8 Steps to a New Concept Car

The VISION E had its premiere in Shanghai, and its design has already received loads of positive response. In this connection, one may ask how such design solutions, both interior and exterior, are born?

20. 4. 2017 Škoda World Innovation & technology

At the beginning of each concept car project, the designers think about the core philosophy and values they wish to express and convey. “We need to identify the basic character we want to imprint to the new vehicle, such as dynamic, sporty, how much emphasis we are going to place on its roominess, functionality, etc. The very first design sketches are just rough drafts, and the main tools we use in these early stages are pencils and paper and also markers to highlight some of the contours,” says designer Peter Olah, describing the initial stage of defining the showcar‘s future face. This stage is about clarifying and sorting things, and it‘s dominated by emotions. Rough drafts on paper are followed by more detailed sketches made on digital tablets, i.e. the first

The closer the exterior designers get to the final shape, the more important it is for them to get the best possible idea as to how the car will work with individual details in place and in various environments and conditions. With series production cars in particular, they need to see the shapes in daylight. “Our ambition is to produce cars that are not just lovely at first sight, but are also modern and timeless,“ says designer Dalibor Pantůček, commenting on the exterior look of the VISION E. “That‘s why all lines are pure, simple and perfect in terms of proportions.”

Obviously, the main difference between electric cars and cars with combustion engines lies on the technology side, and the exterior look of the VISION E is only “electricity-specific” in that the air cooler grille (that the electric motor can do without) is covered. On the other hand, the car bears some of the typical ŠKODA features, including the boldly shaped bonnet with a striking 3D logo, the C-shaped taillights, etc.

The interior model takes the form of a 1:1 sit-in box. The designers need to sit into the interior to try everything out and thus ensure that all items work in terms of both aesthetic and ergonomic aspects. The model production method is identical with that used for the exterior model, except that the interior modelling process involves a more extensive use of 3D printing and prototype components.

The ambition is to make the impression as near as possible to the future reality. Parallel to the clay model, the team further modifies the key concept data and tests other options. The clay interior model is covered with special foils to imitate the respective surfaces, the outcome being very near the real car.

Compared to series production vehicles, the showcar development process is always faster. “As a purely electric car, the VISION E is a breakthrough product for which we could not use any of the existing platforms. We started from scratch in all respects, including the body, the door opening system and the tailgate opening system with electrically controlled struts,“ says Project Coordinator Daniel Edr, mentioning some of the concept car project specifics. Also unique are the interior roominess, the smooth veneer floor and the frameless side doors (with the rear ones opening against the direction of the car‘s movement). With no traditional B-pillar

in place, the car looks enormously comfortable when climbed into. Materials and documents for key expert meetings and Board meetings are produced continuously during the showcar development process. “My responsibility is to prepare the concept and then harmonize all inputs contributed by the respective Design teams,“ says Daniel Edr. Tens of people have put in loads of hard work, and at this stage their work is completed. Their vision of ŠKODA‘s future has been materialized in this showcar, and the first responses from the public are positive. Meanwhile, the Design Department is already working on other models ….