One of our most ambitious projects was realised in just seven months and is still being raved about in the industry today: the RIVAGE – a spectacular sports model which was presented to the public for the first time at the “Euromold” in Frankfurt on 4 December 2002.
It is a sports car study, show car, data control model and concept car all-in-one. In several steps during the development, first there came 1:4-models and finally the 1:1-illustrative model was manufactured.
The goal: The competency project should unite highest quality and functionality at the same time.
Log of developmental records
From the first sketch to the drive ready prototypes in just seven months – this is not the only notable fact for the RIVAGE. The result, in its stability and functionality, is indistinguishable from a series vehicle. Also in terms of speed, many other car models don’t even come close – the RIVAGE was on the road during its maiden voyage at the Hockenheimring posting well over 200 km/h. Retired German ski jumper Sven Hannawald has already enthusiastically driven a round in the unique model. Highest design fidelity, functionality and an extremely short development period with comparatively low costs – are the embodiments of the RIVAGE.
The technical implementation was based on a sketch by the designer, Prof. James Kelly. A 1:4 scale model was built with help from GOM and Tebis. Again and again professionals presented the design, optimised it and then built it in its original size. With our special sandwich laminate technique, we manufactured all the outer skin and structural parts. Of crucial importance for the functional quality of the vehicle, the visual effect of its outer body as well as the total vehicle production speed, was the last phase – the digitisation of the 1:1 demonstration model. Each individual model piece for the production of body elements had to be designed and manufactured by our CAD/CAM designers. In plain language this means: seven months of precision work at the highest technical level.