From 3D Model to Concept Car
Before products are introduced to the public, the product developers often make a 3D model so that they can see how the concept will appear when finished. These cell phone manufacturers, toy makers, and vehicle designers use these small-scale replicas of the concept to study before the actual object goes into production.
There are many ways to create a 3D model. These include using mathematical equations, pen and pencil, or through the use of a computer. Game creators started using these images to develop their products before computers started recording and using real time to create these new images. These early designers called their images “sprites”.
Not only are 3D models used in the video game industry, but also in industrial fields for research. These models include the body part models for the medical industry, the science community’s chemical compound models, and building, landscape, and automobile models for architects and engineers. There has also been a recent introduction of a 3D model with geographical features to the science community.
The 3D model is usually created in two different forms, the solid model and the boundary model. If you are creating a solid model you are trying to show the actual size and shape of the object. These are the types that are used mostly in the medical and engineering fields; therefore, the hardest to make. If you are making a boundary model you are trying to show the surface of the object only. These are easier to construct and are usually done by using computer graphics. The media and art fields usually use these kinds of 3D models.
In the United States one of the most common ways that the 3D model is used is in the making of an automobile. Each new car concept starts with a sketch and later becomes hard drawings. These drawings get colored in all the right places and tweaked so that the engineers can then create the design. These designs are later made into a small-scale 3D model so that all the important parts can be pieced together to form the new vehicle.
When the vehicle designers use 3D models they can insert all the different trim package and color options. Then they take the concept vehicle on a virtual “test drive” to see how it works in all possible driving situations. After it has been tested, the vehicle is ready to go to production on the assembly line, then to the dealership where potential owners can buy their new dream car. Because of the many roles that 3D models play, their development plays a major factor in our lives from day to day.
Top Futuristic Cars
Everyone has a specific car model that they are absolutely in love with, and it may change from year to year when the newest model comes out. However, there are some cars people can fall in love with before they are even produced. Most of these are concept cars, which are prototype cars that show new concepts, styles, and technologies for future cars to possibly be mass produced.
One of these concept cars is the BMW Gina Concept. This car is designed as a roadster that has a special light, flexible, durable, and extremely expansion-resistant fabric metal instead of the traditional sheet metal that is seen on cars today. The features of this car can be moved or shifted by electro-hydraulic controls to fit the driver’s needs. Using the same electro-hydraulic controls, the shape of the outer skin, and the overall design of this car can be changed. The way it is designed, when the driver turns their headlights on, the outside of the car changed to bring forth the headlights. When the lights are off, they stay behind the car’s exterior out of site.
Another car is the Ferrari Monza. The Monza looks like something out of a science fiction movie, and is pretty much the meaning of concept cars. The design has two wings that come over the front wheels for optimum aerodynamics, and can reach speeds up to 125 mph. The wings, called canards, are used to create some lift while the person is driving to help prevent friction. However, in order to prevent the car from simply taking off in flight, computers take over to control the wings over the front wheels. It even comes with glasses that show all the dashboard information. So not only will you have a car from some super hero comic, but you can also dress the part.
The Magnet Car is also an interesting concept car. Its designer created this three wheeled two seater car to look like a whale coming towards you with its mouth open. The car runs off of magnetic power and uses an electric engine that has a polarity. The car’s magnets are designed to be the same polarity as the road. This means that the car will be ‘lifted’ off the road. As cool as a magnetic hovering car would be, we technically don’t have magnetized roads, and they are hypothetical in theory.
An interesting concept is the Metromorph car. This car by Peugeot is ideal for when we are all stuck in a big city and parking near your apartment is scarce. The body of the car is mostly windows except for the bottom, also doubles as a balcony to your apartment. No, I will not shut the front door. This futuristic car is designed to not only drive on a road, but also up a wall and park its self at your apartment. The seats inside will of course adjust to keep you in an upright position when the car switches from driving on the road to the side of your apartment building. So, the next time you are on your apartment balcony with your friends thinking “dude, let’s go to the bar!” If you had the Metromorph car, you will be well on your way in your balcony, er…um, car.
The Phoenix all-electric concept car is designed to be eco-friendly. This car is supposed to have zero-emissions making it the perfect car for the environment. It runs off of electric batteries that power the four electric engines of the wheels. So, why is it a concept car besides being completely eco-friendly? The cabin is made completely of glass and is sealed by LED lights that can change colors to the drivers taste. So, in a way, it’s a lightcycle from Tron, just hope it doesn’t leave that nasty trail that those bikes leave.