Automotive: Juni 2012

INSIDE HOLLYWOOD: Tron Uprising Light Cycle

New hero Light Cycle design tailored for the stretched characters in the Disney TV Comic Show 'Tron Uprising'. We put the form language and technology between the angular 1982 and organic Legacy esthetics, according to the TV shows mythology.
The '82 front cone developed into an integrated shape and the engine is exposed in the rear hub. Inspired by a personal project I introduce a rigid helmet assembly - which makes a logical departure from '82 canopies on the way to fully morphing Legacy shells.

Lead Vehicle Design Daniel Simon. Tron Uprising. © Disney 2012

INSIDE HOLLYWOOD: Captain America

Concept design drawings for Marvel's Captain America, 2009 Marvel Studios. Director Joe Johnston requested a 20 meter long tank, christened "Land Cruiser". Proportions and stance were a big concern. These are close to the final design, with wedge silhouette, capsuled tracks and single short barrel nestled between high shoulders. Side pod guns got removed later.

Exhibits Petersen Museum L.A.

The Lancia Stratos HF Zero concept by Bertone from 1970 is one of the most stunning and famous concept cars of all time. At display currently at the Peterson Museum, where two nice exhibits are next to each other. The Aerodynamics show and the Italian Design show, both until 2013. Go see it if you are in the area.

http://www.petersen.org/

Some more detail pix of the Bertone beauty on my flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cosmicmotors

Cheers, Daniel

WITH A CAR DESIGN ICON

Last night, hanging out with Peter Schreyer, friend and automobile design icon, at the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles. Currently Chief Design Officer at Kia and one of the most influential car designers of current days, Peter is mostly know for turning Audi into a design brand with cars like the revolutionary 1998 Audi TT.

Cheers, Daniel

2013 LOTUS LMP2 PROJECT

Lotus LMP2 is working with united forces in developing its own car that will initially run in LMP2. The next step will be the development of a LMP1.
Responsible for the stylistic elements and livery is once again Car Concept Designer Daniel Simon.

Read the full press release here: http://www.lotus-lmp2.com/en/news/91-lotus-lmp2-with-new-project-in-2013.html

Image: © Lotus LMP2 / Daniel Simon

Best, Daniel

LE MANS: Lotus LMP2 racer with Simon logo

My ten dot logo on the Lotus car at the famous 24 hours Le Mans race event in France, yesterday.

Photo: Lotus LMP2 Team

APPEARANCE: LACMA MUSE Artwalk

A spontaneous demo of Bunkspeed software last night at the Filter Foundry event at the LACMA (Los Angeles Museum of Art). Loud live acts, drinks, fashion, and live computer demos on the wall.

HOLLYWOOD INSIDE: Tron Workshop

Almost midnight in a workshop near Los Angeles, only days away from the Light Cycle premiere at Comic-Con in San Diego, Summer 2009. Sculpting the shoulder area of the bike in clay. I am proudly wearing out my Tron hair that I came back with from Vancouver earlier that day, being a background actor in the film for a week. Priceless experiences.

© DISNEY ENTERPRISES.

Cheers, Daniel

BREATHTAKING: Red Bull Stratos Project

Felix Baumgartner standing at 21.8 km altitude in a balloon, ready for a test jump for the Red Bull Startos project earlier in March. He wants to break the sound barrier in free fall with a skydive from 37 km altitude later this summer.
Joe Kittinger jumped from 31 km in 1960, holding the record, and being now an advisor on this project. Kittinger reported that he wasn't sure wether he will fall back to earth or if he escaped gravity already, since he did not feel any air resistance when he jumped out. Awesome stuff.

Source: Red Bull / Wired

All info: http://www.redbullstratos.com/

TRON UPRISING DESIGNER: Annis Naeem

As Lead Vehicle Designer on Tron Uprising I was honored to work with great young artists in the Uprising mini vehicle department. I like to share their work here. Today, Annis Naeem from Art Center Pasadena. He also has spaceship designs released in Design Studio Press books like 'Drive' and 'Blast'.
Please enjoy his website here:
http://www.annisnaeem.com/