This is GM's automotive hat thrown into the ring that is the LA Auto Show Design Challenge, which asks designers to compose a race car for the future - the year 2025, to be precise.

Sketch artists at GM's Advanced Design centre in California have penned an ostensibly ordinary race car - but the race series it competes in is far from normal.

The Chaparral Volt races in the eco-triathlon, doing so by collecting energy from Earth, Wind and Fire. The elements, that is, not the '70s American funk legends. Though that itself would be unique.

GM doesn't say quite how the eco-triathlon will work, though it does use the word 'Volt' quite a lot, as in Chevrolet Volt.

Anyway, back to alternate future reality, the 2025 Volt collects its power in three ways. In a nutshell, 'Earth' involves momentum capture, energy regeneration and something else to do with aero-thermal resistance. 'Wind' refers to the Volt's rear turbines, which assist in braking and downforce, and cool the power cells for better efficiency. And finally, 'Fire' power comes from ultra-thin solar panels incorporated into the bodywork, which convert sunlight into the Volt's main power source. Easy.

Grid Position: 6/9

Early Retirement or Podium Finish: The innovative Earth, Wind and Fire concept gives this fairly ordinary-looking racer a 'shining star', but it still only finishes in the middle of the pack. And thus ends the bad pop references.

Mark Nichol - 21 Oct 2008