The GMC PAD was a concept vehicle shown at the 2006 LA Auto Show. The PAD concept is GMC's entry to the LA Adventure Design Competition, which for 2006 challenged designers to come up with a 'Californian adventure' and then design a vehicle for that purpose.
The GMC PAD was designed at GM's West Coast Advanced Design Studio in California, and the idea behind the PAD is that it will offer fashionable and comfortable living accommodation, as well as transport.
In today's increasingly expensive, rat-race society, young professional's often cannot afford housing in the areas they are required to work, enter the GMC PAD. The PAD has everything a small apartment offers, with the benefit of total mobility and freedom.
The GMC PAD uses a diesel-electric hybrid system for propulsion while in DriveMode, and the same system works as a generator for the onboard power grid when in LifeMode. Using the PAD's resource management technology, onboard fuel and water supplies could last for weeks or even months before refueling is required. During daylight hours, the GMC PAD's SkyDeck features 6 square metres of photovoltaic cells that collect and store the sun's energy. An electromagnetic suspension system aids in leveling & stabilization when the PAD is engaged in LifeMode, as well as assisting handling when in DriveMode.
Inside the PAD, like any modern apartment, there is a wide variety of media and entertainment systems for receiving information and entertaining guests. Direct TV, OnStar navigation, XM Satellite radio and Wi-Fi internet are online 24/7 to provide an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options, and the PAD’s LCD interior architecture offers a media rich environment unlike any other. Electronically variable opacity exterior glazing means privacy is a button away. The PAD’s rearmost area is devoted to a personal spa and the kitchen area features a full compliment of GMC PAD appliances specifically developed for the vehicle. To complete the setup, the PAD is fitted with a teraflop of onboard digital memory memory for storing music, video or any other digital media.
But if you ever feel cooped up inside the PAD, just venture out onto the integrated SkyDeck and take in the sights and sounds of LA culture.
The GMC PAD was created with modular design in mind. And the vehicle could easily be configured for use in government roles such as disaster response and emergency housing, as well as public sector uses such as on-site management offices for events, construction, and the media.
Designers of the GMC PAD @ GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio were:
Steve Anderson, Senon B. Franco III, Jay Bernard, Phil Tanioka, Sidney Levy, Brian Horton, Alessandro Zezza, Christine Ebner, Frank Saucedo
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