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Even by concept car standards, Infiniti’s modular, transforming Syntaptiq is nuts

Now in it’s eleventh year, the LA Auto Show Design Challenge is back to invade our imaginations and have us begging our favorite manufacturers, “Why haven’t you made this yet?”

This year’s theme: “Sensing the Future: How Will Cars Interact with us in 2029?”

The competition is packed as manufactures like Acura, Honda Tokyo, Peterbilt Motors, and Chinese entrant, Qoros all compete for bragging rights. Other studios showcasing their designs are CALTY Design Research, Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center California, Nissan Design America Inc., Subaru Global Design Team, Volkswagen Group of America Design Center, as well as a select group of design student work will be on display.

Infiniti SYNAPTIQ
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Infiniti Deisgn San Diego’s submission, SYNAPTIQ, is centered around a modular humanoid pod that can transform into three different vehicles. This adrenaline-inducing machine is controlled by a spinal lock attachment S.U.I.T. (Symbolic User Interface Technology), which bonds driver and machine.

The vehicle is designed to be entered into a unique triathlon competition event, the A.R.C. (Air, Rally, Circuit). The first F1 style stage spans from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The second stage throws you into the desert, buggy style, in a race to the Grand Canyon. There, the final stage ignites your best Lego Movie impression and into the air you go to jet your way around virtual pylons back towards the finish line in Los Angeles.

Again, why haven’t they made this yet?

The final competition concepts will be on display in the Design Gallery of the LA Auto Show throughout the entire show, November 21 to 30, 2014.

Ezekiel Wheeler
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ezekiel Wheeler is an automotive designer by education but obsessed classic, race and tuner gear head by trade. When he's not…
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