Automotive: Maret 2012

LOS ANGELES: Art Center College Talk

Thank you for attending the Art Center College talk about design and thank you for your very kind reception.

Cheers, Daniel

WALLPAPERS: Lotus and Simon at Sebring

I took pictures at the 12h of Sebring of our Lotus LMP 2 car. Download here by clicking. More at http://danielsimon.com/wallpapers/

EVENT: 12h of Sebring race

I had a great time with the Kodewa team of our Lotus LMP2 car at the 12h Sebring Le Mans season opener. I have tons of impressions to share with you over the next days of our great car. It finished 10th overall after 12 hours, a solid season kick off.

JURY: AutoR car design awards 2011

My personal vote for AutoR awards best concept design 2011 (left) and production design 2011 (right). On the Peugeot HX1, which was picked also by the rest of the judges, I am quoted “After awkward years of Peugeot design, this well done experiment is a treat. Naively seductive 80ies stance, clear lines and the unique French love to detail. Inspired me most in 2011.”

For the final winners see here: http://www.automotivedesignconference.com/winners/

Daniel Simon's votes and quotes:

Top 1 - Peugeot HX 1 - "After awkward years of Peugeot design, this well done experiment is a treat. Naively seductive 80ies stance, clear lines and the unique French love to detail. Inspired me most in 2011."

Top 2 - VW Nils - "Very tough to make a cool small vehicle and this one sparks the thought of zipping around in it. Very nice."

Top 3 - Jaguar C-X75 - "Although a very conventional architecture, when seeing it in person its perfect balance touches your automotive heart, in a decade of styling confusion."

Production Cars 2011:

Top 1 - Ferrari 458 Italia Spider - "I worked next to a dealer ship and all day long I wanted to go out there and touch it. Masterfully erotic and a stylistic relief in Ferrari's current line-up."

Top 2 - Fisker Karma - "A car designers sketch on the road - I see it around every day and am puzzled why other makes couldn't do so in the past."

Top 3 - VW Up - "VW surface quality, product feel and smart packaging is something every designer should have owned once. I did with the Lupo. Good luck Up."

JURY: 2011 Best Designed Car

I was a jury member for the "2011 Best Designed Car" by AutoR, which claims to be the biggest European car design conference. Judging peers included Patrick le Quément, Tom Matano and Colani.

http://www.automotivedesignconference.com/2011jury/

Cheers, Daniel

MUST SEE EXHIBITION: Syd Mead Progressions

EXHIBITION: Visual futurist and friend Syd Mead changed the world of design throughout the last century. His unbelievable originals are more detailed and perfected then any print ever showed. Runs until April 15th, 2012 and is open, 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM until 5 PM. Must see.

http://sydmead.com/v/11/review/traveling-exhibition/

TALK: Art Center College March 2012

PUBLIC TALK: I am very honored to speak at the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California (past graduates include players like Syd Mead, J Mays, Chris Bangle or Michael Bay).
For all info, please check the flyer, and thank you to Art Center for having this one hour presentation open to anybody who wants to come and see it. No tickets, no RSVPs.

Hope to see you March 26th. Best, Daniel