4 MEET THE FUTUR-E
Concept craft don’t come much cooler than the Futur-e, a futuristic all-electric runabout.
Like the suspension set up on a state-of-theart Formula 1 car, this model’s ‘Foil Integrated Kinematic System’ will simultaneously manage how far the four independently adjusted foiling legs extend and their angle of attack to keep it skimming effortlessly above the waves.
Much work is said to have gone into virtual tank-testing the design using the latest CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technology. The result promises to be an immensely stable ride, even at top speeds over the sort of waves that would slow conventional hull designs. And when those legs are neatly folded away underneath, it will still work as a conventional hull for berthing or when the weather becomes too rough to foil safely.
The foils are designed to start lifting the hull at 8 knots, and at 16 knots they will be in “fullflight” mode, minimising drag and maximising the craft’s efficiency. Handling is expected to be electric – in every sense.
Externally it looks more like a supercar than a boat, albeit one big enough for a sunbed on the bonnet. In profile the roof line and rear buttresses are loosely reminiscent of a 1980s Audi Quattro, but those scissor-action doors on the Coupe version are pure Lamborghini. There’s also a completely open version.
The ultramodern glass-bridge cockpit is proposed with a driver’s seat on the centreline and a rear bench seat for three.
At this stage the concept, which is the work of specialist Italian studio Centrostiledesign, lacks a full technical specification, so there are not yet any pre-determined length, beam or even battery and drivetrain details, just the designers’ well-earned reputations. Maximum speeds of around 30 knots have been suggested and the LOA appears to be around 25-30ft.
The design couldn’t have better sustainability credentials either. The Futur-e should have no environmental impact in use – zero CO2 emissions, plus minimal noise and wake. The hull and appendages could also be laminated with 100% recycled carbon fibre.