AI's Influence on Automotive Design

author: FutureCar Staff    

Sasha Selipanov, a world-renowned designer, recently launched his own design firm called Hardline27. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Selipanov has made significant contributions to automakers such as Genesis, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Bentley, Seat, and Hyundai. He has worked on iconic projects like the Lamborghini Huracan, Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo and Chiron, Genesis Essentia concept, and Koenigsegg CC850 and Gemera. Now, he is focusing on creating his own masterpiece.

Launching Hardline27 was a dream come true for Selipanov, but it only became a reality after years of working with renowned car companies and industry players. Through his experiences, he has gained deep insights into the role of design in the automotive world and the industry's future. This interview series with Selipanov explores his thoughts on various topics, including his new design firm, Hardline27.

In a conversation with Carscoops, Selipanov discusses the concept of beauty in automotive design. He believes that beauty is not entirely subjective and that there are certain elements that universally captivate us. He questions whether the idea of beauty being in the eye of the beholder is just a way to encourage people to keep buying. Selipanov sees beauty as a fundamental aspect of our cosmos and something that requires concentrated effort to seek out and apply.

When asked about his favorite car design, Selipanov humbly states that he doesn't rank his own work. He appreciates certain aspects of his designs but acknowledges the presence of bias. Instead, he mentions several cars that he finds attractive, including the Ferrari 312P, Ferrari 250 short wheelbase, Lancia Stratos rally car, Ford GT 40 Mark II, original Defender, Mk I Golf, and the 288 GTO.

The conversation then shifts to the role of AI in car design. Selipanov believes that AI tools can be a valuable source of inspiration for designers. However, he emphasizes the importance of having a complete vision for a project rather than offering a large selection of random ideas. He believes that AI is not a threat to designers who focus on well-considered and innovative solutions.

Another aspect of automotive design that Selipanov feels is not receiving enough attention is sustainability. While sustainability is a popular topic, he believes that it should go beyond carbon footprints and also consider the longevity of vehicles. He questions whether vehicles should be as replaceable as an iPhone and highlights the value of genuine improvements in new products.

The design process itself poses challenges for Selipanov. He spends a significant amount of time trying to come up with good ideas and often faces self-doubt. He strives to offer one or two excellent ideas rather than showing multiple mediocre ones. Understanding the problem, grasping its complexity, and delivering a solution are all rewarding but challenging aspects of the design process.

This interview series with Sasha Selipanov offers valuable insights into the world of automotive design, showcasing his expertise and perspectives on various topics. Stay tuned for future parts of the series, including his thoughts on cars available for sale or about to go on sale.

FutureCar Staff