Is open community product design something that we in the UK should be promoting? Well, with cars like the Rally Fighter being produced we think it’s a goer!

If you do happen to be the Barranca Park Way area of Los Angeles on Saturday, then make sure that you drop in on the Cars and Coffee event which is being held at the Mazda headquarters. Organised by Local Motors, community members will have the opportunity to see the first prototype of the Rally Fighter.

Designed by Sangho Kim, the Rally Fighter is a $50,000 off road (but street legal) racer. The diesel car is designed to be used in the desert, however Local Motors claim that the Rally Fighter will handle well on-road driving at an efficient 30+ mpg. The car has taken many months of research and development and it will be available to buy in June of this year, However, potential buyers can order their own custom built model now for £5,000 deposit.

Local Motors is a great example of community based product design. LM members have the opportunity to upload their own car designs which are then voted for by other group members. Popular designs are then developed and built by the Local Motors community. As the car designs are developed openly, members can help choose designs, fixtures and fittings and they also have the final say on where the vehicle will be available to buy.