In some aspects, automotive designers are like superstars of the industry. It is true that most of them go unnoticed in general, but there are some who have become famous and are currently considered the best at what they do.
One man who has achieved this status is Frank Stephenson. Throughout his long career, he has worked for the biggest automotive companies in the world, including BMW, Ferrari, and McLaren. While working for these companies, he was responsible for creating vehicles such as the BMW X5, Ferrari F430, and McLaren MP4-12C.
As is the case with most people of his kind when they reach a certain age (Stephenson is 64 years old), he is no longer heavily 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, vertical take-off and landing electric planes (specifically the AutoFlight Prosperity). He has also been involved in the creation of space capsules and baby seats – to give an idea of his versatility.
This time, Frank Stephenson’s name stands out thanks to a motorcycle concept that is being presented this week at the Geneva Motor Show.
The motorcycle is called FSD 59, where FSD stands for Frank Stephenson Design and the 59 part remains a mystery for now. The motorcycle is described as a “futuristic motorcycle that combines advanced technology, radical design elements, and unparalleled functionality.”
Visually speaking, the FSD 59 is truly insane. Still recognizable as a two-wheeled motorcycle of our time, it presents a new interpretation of what a motorcycle body should be, with the handlebars surrounded by an extension of the monocoque-type fairing that flows over it from the front to the seat area.
The idea was to make the motorcycle adaptable, in order to become a different motorcycle to suit the rider’s needs. Essentially, we are told, the FSD 59 could very well be a sportbike, a supersport, or a cruiser.
The motorcycle has adjustable handlebars, footrests, and seat, and the windshield (yes, there is one) has an adjustable angle. Above it, there is a screen that can be used to convey important information to the rider.
Regarding the vehicle’s power, Stephenson states that it is intended for “the domain of electric and hydrogen-powered motorcycles”. This means that it does not have an engine in the way it was presented in Geneva, but it could very well accommodate an electric motor and a modular battery system.
Although it is currently only a prototype, there are indications that Stephenson has more ambitious plans for it, as he says, “we are looking forward to announcing more news about this in the future”.
