This article contains illustrations from a independent study done by Guillaume Mazerolle. It is not related to or endorsed by Nio.
CarScoops is a great place to share renderings by budding designers. This particular creation, dubbed the Nio Triathlon Concept, could very well be one of the most remarkable projects we’ve ever come across.
Design Guillaume Mazerolle, currently an intern in exterior design at Nio, graciously sent these images to us. These images show a car that can be modified easily from a Formula 1-inspired race car to an Extreme E style off-roader or a hyperboat.
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The Triathlon Concept’s central cabin is housed in a complex cell/monocoque. When the car is in its Formula 1 and IndyCar-derived ‘Sprint Mode,’ it would be adorned with complex aerodynamic parts that include a large rear wing, a complex front wing, wheel covers, aerodynamic bargeboards and a complex diffuser.
When the owner wants to go off-roading, these aerodynamic pieces can be easily removed. They will be replaced by large wheels and tires that are similar to the ones used by Formula Offroad racers. To protect the cell, new exterior components would be also used.
The third and final configuration is ‘Aquatic Mode.’ This variant sees the Nio’s cell accompanied by a pair of floats that would allow it to skim across the water at high speeds.
Mazerolle envisions the Triathlon Concept using an all-electric motor that can compete on specially-built circuits. This would be a sprint track similar to NASCAR’s, with a split in the middle of the track into an off-road section and a water section.
Admittedly, that’s a wildly unlikely scenario. If this is the future (very distant) of all-electric motorsport, we should be there.
