Matthew Blythman designed an environmentally friendly hybrid with a sports car feel.
By Casey Neill
BELGRAVE’S Matthew Blythman has produced an award-winning snapshot of the motor car’s future.
The 23-year-old took out the tertiary design category in this year’s Car of the Future Target 2020 competition.
His entry was among more than 50 displayed at this month’s Melbourne Motor Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
More than 160,000 visitors flocked to the 11-day event.
Mr Blythman said his Velo was designed with real drivers in mind. “Its purpose is to reignite the passion of driving, without having to worry about burning limited fossil fuels and damaging the environment,” he said.
He said the current trend was urban, practical, economic vehicles.
“But that should not mean we have to take the fun out of driving,” he said.
“It would be a tragedy if we lost the love of being behind the wheel.
His solution was a lightweight dual hydrogen/ethanol hybrid vehicle with a sports car feel. The Swinburne University student is completing an internship with a design company in Stuttgart, Germany.
He hopes to start a career in the Australian automotive industry when he returns later this year.
The Target 2020 competition is open to secondary and tertiary students.
There are prizes in design, model-making and essay categories.
Entry details are available by sending an email to marketing@vacc.com.au or calling 9829 1167.
