24h Le Mans
Michelin's American branch created the Michelin Challenge Design in order to promote innovation and originality in automobile design. After "Mobility for All" in 2016, the concept for 2017 proposes the design of a prototype capable of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2030.
Constructors have used the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a full-scale laboratory to test their innovations since the beginning of the legendary race. Disc brakes, turbine, rotary engine, iodine headlights and now hybrid engine, there are many examples since the first edition back in 1923. This has not gone unnoticed by Michelin, which considers the 24 Hours of Le Mans unique since it serves as the best test there is to try out ideas, innovations, car endurance, creativity, not to mention prototype aesthetics.
The name of the challenge for 2017 (Le Mans 2030: Design for the Win) is clear: design the winner of the 2030 24 Hours of Le Mans. To do so, the tyre manufacturer is encouraging candidates to innovate, to demonstrate imagination in problem-solving and especially to utilize future technologies by stepping into the shoes of a reputable and winning constructor at Le Mans or one looking to promote its marque with a win at the 24 Hours.
This challenge, for which registration will close on May 31, 2016, is open to design studios, but also to independent designers, students and automotive suppliers from all countries. The projects will be submitted to a panel composed of professionals and design professors who will determine the winners whose works will be put on display on the Michelin Challenge Design website.
The future of racing: for Michelin, as for the 24 Hours of Le Mans...
Cécile Bonardel / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO
