CCS to Make Big Impression with Trax Concept Design
4 January 1999
CCS to Make Big Impression with Trax Concept Design at the '99 North American International Auto Show
DETROIT, Jan. 4 -- Trax, the Center for Creative Studies -
College of Art and Design (CCS-CAD) concept vehicle designed with a nature
sport theme, is on display today at the 1999 North American International Auto
Show, to create an impression for enthusiasts of tomorrow's automotive
designs.
In collaboration with top automotive suppliers, CCS students designed a
fresh interpretation of the GM Tracker using the most advanced technology in
color and trim, product design and a youthful perspective on "x-treme" outdoor
sports activities. The Trax theme centers on the accessories used in sporting
activities like off-road biking, hiking and rock climbing. The name, Trax, is
derived from one of the vehicle's most cutting-edge design elements, a unique
tread pattern in the tires, designed in a repeated landscape to leave scenic
impressions in the earth during off-road travel. This nature sport concept is
carried throughout the vehicle.
"Trax is a perfect example of how students working hand-in-hand with
industry leaders can create some of the most innovative and imaginative design
concepts," said Mollie Fletcher, CCS Crafts instructor, who directed students
on the Trax Color and Trim project.
The base vehicle, a 1999 Chevrolet Tracker, was redesigned to create the
ultimate nature sports vehicle, ideal for driving on rough terrain or on city
streets. ASC Incorporated, responsible for taking the students' exterior
designs to fabrication, replaced the cab roof with a front hard top and
sunroof, added dramatic wheel flares and integrated rocker applique to add to
the truck's robust appeal and support the vehicle's unique wide wheel tire
system. In addition to many other tasks involved with transforming the
Tracker, ASC also refinished the entire vehicle with custom two-tone paint
colors provided by PPG Incorporated.
"This annual design project is an excellent opportunity for students to
try their hand at real-world design and styling," said Mark Trostle, ASC
Senior Vice President and General Manager. "In addition, they have the added
appeal of exhibiting at the North American International Auto Show alongside
the most innovative automotive designs in the world. CCS is an extraordinary
resource to the automotive design community. ASC has enjoyed a long-standing
relationship with the college, and can count several CCS graduates among our
design staff."
Lear Corporation Industrial Design Studios provided seating and interior
trim developments, as designed by the students, and its Concept Development
Centers executed the custom interior trim in Lear's Southfield studio. Lear's
design team challenged students to focus on designing the interior of the
vehicle as an environment, a trend major suppliers are moving towards. To
create visual harmony on the Trax interior, students chose to have the unique
tire tread pattern duplicated on the seating and instrument panel. Students
also elected to have the interior trimmings made of outdoor sport materials,
such as bungee cord and netting, and included accessories like state-of-the-
art backpacks, donated by Eureka Products, to keep with the vehicle's theme.
"Lear has supported CCS for a number of years with project sponsorships,
internships and professionals who serve as CCS instructors for evening and
weekend classes," said Patrick Murray, Lear Director of Industrial Design and
Concept Development. "In our second year as a Lead Sponsor, the Trax Concept
Design allowed us to expand our work with these talented students in
fabricating not just their seat designs, but the entire interior, which more
accurately reflects Lear's position as the world's leading total automotive
interior supplier. And quite frankly, the opportunity to work with the CCS
students is energizing for our professional staff and helps us identify
up-and-coming new designers."
The high-tech tires, hand-crafted by Michelin Tires, measure 17 inches in
diameter by 8 inches wide, uniquely large for a vehicle of this size. The
tread pattern, designed by a CCS student and fabricated by Michelin, is hand
cut to resemble a mountainous landscape, the kind of terrain that might be
encountered when driving this vehicle. The truck's wheels were provided by
Ronal America.
"The greatest challenge in working with such a large, diverse group of
students was trying to honor all their creative ideas so everyone would have a
sense of participation in the project," said Fletcher.
Students involved in the concept and design of Trax include: Industrial
Design (ID) major, Pierre-Paul Andriani of Annandale, Va.; ID major, Dalibor
Dimovski of Macomb, Mich.; Crafts major, Rene Ebner-Todd of Port Huron, Mich.;
ID major, Jason Hallberg of Ypsilanti, Mich.; ID major, Greg Howell of Shelby,
Mich.; ID major, Michael Jou of Sugarland, Texas; ID major, Jinwoo Kang of
Detroit, Mich.; ID major, Chiwei Lee of Midland, Mich.; ID major, Thomas Limpo
of Portland, Ore.; ID major, Gary Mack of New Orleans, La.; ID major, Michael
Smith of Solon, Ohio; ID major, Matt Srugis of Royal Oak, Mich.; and Fine Arts
major Kelly Tierney of Midland, Mich.
The Center for Creative Studies - College of Art and Design (CCS-CAD) is
recognized as the premier college for Transportation Design in the U.S. Auto
industry companies regularly sponsor projects at the college and offer
internships to CCS Transportation Design students. Graduates routinely
receive job offers from major auto manufacturers and first-tier auto industry
suppliers. CCS alumni have had a tremendous impact on interior and exterior
designs of cars in the past two decades.
The Center for Creative Studies is one of the nation's leading arts
education institutions. A private, fully accredited, four-year college, CCS
offers bachelor of fine arts degrees in animation and digital media, crafts,
fine arts, graphic communication, industrial design, interior design and
photography. Located in the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center, CCS also
offers non-credit courses in the visual arts through the College's continuing
and community education program.
Trax is one of several student projects on display at the Center for
Creative Studies exhibit located on the main floor level (South Mezzanine) of
the 1999 North American International Auto Show.