The Art of Engineering: How Exotic Cars Are Designed - Henderson Edition

Aerodynamics and Modeling

With the concept in place, the next step is to start devoting attention to aerodynamics. Minimal air resistance is a huge factor with exotic cars. Engineers goal is to maximize speed and improve fuel efficiency. Sophisticated software helps them to simulate air flow over, under and around the car. Testing performed in wind tunnels on actual models helps to perfect the results while even the smallest adjustments can lead to drastic improvements in performance.

Paying attention to the exotic car’s shape is crucial, after all exotic cars are expected to look beautiful. Therefore as important as aerodynamics are, the final visual impression of the car must be perfected too. Combining smooth curves with sleek lines and aggressive angles create a breathtaking visual presence. Every vent, scoop, wing and other details are carefully placed to improve performance but not spoil the exterior design of the car.

Materials and Technology

Materials such as aerospace-grade aluminum, carbon fiber and titanium are commonly used in exotic cars. Listed materials are extremely sturdy and lightweight and therefore are commonly used in exotic cars. With utilization of high end materials the speed, handling, structural strength and durability are drastically increased

Modern, latest technologies are often featured in the world of exotic cars. Engineers and designers work together to integrate top of the art technologies seamlessly into the final product. Let’s mention a few: newest infotainment systems, advanced driving modes, hybrid powertrains, computerized suspension and chassis systems,… Including them in a vehicle enhances performance and the driving experience without compromising the design.

Interior Design

Stunning interior design is equally important as amazing exterior appeal. Designers face the challenge to create interiors being both luxurious and ergonomic at the same time. High quality materials are usually used to create a feeling of luxury throughout the cabin. Finest leather, real woods, carbon fiber and machined metal parts are generously used to create a feel of exclusivity. Challenge arises when layout must be visually appealing and at the same time functional, providing drivers with intuitive access to the car’s controls.

Talking about the exotic cars, buyers are often offered a possibility to customize their interiors. With personalized elements for the interior like color schemes, types of materials used and more, buyers are able to create a unique car to fulfill their desires. With growing desire for exclusivity among buyers we see more and more manufacturers offering customizations.

Prototyping and Testing

Prototypes are built and subjected to extensive testing before any exotic car can move into production. Tests include many test drivers, exposing prototypes to different severe conditions. Cars are taken to the race tracks, obstacle courses, driven through areas with extreme temperatures and tested in everyday life for an extensive period of time. Cars are pushed to their limits to identify any potential problems mistakenly overlooked at the designing of the car or just weren’t apparent during the process of development. 

Results from tests are used to refine and optimize the final product. Every segment of the car gets attention and tweaking if necessary, from engine, comfort of the seats and it  goes as far as selection of tires. Process of testing is long and cyclical so for every adjustment progress can be properly monitored, recorded and results applied to the final version.

Production

With completion of design and testing phases, cars can move into production. Low-volume manufacturing allows for great attention to detail often supported by being built by hand. Combination of high-tech automation and craftsmanship achieves high quality of each individual vehicle. Technicians working hand in hand with engineers optimizes the assembly process to meet the highest standards required by future owners of the exotics.

The Result

The final result is a masterpiece on four wheels. Exotic cars are a statement of luxury, performance and top-end technology and represent much more than just transportation devices bringing you from A to B. They are designed to offer exceptional driving experience and make owners stand out in a crowd.

Designing an exotic car requires a perfect blend of science and art. In order to get best results, pursuing perfection and pushing technology to the limit is a must in the process. Exotic cars are statements of innovation, pushing the limits of what is possible in the auto industry. Regardless if we take in consideration its sound and roar of the engine combined with tuned exhaust, unique lines in the shape of body, or the unmatchable feel of the materials in the interior, exotic vehicles are exceptional in every way.