The first sketches of a car design are very important in defining the concept and expressing basic volumes and profiles. This is particularly important for a car’s silhouette. In general, designers begin with a greenhouse or side profile view to define the shape and scale of the car. This allows the designers to create the overall shape of the car before moving on to more detailed sketches.
When the car design is completed, the interior and exterior models are combined into a single model. Previously, these models could only be seen in computer programs. With this new technology, designers can view the actual model of the car. During this process, the designers may also begin the process of marketing the car. Then, engineering considerations for mass production start to weigh heavily in the final design.
The exterior design team develops the shape, proportions, and surface details of the car. Initial sketches and digital drawings are used to create basic shapes. Once these are approved by the appropriate management levels, more detailed drawings are developed. Consumer feedback is also used to refine vehicle concepts and continue throughout the design refinement process. In addition to sketches, industrial plasticine is also used to recreate the design of the vehicle.
A great car design creates an emotional response. In general, premium manufacturers aim to create a family-like feel among the vehicles in their range. Meanwhile, mass-market manufacturers strive to differentiate themselves within their target segments and follow trends. A classic example of this is the Fiat 500, which sold very well in Europe because of its attractive and emotional appeal. However, it fared badly in the U.S. because it looks ridiculous on the interstate.
Curvature is a key aspect of car design. Every surface of the car is curved, but this curvature is often concentrated in one direction. For this reason, most cars are shaped horizontally to the ground. However, car designers in the 21st century are challenging this traditional car design and introducing a more complex interaction between curvature and surface.
Today, car design teams are using high-tech tools to create vehicles that meet the needs of the different segments of society. Besides, future cars may be customized to meet the needs of different age groups, genders, or characters. They may even utilize high-tech tools to enhance the car’s visual impact on the viewer. One such model, the Metromorph, was designed by Roman Mistiuk for Peugeot to give the public a glimpse into the future of car design. Other examples include the eRinGo electric car by Mohammed Ghezel, and the P-Eco by Jung-Hoon Kim.
The front of a car is often the first thing people notice. An aggressive headlight design is one of the hallmarks of a sports car. Some brands have linked this trend with high-output lighting technology. Link, for instance, features aggressive headlights that use high-efficiency LEDs. This reduces fuel consumption on long trips.