Designed as a speed form concept entry under RMIT University for the Solar Car Challenge (AU), this concept was created as part of an ongoing 3-stage project for an Automotive Design elective in 2018 whilst completing my Bachelor in Industrial/Product design.

The design brief was purely based off the official specifications, constraints and regulations of the Bridgestone Solar Car Challenge event guidelines. Designed for two occupants, this vehicle has a very modest “bare essentials only” interior and ultra-thin clip on/off door panels allowing for maximum weight savings.

This concept was inspired around racing hydroplanes for their aerodynamic monocoque bodies and seamless outer shell designs, allowing them to minimise drag and maximise their efficiency when powering through water. I wanted to capture these low drag characteristics as best as possible with my limited engineering knowledge and produce a moderate-high performing speed form for high wind conditions.

Initial body form ideation was sculpted using Autodesk Alias, then imported to Autodesk Fusion 360 for final iterations, assigning materials/finishes and placing decals on before final rendering.

The renders below showcase how I envisioned the “race-ready” concept vehicle to look on race day.

Final rendering finishes were inspired by world war 2 allied aircraft; specifically United States Airforce aircraft like the B-29 bomber and P-52 Mustang fighter with their high polished alloy bodies and the P-40 Warhawk with it’s iconic shark mouth nose illustrations.