IED and McLaren collaborate on a 2020 McLaren SAV

Working with world-renowned supercar manufacturer McLaren, Turin's Istituto Europeo di Design [IED] has created a variety of concepts representing the potential future of the British marque's lineup. Each has been designed with the following requirements in mind: a hybrid, mid-engined four-wheel drive sport-utility riding on a McLaren chassis with space for two travelers.

After getting some one-on-one face time with McLaren at its Woking, UK facility, the IED students developed thirty-three concepts. After that, the number of proposals was whittled down to eleven cars deemed worthy of "further development" and students were put into teams to battle it out and earn a position on the short list.

The three winning vehicles approved for 1:4 scale model production are called the HOLON, the TOROK, and the BIO RENOVATIO, and can be viewed below along with some of the other concepts.

César Mendoza, IED Turin's director, says, "The Istituto Europeo di Design was very keen to collaborate again with McLaren Automotive....[It] has certainly contributed to raising the students' professional outlook, as it required that each team clearly defined the position of each specific feature within the project as a whole. McLaren is known for its attention to design detail: everything is for a reason and that is what we wanted our teams to understand. Then, in order to heighten the quality of the final works presented, we chose virtual presentation, including animation, that enables us even to test the movements of the parts."

Have a peek at the vids and pics and let us know what you think in the comments below.

By Phil Alex

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Tesla EYE Compact EV Concept by IED Turin Set for Geneva Debut [With Video]

The EYE is a conceptual study by Italy's IED Turin in collaboration with Tesla Motors for a sporty C-segment hatchback model with an all-electric drivetrain. Designed with European and Asian consumers in mind, the EYE will have its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.

The futuristic looking concept is the product of the work of eleven Master Course students at the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED), coordinated by Luca Borgogno, senior designer with Pininfarina and by Andrea Militello, Senior FIAT designer.

Measuring 4,250 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,360 mm in height and with a wheel base of 2,650 mm, the 2+2 seater hatchback model is similar in size to a VW Golf. More details about the car will be released at the official presentation in Geneva, but for now, hit the jump to watch a video of the EYE.

IED Turin Students Envision the Common Future of FIAT and Chrysler

Back in February, well before Fiat and Chrysler worked out the final deal, a group of second-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to design a vehicle capable of combining to the best advantage the technical know-how, the platforms and the values of the two brands. The students worked individually and among the designs presented, the team that oversaw the project picked out 13 proposals, including those of Vasily Kurkov and Roberto Testolin that were then selected to be produced as 1:4 scale models.

First up is the Biov that is the work of by Roberto Testolin. The idea behind the small pod-like automobile is the creation of an affordable and ecological vehicle positioned in the A segment that's aimed at young and eco-conscious buyers. The vehicle's body panels are made of lightweight plastic materials that are said to reduce the car's "production complexity" and "engineering costs".

The second and comparatively more realistic proposal is the Jeep Pygmy by Vasily Kurkov. The odd-looking three-door SUV is based on the platform of the Fiat Panda Cross 4x4. According to the designer, the exterior styling blends European and American aesthetics while the interior that can seat two, is said to combine retro features with high-tech details.

We thank IED Turin's Valentina G. for sending us the high-res photos