Marketing ploy or not, this is a pretty cool reinterpretation of the iconic Beetle applied to a shark cage. Not sure I see the value of racing around chasing sharks under ground, but then again, Shark Week is one popular show.
I love Shark-Week, (BTW, did I miss it, or is it still to be aired-?) and I'm a long time diver. Oh, and my first car was a '68 beetle -- so LOTS of connections to love about this story. But after looking it over, I was a little disappointed. I'd chalk it up to a publicity stunt, or just pure advertising --- good advertising at that --- but far short of any real engineering feat. Especially in light of last week's stories about Mars Curiosity. But just for fun, it offers a fun perception. Wonder what the Sharks thought about it-?
I agree, Beth, it's definitely cool. I do wonder, though, are those Great Whites in that video? I think I'd want a little more protection in that case.
Notarboca - you said it. This is a total mash-up of art and engineering and a bit of whimsy. Nice to see the playful side of a company like Volkswagen. How about a beetle-shaped moon buggy, next?
@JimT: Unfortunately, I think you missed it. I believe Shark Week was two or three weeks ago. (My son and friends were talking about it).
I agree with the comments that this leaned more heavily on the marketing ploy. And Chuck, I too, would want more protection down under with the great whites!
The Discovery channel ran the commerical during Shark week. The speed at which the vehicle moves on the ocean floor wouldn't provide much of an escape from the shark, not to mention the large openings. I agree Charles, not protection from a Great White!
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
