A team of creative Volkswagen designers have unveiled their own take on the future of modern transportation for this year's Los Angeles Design Challenge for the LA Motorshow. The challenge was simple: Design a vehicle able to make the most of California without harming the environment. The result: the Volkswagen Nanospyder.

The Nanospyder features futuristic nanotechnology supported by hydrogen fuel cells, solar power, wheel-mounted electric motors, and inflatable organic body panels in an unusually shaped two-seater concept. According to its creators, the Nanospyder would be formed out of a latticework of billions of tiny programmable nano devices measuring less than half a millimeter in diameter. Each of these tiny devices can be programmed to be as weak or strong as required to create active "crumple zones": Panels formed out of a mix of organic materials will clothe the nano-lattice and can inflate to provide cushioning in case of an impact.

The outer layer also doubles as a solar power source which combines with hydrogen fuel cells to generate power to drive electric motors mounted within the hubs of all four wheels. The Nanospyder will be introduced at the third Los Angeles Design challenge at the Los Angeles Auto Show, coming up in December, 2006.

To read about the Hydrogen Z concept car, click here.