Car Design Fetish

We all know the amazing Syd Mead and all that he has brought to pleasure our eyes.  I came across an interview done by Adam Craft from InspireID.com.  Craft was able to speak to Mead about his vision before he puts pen to paper and how he immerses himself into the subject matter.  You can check it out here.  It is an interesting read but what really caught my attention is the slides how that was also provided.

It is also great to see a Master with 50 years experience let you in on his process.  His renderings always put you into a different world with his attention to detail and dramatic renderings.  Enjoy this slide show documenting Meads’ masterful rendering process.

Here is a cool growth chart done by Flowing Data.  Did you know that Target first opened in 1962, which is around the same time as Walmart.  I had know idea these stores have been around for so long.  Why have I only had access to Target for 10 years or so?  I feel so cheated.

Flowing Data has a slick way of showing growth and it is interesting to see how the brand covered the states.  Target was quite sporatic while Walmart focused in one area and then fanned out from the origin.

Probably useless info to most but still cool to see.  Watch the Target video and be amazed, then sadly watch where Walmart is at… bummer.

Holding onto the title for the 11 years or so since its debut in 1998, the Buick Signia concept car is a staunch reminder that yes, there were cars that were uglier than the Aztek.

This concept featured some of the worst form language I have ever seen, probably best described as “Awkward Silence” surfacing.  The “Buick Bump” comes off of an extremely odd interface to the side, with strange rear glass shapes that make the latest Jaguar D-pillars look like works of DaVinci caliber. Couple that with a truly obnoxious choice of interior materials — what kind of wood is that?  faux-80s coffee table?– and the Signia is truly a horrendous design that we, the internet, and the rest of the design world are truly happy stays buried.

Enjoy more pics below of this undeniably striking vehicle.

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While not sketches, per se, this latest video trailer for the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3 game is undoubtedly car porn.  Featuring my personal favorite vehicle to cause mayhem in, the V10 Audi R8, the teaser showcases some of the incredible in-game racing video.

And in case you’re wondering:  Yes, I already have it pre-ordered.  XBox Live Gamertag: kewlrats

There have been rumors about Audi producing an electric vehicle, possibly an R8.  Well on September 15th Audi is going to reveal something.  Judging by their microsite, it will be electric (they were not too subtle).  Check out the video below which is quite humorous.  There are others as well on the website along with some interesting facts about lightning and electricity.

Thanks @oneighturbo for the link.

CDF is happy to announce our second annual “Rendered Hope” charity calendar!  If you recall, last year’s calendar was a terrific success (see the images in the PDF below) and featured professional designers from a variety of companies.  CDF worked with HotWheels, Ford, and GM to deliver HotWheels cars as holiday gifts to the kids at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

This year’s edition will be more of the same, except due to the amount of interest from last’s calendar we are starting early!  From now until October 15th, CDF will be taking submissions of vehicle design sketches for the calendar.  The calendar will be available Nov 1st, just in time for the holidays, with all proceeds going towards once again buying HotWheels for the kids.

Once all the submissions are sent in, we will select 12 of our favorites and include them.  We will also contact those selected to include a short biography and contact info.  This is great for professionals and students alike, as you can see from last year’s calendar.  We’re still working on a thank you beyond inclusion in the calendar, but that will be worked out later.

Rules and information after the break.

Click here to download the 2009 calendar.

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