Icon Looks To Retro-Futurism With Helios Concept

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Known for improving upon Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Broncos and Jeeps, Icon is looking to create a streamliner with a little help from Tesla.

Jalopnik reports Helios, the project named after the Greek titan and personification of the sun (not a god of wind as originally published), will pull its looks from a mashup of post-WWI aircraft, 1930s streamliners and an alternate history where airplanes influenced automotive design a decade before the 1950s.

The Tesla connection — if owner Johnathan Ward can make it happen — will come in the form of the Model X platform, whose selectable AWD and 380-mile range are key features in Ward’s retro-future vision.

Currently, the Helios exists solely on paper, though Ward already has an owner in mind once he and his crew are able to “move mountains” to build:

I’ve got a meeting with Ralph Lauren to talk about something else. He doesn’t know I plan on totally taking over the room and making him buy this car… Most of [his cars] suck to drive except for the McLaren. So… that’s my pitch.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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 11 comments
  • Psarhjinian Psarhjinian on Jul 31, 2014

    In a similar vein, I'm surprised Mitsuoka hasn't reskinned a Prius yet.

  • Mcs Mcs on Jul 31, 2014

    Glad to see designers have found a way for wheel diameter to exceed the height of the hood, however that's way too much greenhouse for 2015. /sarc

    • See 4 previous
    • 05lgt 05lgt on Jul 31, 2014

      maybe the fenders are sprung and turn?

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jul 31, 2014

    Yes, because you can impress someone with a large car collection by telling them all their cars suck except this one, which you haven't built yet. But THAT'S how you fill out a wheel arch.

    • See 1 previous
    • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Jul 31, 2014

      @Fred Ralph Lauren has a pretty exquisite collection of rare and well-curated cars - it's just foolish to make that sort of a statement.

  • Facelvega Facelvega on Aug 01, 2014

    What an interesting fender kit Icon has developed for the Plymouth Prowler!

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