Five Axis Transforms The Scion tC Into Mobile Home Theatre Vehicle With Help From Alias StudioTools
Creativity is king in the North American automotive aftermarket. Just ask designer Troy Sumitomo, who presides over Huntington Beach, California's Five Axis Models, one of the premiere fabrication and custom car companies in the business. In an industry pegged to reach the US$53 billion mark by 2006, the North American aftermarket is fueled by products and vehicle components sold for both DIY (do-it-yourself) and service provider installation. But what happens when a car company like Scion, recognized as an industry champion for creativity and individuality, asks you to create the most unique Scion image car to date? The answer is plenty.
Hooked on StudioTools
First exposed to StudioTools in the early 90's at Pasadena's prestigious Art Center College of Design, Sumitomo graduated with a passion for hands-on fabrication and started Five Axis Models with his current business partner, David Zusag, in 1995. The group began concentrating on small projects and creating a series of scale models for local car design studios. Chief Designer and Studio Tools guru, Heimeng Chan, later joined the team in 2003. "Heimeng and I were both trained in StudioTools in school," recalls Sumitomo. Most people today are graduating very proficient in StudioTools. It's now a requirement in order to interface with the manufacturers."
As Five Axis' reputation and business grew, the group began to branch out into concept and design work on show cars now considered their bread and butter business.
Customized for Urban Culture
Scion began working with Five Axis in a 'redesign' capacity in 2004 when the company was first tasked to transform a Scion xB into a mobile DJ vehicle complete with state-of-the-art sound equipment and DJ turntable platform. Aided by StudioTools, Five Axis dramatically enhanced body proportions in many areas, ultimately increasing the xB's body width by eight inches, extending the distance below the stock body by three inches and chopping the roof by four inches. A motorized DJ platform, containing multiple turntables and a mixer, was then designed to slide out from the rear of the car. An award-winning "lifestyle" vehicle was born.
With one Scion image car under their belt, Five Axis was next commissioned to create a car with even more 'wow factor' from their popular sport coup the Scion tC. Following up the xB was no easy task, but the results, complete with a 43" large plasma screen housed in the car's rear, speak for themselves.
Mobile Home Theater
"We started with production body files and began to build out everything with StudioTools," explains Sumitomo. "We created a few sketches, and then moved into rendering and actual surface development. This software is both cost and time effective as it allows us to first build virtually, then to go straight into cutting. Speed, flexibility and accuracy are all important in our business as we have months, not years, to get these jobs done."
All body panels on the tC's lime pearl painted exterior were redesigned using StudioTools, including the front and rear fenders, front and rear bumper, quarter panels, and rocket rocker panels. Inside, StudioTools was also a contributing factor in the engineering of a true 'first-ever' design for Scion with the push of a button, the tC's rear hatch lid slowly rises skyward revealing a complete audio/video system (housed in the rear cargo area) that would make even the most ardent stereophile jealous. From start to finish, this Scion tC's transformation to a home theatre on wheels took under five months to complete.
Having now made a number of appearances at industry auto shows and other various events, this particular tC also takes on the role of a highly-effective promotions vehicle as Alias SketchBook(TM) Pro, Image Studio(TM) and Portfolio Wall(TM) software are all loaded on to the car's giant plasma screen. The end result: a mobile arsenal of design and presentation tools allowing for visual and compelling two-way communications by creating, capturing, organizing, annotating and communicating ideas and concepts in 3D form.
"Both Scion and Five Axis are companies that revel in the freedom of expression, which is why our business relationship works so well," notes Sumitomo. "As a dedicated StudioTools user, I can say the same holds true for Alias."
About Alias
As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias develops award-winning software, custom development and training solutions for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets. Alias also offers a powerful range of services for new to advanced users in the most demanding environments. Learning Tools and training, support and professional services help meet rigorous production deadlines.
Design customers include AT&T, BMW, Boeing, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Italdesign, Kodak, Kwikset, Mattel, Price Pfister, Renault, Rollerblade, Sharp, Trek Bicycle, Teague and Timex.
Alias is a privately owned, independent software company with headquarters in Toronto, offices worldwide and a Custom Development Center in Santa Barbara. Please visit the Alias web site at www.alias.com or call 1-800-447-2542 in North America. International contact numbers include: Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa +44 (0) 1494 441273; Germany, East & Southeast Europe +0049 89 31 70 20; Italy +39 039 6340011; France, Spain and Portugal +33 1 44 92 81 60; Japan +35 797 3500; other parts of Asia Pacific +81 3 3470 8282 and Latin America +770 393 1881.
About Scion
Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three ground-breaking models. The xA is a taut subcompact five-door, featuring an athletic stance with sculpted wheel arches. The xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape, combines remarkable interior space with aggressive style. And the tC sports coupe surprises the buyer with the convenience of a hatchback and the luxury of a standard all-glass panorama moonroof, complementing the usual wide array of features on all Scions. For more information, visit www.scion.com.
Source: Alias