Body kits designs: Winners Of CIAS Motor Trend

Tuners are one of the hottest automotive trends of today, just as hot rods were all the rage in the 1960s. What will these modified, tricked-out cars look like in the year 2020? What will be the next generation’s version of neon lights, touring wings, body kits and carbon fiber trim? The public will have the opportunity to peek into the future of automotive design at the California International Auto Show’s own Design Pavilion, which will showcase futuristic tuner designs developed for the 2003 CIAS Motor Trend International Design Contest.

The fifth-annual Motor Trend International Design Contest challenged amateur, student and professional designers to create the tuner cars of the year 2020. The designer had to select the make and model of the car, either in production or already discontinued, and then incorporate modern performance themes to create a year-2020 version of the vehicle. Each design submission included a minimum of three perspectives, including a rendering of the interior that identified the instrumentation and driver controls. Entries also included a brief synopsis explaining how the design was conceptualized, as well as the car’s technical and general specifications.

Motor Trend Executive Editor Matt Stone, who also serves as the contest’s Chief Judge, developed this year’s contest theme based on the huge appeal of the aftermarket industry and the popularity of the recent Fast and Furious movies. Modifying vehicles is an international passion, and the tuner industry is extremely popular – on the street, on the silver screen and more importantly, in the automotive design studios, said Stone. Tuners were ideal for this year’s theme and we are looking forward to showcasing what our contestants have come up with.

An expert jury, composed of automotive design professionals, was assembled to judge design entries. This impressive list includes Henrick Fisker, executive director of Global Advanced Design for Ford Motor Company and Aston Martin design director; Tom Matano, director of industrial design at the Academy of Art College and former executive designer and director of Mazda North American Operations; Jose Paris, concept designer, Ford Brand Imaging Group; Frank Saucedo, design director, General Motors 5350 Industrial Concepts; and Jeff Teague, president, Teague Design, Inc. John Naderi, editor-in-chief of Super Street magazine and Eddie Paul, custom car builder for The Fast and The Furious and 2Fast 2Furious movies, will supply the tuner-industry expertise while Matt Stone, Motor Trend executive editor and Larry Crane, Motor Trend art director round out the panel.

During the first round of judging in late September, the judges selected five student and five professional finalists, as well as the amateur winners. The top-five student and professional finalists received an expense-paid trip to the California International Auto Show to attend the final round of judging. During the final round each contestant has the opportunity to present their design to each member of the judging panel and ultimately rub elbows with working automotive designers.

About The Author:

Rodney Barnes is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com. Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.