In some ways, the designers of the automotive world are like the superstars of the industry. Admittedly, most of them go virtually unnoticed in general, but there are some who have become famous and are now considered the best at what they do.
One man who has managed to achieve this status is Frank Stephenson. During his long career, he has worked for the biggest car companies in the world, including BMW, Ferrari and McLaren. While at the service of these companies, he was responsible for creating vehicles such as the BMW X5, the Ferrari F430 or the McLaren MP4-12C.
As with most people of his type when they reach a certain age (Stephenson is 64), he is no longer very involved in automotive design, but he is by no means retired.
In recent years, his name has been mentioned when talking about the new stars of the transportation industry, electric vertical take-off and landing planes (more specifically the AutoFlight Prosperity). And he has also participated in the creation of space capsules and baby seats – to give you an idea of his versatility.
This time, Frank Stephenson’s name is in the spotlight thanks to a motorcycle concept that is being presented this week at the Geneva Motor Show.
The bike is called FSD 59, where FSD stands for Frank Stephenson Desing and the 59 part remains a mystery for now. The bike is described as a “futuristic motorcycle that combines advanced technology, radical design elements and unparalleled functionality”.
Visually speaking, the FSD 59 is a real doozy. Still recognizable as a two-wheeler of our time, it presents a new interpretation of what the body of a motorcycle should be, with the handlebar surrounded by an extension of the monocoque-type fairing that flows over it from the front to where the seat is positioned.
The idea was to make the bike adaptable, so that it became a different bike to suit the needs of the rider. Essentially, we are told, the FSD 59 could well be a sports bike, a supersport or a cruiser.
The bike has adjustable handlebars, footpegs and seat, and the windshield (yes, there is one) has an adjustable angle. Above it is a screen that can be used to transmit important information to the rider.
As far as the vehicle’s power is concerned, Stephenson says that it is a vehicle intended for the “realm of electric and hydrogen motorcycles”. This means that it doesn’t have an engine in the way it was presented in Geneva, but it could well accommodate an electric motor and a modular battery system.
Although it is only a prototype for the time being, there are indications that Stephenson has more ambitious plans for it, since, according to him, “we look forward to announcing more news about it in the future”.