Package Ideation

Before settling on one design, it is important to explore every possibility at the beginning. After the initial ideation phase, it will be too late to introduce different ideas and start from scratch.

There are two ways to complete the ideation phase for cars.

In one method, the exterior design is developed first to inspire the package layout. The package consists of all of the elements driven by function not appearance, such as the engine, fuel tank, wheels, seating, etc.

It is also possible to start by sketching different layouts for the cargo, occupants, tires, and powertrain. Then ,a loose sketch of the body profile will provide a medium to analyze how different package configurations change the exterior proportions.

Either way, the goal is to explore as many options as possible that satisfy the functional objectives.

I will use the latter method in my ideation phase.

For a high performance vehicle, a powerful engine is a necessity. This effectively eliminates the transverse engine layout, because the engine is constrained by the frame rails. I will consider front and rear-mid engine layouts, FWD and RWD, and also electric motors.

At this stage, exact dimensions are not important. The purpose is to evaluate the resulting proportions of each layout and then chose one or two to develop further.

I chose to continue with the mid-rear engine, RWD layout, which will be the focus of the remaining posts.

Next, I will work out the key dimensions and set up comparisons to similar vehicles.