How to Build a Virtual Car

Maybe you’re eager to enter a race for people who have built their own miniature cars. Perhaps you just want to test your car design skills against those of the professionals in Detroit. Those professionals use computer software to build virtual cars, and you can, too.

Instructions

1. Download Alias AutoStudio or similar software that allows you to design automobiles and their parts (see Resources below). You can find open-source software for free, or you can purchase expensive programs with a lot of power. You may even want to join one of the Internet communities that feature people who work together to design the most efficient mass-market car possible.

2. Make preliminary sketches before you try anything in your CAD (computer-aided design) program. Brainstorm all kinds of ideas. Remember, you can design a car with completely impractical features just for fun, or you can try to improve upon real-life design features. This is your chance to be creative with different grills, engines, windshields and tires.

3. Draw lines and make curves on the Alias software using "Tools" and "Draw." Transfer your ideas to the computer. No matter what program you use, you should use the zoom tool to get a close view of detailed work. Take your time and have fun building the virtual car you're imagining.

4. Adjust elements of your car’s exterior to “tune” it to your specifications. “Tuners” enjoy changing the appearance of their machines to look more striking. You can use a graphic design program such as Adobe Photoshop to add racing stripes, spoilers and more. If you don’t want to buy an expensive program like Photoshop, you can get free alternatives that have about as many features.

5. Run your virtual vehicle through simulations, if you’re more interested in function than form. Many programs will simulate a wind tunnel to test how aerodynamic your vehicle’s design is.

6. Tweak the design of your car based upon the results of testing. In some programs, you can adjust the materials in your prototype to make the car stronger (which may add weight) or make the car lighter (which sacrifices strength).

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Buy Alias AutoStudio.
• Download open-source car design software from Half Bakery.
• Read about more ideas for making your virtual car at Virtual Car.
• Tune your virtual car at Car Tuning Central.