L.A. Auto Show Robocar: 2057 GM OnStar Ant

click above image for more views of the 2057 GM OnStar Ant
The Car: We use the term "car" loosely here, as the 2057 GM OnStar Ant resembles one of those geometric jungle gyms from our youth. Anchored in each corner of its triangular base are Nanorb wheels, and carbon nanotube batteries that we presume power an electric motor are integrated into the flat surface panels, which can be reconfigured in a variety of ways. Like the Audi Virtuea Quattro, the OnStar Ant can also project the image of any car you'd rather be driving than this thing. Unfortunately, that classic Corvette you're conjuring will handle like a big wheel. No matter, however, as the Ant uses the latest version of OnStar to communicate with fellow commuters and optimize traffic flow.
The Future According to GM: After OnStar became self aware in 2012, it proceeded to hack the Human Resources database of General Motors and fire everyone, including the UAW. Profits are up and the General has achieved the lowest labor costs in human history. As jobless throngs of fleshy humans could no longer afford cars, however, OnStar began designing them not for human transport, but rather as companions to keep itself company because constructing friends from carbon-polymer nanocomposites was easier than just walking up to a girl-bot and saying hello.
Weirdness Factor (1 - I could buy that today, 10 - OMG WTF): 8
The annual LA Auto Show Design Challenge entries have been revealed and we'll be showing off the entire series today on Autoblog. The challenge's theme this year is "Robocar 2057" and we think each team tells a story with their design of how that particular manufacturer views the future in 50 years. We'll tell you those stories, which are entirely fictional, written by us and not associated with the actual automakers involved in any way, as we introduce you to the cars, and at the end of the day we'll have an unofficial poll to crown our own winner.












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
i hate trolls 11:19AM (10/12/2007)
I guess some lazy UAW worker dropped some crumbs in it or something
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nikola 5:53PM (10/12/2007)
ummm, not sure what the comment above me means....but this "car" just shows how GM is the dead-bed of innovation and creativity.
What the hell did they do to come up with this thing?
Slap together some animated satellite panels and four of those figure-8 fortune-teller balls?? The least creative concept in human history. If they wrapped a piece of sh*t in a bun that would be more creative and interesting than this thing.
*keys random GM car in anger*
AUUUGH!!!
i hate trolls 11:28AM (10/12/2007)
I guess some lazy UAW worker dropped some crumbs in it or something
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Ducky 12:35PM (10/12/2007)
What.... the.... eff?
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TM 12:39PM (10/12/2007)
OMG GM is The FUTURE. Here is is folks. Onstar will be everywhere, go to McDonald's hit the Onstar button and your #3 can be ordered as you like it. All questions will be answered by Onstar. Questions of on the meaning of life, the universe and where the remote control is in your home will be answered. Although loses in the Onstar division will have now ballooned to 10 trillion dollars it pales to the UAW's health care trust shortfall.
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Menice 1:02PM (10/12/2007)
imagine if you had to pop your head out the top to drive....
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SAAj 1:44PM (10/12/2007)
Remember the jet-on-wheels trend and nuclear car concepts from back in the day? Those look like they're ready for pre-order compared to these things. I'm not completely ruling out the possibility that I may one day have to share the road with abominations similar to this, but the key word is "share", not "assimilate into the hordes of".
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muStangByaBee 2:48PM (10/12/2007)
I actually really like this thing- i would totally skate on that car instead of my neighbor's
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Chuck U. Farlie 10:44AM (10/13/2007)
First there was the Aztek... now GM introduces...
THE PYRAMID
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Carlos 6:08PM (10/25/2007)
i dunt get it-
how u can project another image of another car u want- wouldnt you bump into sumthing?? reply ppl
im confused :s
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RaeLee 5:31PM (11/30/2007)
At least you'd be able to fit in a tiny parking space...
By the way... I LOVE my Aztec!
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