'Generation X' Autos, Unleashed By Future Designers

Engineering and transportation design students from Detroit's College for Creative Studies and University of Michigan have created innovative car concepts that will rock the automotive industry in the near future. 'Generation X' automobiles include Cadillac Entourage, Land Rover Carver and Volvo Stal Concept. These cars were unleashed during the 18th annual American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) summer automotive design internship.

The Millennial generation is aiming for something hot, new, stylish, modern, versatile and powerful sets of car. Moreover, to find out what the future generation really wanted, the designer hand was given to the students since they comprise the future of designers. Moreover, they are the ones who can ascertain what the future of cars will be like.

Fresh ideas, concepts and innovations evolved through 2 distinct perspectives – harmony of product concept and mechanics. During the internship, the students were exposed to steelmaking and vehicle manufacturing scenes. Students were also introduced to some steel mills, stamping plants, engineering facilities and design studios, to give them insights about the whole process of designing and manufacturing cars. They were also exposed to the different stages, processes and materials that make up the automotive industry.

The internship program was heightened by the presentation of three aforementioned 'future vehicles'. The first prototype presented was that of Cadillac Entourage, a sport luxury sedan designed by Alex Alequin and engineered by Sathish Dhandapani. High-strength steels, glass and other quality materials were used to provide luxury and safety. Land Rover Carver, the second prototype presented was designed by Byung Cho and engineered by Sungchul Choi. It uses the strength, safety, and the versatility of advanced high-strength steels that transform the crossover into a full all-terrain vehicle. The third prototype was that of Volvo Stal which was designed by Carrie Fodor and engineered by Aditya Rajderkar. The car is a solid structure boasting fluidity and simplicity. Some parts used were similar to that of Volvo C70 parts.

According to Bryon Fitzpatrick, chairman, Transportation Design for CCS, "The AISI internship allows the students to experience working with flexible manufacturing processes and materials to meet the design requirements shaped by the automotive industry. Students gain a breadth of knowledge in new steel applications and incorporate design elements that can be used to meet future needs such as safety, affordability, and fuel efficiency."