As a 'robotic extension of the body', the Xeno III contains and surrounds its driver in a unique way. The shock absorbers are armrests, the suspension wraps around the legs, the windscreen is a 'headdress'. The car offers a combination of aerospace construction methods and jewelry-like detailing. The headlights and taillights, for example, are an intricate assembly of machined aluminum parts holding the halogen and LED arrays much like a diamond is held by a clutch in a ring.

The Xeno III is indeed a very personal concept car. It is one of a kind, and it is also intended as a piece of functional art, built with the best of today’s materials, and made to last generations if properly maintained.

An ultra low emissions vehicle, Xeno III is powered by natural gas. The technology and infrastructure available today make natural gas an attractive choice of fuel. In addition, the performance of a natural gas vehicle is comparable to that of a gasoline powered vehicle. Natural gas is also a bridge fuel to hydrogen. The research and development behind the Xeno III’s natural gas system will make a relatively easy upgrade to hydrogen possible in the future. Natural gas also allows for home refueling, and Xeno III will be equipped with a stationary home fueling unit.

Nick Pugh studied Transportation Design in Pasadena, at Art Center College of Design. In 1989, during an internship at Renault's design department in Paris, Pugh discovered deconstructivist architecture. Forms and compositions by Lebbeus Woods and other avant-garde architects influenced Pugh's developing style. He was already influenced by fractal mathematics - both his father and his stepmother are mathematicians.

While studying at Art Center, Pugh's angular and edgy style influenced other students and the industry alike - he is credited as one of the creators of the ‘new edge design’ aesthetic. He is the founder of NGV-USA, and created a patented fuel storage chassis that increases the range of natural gas powered vehicles. His work in the entertainment field includes projects for Warner Brothers, Universal TV, and Hearst Entertainment.

Xeno II scale model (1992)

He currently works for Rhythm and Hues Studios on projects ranging from TV commercials and feature films to motion rides. Pugh’s work has been featured in Wired and Metropolis magazines, and he was a featured guest on the recent TV show “Weird Wheels.” He is a central figure in the new book 'Build the Perfect Beast' by Mark Christensen, which chronicles the building of the Xeno III.

Nick Pugh website: www.nickpugh.com

Xeno III photography by Stephen Heller