A new generation automotive roof cargo box with UV resistance and high durability, developed by drawing inspiration from armored forms in nature, with its drag coefficient optimized via digital wind tunnel (CFD) simulations.
This new generationroof box designwe brought to life for Turtle, a Can Auto brand, reinterprets the symbols of durability and safety in the brand's heritage with modern automotive design language. The inspiration behind the project is the aerodynamic and protective architecture of the turtle shell, which withstands the harshest conditions in nature with flawless adaptability.
The sketches and clay studies we carried out during the design process aimed to seamlessly integrate this organic form with contemporary SUV and passenger car roof lines. Rather than appearing as a crude, retrofitted load on top of the vehicle, we sculpted a dynamic silhouette that positions itself as a natural extension of the bodywork.
“The Turtle Roof Box Series is not merely a storage container carrying your belongings; it is an industrial design piece that completes your vehicle's aerodynamic identity.”
Angled nose geometry that minimizes aerodynamic drag and channels airflow smoothly over the roof to the rear.
Characteristic rib lines that prevent body flexing at high speeds and grant rigidity to the upper shell.
Mounting slot that keeps the overall vehicle height low, offering clear clearance advantages at parking garage entrances.
Energy efficiency and in-cabin acoustic comfort are top priorities in automotive exterior accessories. The wind noise and increased fuel consumption typically caused by conventional roof boxes were resolved in the Turtle project through comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
The aerodynamic nose and rear air-deflector winglets, designed to minimize the drag coefficient ($C_d$), allow airflow to glide effortlessly over the roof. This achieves measurable fuel economy in internal combustion engines, minimizes range penalty in electric vehicles (EVs), and eliminates high-speed wind buffeting noise.
Spring-assisted scissor mechanism facilitates practical loading and unloading from both the right and left sides of the vehicle.
Anti-theft central locking system where the key can only be removed when all locking tongues are fully engaged.
User-friendly clamp mechanism that securely locks onto roof crossbars in seconds while damping vibration.
Engineered to satisfy all the demands of outdoor travel enthusiasts, the Turtle series offers ample volume accommodating everything from camping tents and ski gear to luggage and sports equipment. Base securing channels and tension straps prevent items from shifting during cornering.
The heavy-gauge thermoformed ABS/PMMA composite material utilization in its manufacture withstands intense solar UV radiation, hail and stone chips, and extreme weather spanning -30°C to +65°C.
Integrated load-lashing channels securing luggage and sports gear of varying sizes.
Scratch-resistant, smooth outer shell layer preventing sunlight-induced fading.
Sealing architecture prevents moisture and dust infiltration during heavy downpours and stormy conditions.
Fluid roof form reducing fuel consumption and conserving EV range by minimizing aerodynamic drag coefficient.
Heavy-gauge co-extruded composite shell reinforced against impact and UV rays, free of cracking or discoloration.
Secure, multi-point locking mechanism that does not release the key until all locking points are fully engaged.
Integrated internal rail channels securing any outdoor equipment from camping tents to large suitcases.
Organic, protective, and dynamic form explorations inspired by turtle shell armor.
Class-A exterior surface fluidity, rigidity-enhancing rib lines, and crossbar compatibility.
Wind tunnel simulations, nose slope optimization, and drag coefficient tuning.
Road dynamic validation, vibration analysis, and in-cabin acoustic wind noise measurement.
CNC aluminum vacuum tooling, robotic perimeter trimming, and lock assembly line audit.