The Peugeot Moonster, a captivating two-door coupe concept, was unveiled by French automaker Peugeot at the 2001 Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany. It emerged as the triumphant creation of the 2000 Peugeot Concours Design competition.
This lunar rover-inspired masterpiece took the spotlight at the International Motor Show Germany on September 11, 2001, in Frankfurt. It was the crowned champion of the inaugural Peugeot Concours Design concept car design competition in 2000, where participants were tasked with envisioning a theoretical car for the year 2020. The visionary mind behind the Moonster was 23-year-old Serbian university student Marko Lukovic, who earned a prize of €5,000 (US$5,800) for his groundbreaking design.
At the heart of the Peugeot Moonster's design is an innovative positioning of the engine at wheel level. Drawing inspiration from cars anticipated in 2020 and those from the early 1900s, the concept also weaves in elements reminiscent of lunar rovers and dolphins, with the rear spoiler taking the form of a dolphin tail. Crafted from polished aluminum sheets, expertly molded into curves, the Moonster exudes a chrome-like appearance. The interior accommodates four seats and boasts an aircraft-like steering wheel, enhancing its futuristic and aerodynamic appeal.
A noteworthy aspect of the Moonster's creation lies in its unique genesis. The design emerged victorious from an internet-based design competition initiated by Peugeot. Participants submitted drawings and design schematics through Peugeot's website, culminating in 750 entries being narrowed down to the top 50 designs. An online vote then determined the most appealing car, with Marko Lukovic's Moonster rightfully claiming the spotlight.
While the Moonster stands out as a radical and visionary concept, it's essential to note that it was conceived purely as a design in fluid form. Devoid of an engine, transmission, or suspension systems, the entire bodyshell was meticulously hand-formed from sheet aluminum and polished to perfection. This approach resulted in the creation of one of the most reflective cars to date.
Peugeot's commendable competition setup, allowing complete creative freedom for designers and harnessing the power of the internet to discover talent, underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
Source & Images: Peugeot
