How to Design a Concept Car
A concept car or "show car" is designed to highlight a new technology, style, or radical change in order to judge consumer interest before mass production of the car. Designing a car like this is an exercise in imagination - there are no limits to the design. Whether the design can be practically produced is a more difficult matter, and most concept cars are drastically changed before they reach the production stage, if ever.
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Instructions
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Decide on a concept to highlight. Whether it is a new kind of engine, a different car shape, or an exotic or expensive material, no concept car is complete without a gimmick.
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Sketch the car by hand. Make rough sketches of the exterior and interior of the car before you go to computer. At this stage do not try for perfection, but let your ideas flow.
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Choose a color scheme. You can change your mind later, but the colors of the car should have something to do with the overall theme, or at least be aesthetically pleasing and well planned.
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Translate your design to computer. Some design software companies offer free trials (see link below) to help you choose which software works best for you. A 3D design works well because it allows you to easily see the car from all angles. Computer-aided design (CAD) also allows you to design specific parts of the car, such as the engine or assembly.
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Think about the details. Decide on what materials will be used and what the details of the car look like. Design the handles, mirrors, interior controls, and seatbelts as well as the overall look of the car.
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Make a model. If you are using an existing car as the basis for your concept car this will be easy. Find a toy or model of that same car and alter it with your changes. This way you will have both the computerized 3D design as well as a physical model.
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Tips & Warnings
Use Photoshop to alter a picture of an existing car if you can't afford 3D CAD software.
Resources
- Photo Credit DDima (Wikimedia Commons - Public Domain)
