vintage experimental racing cars inspire shape of concept vehicle mantis X99

"Drawing influences from the 1968 race car prototype named the Mantis XP, the concept car is built as a futuristic track vehicle, not made for roads but for testing ideas about shape and movement, with its expressive and pointed forms. The designer, always looking at the Mantis XP's structure, has revamped its proportions to modernize the vintage experimental racing car and fit the new systems and rules of modern track racing."

"The front keeps a forward-leaning stance similar to the original Mantis XP, which helps with airflow and gives space for a central air intake. The nose section is stretched and thin, guiding air over the body and into the side channels. These channels bring air to the cooling system and rear motors, and the body panels are shaped to direct air efficiently while keeping the structure simple and light."

"The cockpit of the concept vehicle Mantis X99 is made for one driver. It sits low between the front and rear wheels, with a narrow glass canopy that can open upward. The steering position is centered, like in Formula 1 cars, giving better balance and visibility. The inside design focuses on basic controls, including the steering, pedals, and a digital screen showing speed, battery, and track data."

Mantis X99 is a concept track vehicle inspired by the 1968 Mantis XP that modernizes proportions and systems for contemporary track rules. The design fuses mechanical aesthetics of vintage experimental racing cars with clean, technical Formula 1 features. A forward-leaning front and stretched thin nose guide airflow into a central intake and side channels that feed cooling and rear motors. Body panels are shaped to direct air efficiently while remaining simple and lightweight. The single-seat cockpit sits low with a narrow upward-opening canopy and centered steering. The rear exposes mechanical components, houses the power unit and suspension, and uses a wing on twin vertical supports for stability.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine