Jun.13, 2013
Depending on its life cycle, automakers traditionally wait three to four years to update a vehicle. But now as digital technology has become more powerful, some automakers have been able to design and produce its models more efficiently.
The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which General Motors (GM) unveiled this month, was completely redesigned after some criticism of its 2013 model. Thanks to 3D printing, GM was able to update both the interior and exterior in just some months.
Now leading Italian design house Pininfarina has also unveiled that it is using digital tools to design its new concept car, the Sergio, in honor of its honorary chairman, Sergio Pininfarina. Pininfarina created the Sergio concept for the Geneva Auto Show in just four and a half months, which is pretty nuts on the automotive time scale.
Courtesy of Pininfarina, the 'Sergio' concept car made with CATIA for Creative Designers
Using highly refined 3D-modeling software from French aerospace-tech gurus Dassault Systemes, Pininfarina was able to experiment in the earliest stages of development with a variety of different approaches and has cut considerable time and cost from its projects.
The resulting 3D virtual model is a detail rich, production-ready, with a class-A surface. Designers were also able to manage different variations of their concept car and experience each design alternative in 3D.
All of the designers’ styling features, including textures and colors, with the technical features developed by Pininfarina engineers were combined into one unified model. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and accelerated the decision-making process.
Based upon the Ferrari 458 Spider, the Sergio features a stylish, light weight carbon-fiber body to attract customers. Because of the economic downturn, companies like Pininfarina could benefit from these digital tools by saving considerable amounts of time and money through its new process.
Fabio Filippini, Design Director at Pininfarina said, "Our search for purity, performance and emotion are the very values that Sergio has transmitted to us throughout his career. Concept modeling, focused on these three core values, is our forte and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE design solutions help us transform our ideas into reality."
Pininfarina is considering building five Sergios by 2015 at $2-million each.
Posted in 3D Design
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Good article! Here found good service for interior designers.
Sean wrote at 12/13/2014 5:57:03 PM:
Julio is an idiot
Julio wrote at 6/14/2013 12:19:35 AM:
Horrible. Reminds me of the Corvette Stingray of the 70's. I wouldn't even want a hotwheels of that thing.