights the trend of biomimicry for efficient and adaptive vehicle designs.
Industry Implications
1. Off-road Vehicle Manufacturing - Manufacturers in the off-road vehicle industry can explore the development of tracked ATV models that provide enhanced performance and control on various terrains.
2. Automotive Cooling Systems - Companies specializing in automotive cooling systems have the opportunity to create advanced cooling solutions for vehicles operating in extreme temperature environments.
3. Biomimicry Design - The concept of biomimicry can be applied in various industries, including automotive design, to create innovative and efficient solutions inspired by nature.