Raptor Concept all-terrain extreme dune buggy designed by Ryan Skelley

The Raptor Concept is an all-terrain extreme dune buggy designed by Ryan Skelley as British brand Bowler's first entry into the Tecate Score Baja 1000 race. The vehicle features a design characterized by an an exposed chassis with A-pillarless design, a cantilever roof and minimal bodywork with angular shapes.

The all-electric drivetrain has a unique "hot-swap" battery propels the raptor to speeds of up to 130mph and a race distance of 190 miles. As Ryan Skelley explains, "The Raptor is inspired by the Dakar and Baja rallies and the vehicles which compete in them. "Whilst keeping elements of traditional 4x4s, the design also incorporates modern-day technology and eco-conscious materials."

The vehicles angular bodywork takes inspiration from both modern architecture and superbikes, resulting in both a unique vehicle aesthetic as well as a highly functional body panel system.

The body panels are all held onto the vehicle with hex-head bolts, are all independent of each other and can be replaced quickly when damaged. The vehicles alloys were designed to be in sync with the bodyworks aesthetic, where as the tires were designed to create a contrast, using a combination of both dune buggy paddle tires and digital technology as inspiration. Both tire and alloy interlock to create an image of strength and solidarity. "The vehicle contains many unique features, such as the exposed carbon fibre chassis designed to bring the occupants closer to the action and heighten the sense of speed, whilst providing ample safety.

"A lack of A-pillars and a cantilever roof provide an unrivalled view from the driver's seat, giving a near panoramic view of the landscape."

The electric drivetrain is powered by Lithium-Titanate batteries, rechargeable through both a standard wall socket or a dedicated high powered outlet. The batteries can also be quickly and easily replaced using the a "hot-swap" battery system - based on the Better Place battery technology - allowing for the old pack to be replaced with a fresh, fully charged battery in just 1 minute.

The concept was conceived as Ryan's final year major project and was also developed as a 1:4 scale model. An overview of the construction process - inclusing some modelling tips - was published on DesignerTechniques.

Additional notes

The main dimensions are a length of 3,990mm, a width of 2,500mm and a height of 1,680mm. The vehicle's battery consists of two Enerdel Lithium-Titanate packs in tandem, a total of 52 KW, paired with a next generation Siemens electric motor and single speed transaxle. The iPhone in the dash provides the vehicle with a constant internet connection as well as acting as a secondary screen. The phone allows the occupants to receive course and weather updates, race statistics, GPS data, and a provides a communications link to the rest of the team. The confederate flag is used not only as a humour piece, but also to reinforce the vehicles rugged, gun-ho nature. Teamed with the orange paintwork, the vehicle echo's the spirit of a particularly famous Dodge Charger from years past.

About the Designer

Ryan Skelley graduated from Coventry University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours First Class in Automotive Design with Professional Enhancement. Among his professional experiences is a six-months internship at Land Rover's G-Deck design centre (summer 2008). He is currently seeking work in the design industry and has an active interest in both automotive and product design. He is the author of the Sunbeam Tiger Concept, presented by Car Body Design on April 2009.