Designing an Autonomous Sports Car for 2030
March 2, 2016
Enze (Enzo) Zheng explains his initial concept ideas during the initial design review. Drew Winter
The first step is developing an assignment with an instructor who will guide students through the design process. Brian Stoeckel (right), is a designer at General Motors who also teaches at CCS.
The next step is having students visit the North American International Auto show, sit in vehicles and imagine how they could look in 2030.
Concept cars on display such as the Acura Precision and Buick Avista help stir imaginations.
(From left) Students Nick Tardani, Niko Pesa, Takashi Kumamoto, Young-Joon Suh and Andrew Rudd study Buick Avista concept on turntable. The class attracts students from all over the world in addition to the local Detroit area.
Instructor Brian Stoeckel explains key aspects of Buick Avista design to students.
Wifan Liu waits for just the right shot as a car spins on a turntable. Students take hundreds of photos for future reference.
Stoeckel and several students chat about design details of new Mazda Miata.
Student Takashi Kumamoto wants to drive the Miata home.
Josh Kim and Nick Tardani are drawn to the new Ford Mustang.
The assignment calls for more than two seats, so Kim and Tardani study 2+2 seating.
Students start their designs with boards depicting basic shapes and ideas. Jose Lopez also anticipates using bio leather for his interior.
Ideas come from many non-automotive objects and shapes.
Enze (Enzo) Zheng wants his design to reflect the beauty of engineering.
Hwansuk Choi is sketching out a design vocabulary inspired by the Corvette.
Kavish Latif is experimenting with a Human Machine Interface that uses a universally understood language: Playstation symbols.
Young-Soon Suh reveals the beginnings of a very sporty design.
Josh Kim is starting out by exhaustively sketching out design ideas.
Josh Kim is starting out by exhaustively sketching out design ideas.
The latest WardsAuto/CCS design project is a vehicle interior for a sports car that is fun to drive but also has autonomous capabilities for city commuting. Approximate production date: 2030. The assignment, Sponsored by IAC and Lear, is part of a semester-long class at the prestigious College for Creative Studies. Students compete for recognition, scholarship money and special awards. WardsAuto kicked things off with a visit to the North American International Auto Show. Winning designs will be announced at the 2016 WardsAuto Interiors Conference May 11 in Detroit. (See related story: Joyful Autonomous Driving).
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