Hot Eco-Friendly 4x4 Concept

Four-wheel-drive vehicles, especially those designed for serious off-road adventures, are notorious gas hogs. Thus, their future is clouded by rising fuel prices. Austrian-based Magna Steyr has developed a concept vehicle, the Milan Alpin, that could correct this image while still offering very competent off-road performance for both recreation and utility use.

Even though Magna Steyr is a major automobile manufacturer building up 200,000 vehicles annually, it is not a brand name. That's because this subsidiary of Canadian-based Magna International designs, develops, and builds vehicles for other automakers. These include the BMW X3, Chrysler Voyager and 300, Jeep Commander and Cherokee, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC, and Saab 9-3 Cabrio.

Thus, Steyr engineers designed the MILA Alpin to be modular so it could easily use components and systems from other volume production vehicles. Indeed, the basic design could be used by more than one automaker. This includes the propulsion and drivetrain system since the MILA Alpin could be a hybrid with either a CNG engine or a small, supercharged gasoline engine, both aimed at low CO2 emissions of under 100 grams-per-kilometer.

Independent suspension and an ESP stability control system mean good on-road characteristics including exceptional handling. The mid-engine layout provides optimum weight distribution and ensures good traction. Serious off-road capability comes with the design's considerable ground clearance, large overhang angles, optional lockable transfer case and axle drives, and low crawling speed. Especially impressive is 45-degree climbing ability. The 3 + 1 seating arrangement is interesting and includes a higher sitting position that's relatively far forward. A large panoramic roof gives the driver and passengers excellent visibility.

Much attention was given to make it easy, and relatively inexpensive, to manufacture this vehicle with a high number of variants. For example, the frame consists of straight sections made of different materials to keep weight down and allow a variety of body designs to be used. In addition to flexibility, the modular design lends itself to low volume production techniques rather than investment-intensive automation. This also means the cost of subsequent modifications to meet changes in market demand can be kept to a minimum.

Creative designs like the MILA Alpin hold out hope that there is a future for capable 4WDs that look great and are fun to drive, but also aggressively address affordability and environmental performance.