Car prototypes are a key part of the automotive development process. Whether a new exterior design or newly crafted components, prototyping is an important step. If your company wants to get into the automotive design business, it will need the resources to create a car prototype.

A new car style doesn't just hatch and drive away. The process of creating a prototype is a very involved process. Sketches and CAD drawings are turned into scale models. Those models are used to create a working car prototype. Designers and engineers consult at every step to make sure the prototype meets specs and will be functional. As you think about turning your company's ideas and research into a car prototype and look for car prototype information, keep these things in mind:

1. First, turn your company's ideas into technical drawings to be used to create a scale model of your car prototype.

2. Then find a car prototype provider to build a scale model for testing and refinement.

3. Finally, identify a manufacturing company to produce your full-scale car prototype.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create a technical drawing of your company's car prototype

In order to develop a working car prototype, you must first create a technical illustration. If you have a design team in house, they will need illustration design software. Otherwise, create a car prototype list that includes technical artists.

I recommend: Start with LabView, a graphics design system from National Instruments. The program allows your team to sketch a design of your prototype and test your concept early in the process. With Autodesk software programs, your designers can create technical drawings of the concept car.

Make a scale model of the car prototype from technical illustrations

Now you need to turn your drawings into a scale model. Use the scale model for testing and refinement and in presentations and discussions. At this point in the process, refinements are the rule of the day, so locate a model builder who can make quick adjustments.

I recommend: Help your firm's concept car take shape with help from Brynnage Design. The Harshaw Research Group will create small plastic prototypes of your car or any of its component parts.

Turn your concept into reality with a working car prototype

Hire a prototyping and manufacturing firm to build your car prototype. You may not find a full-service company, so consider different sources for creation of your final prototype.

I recommend: Get a rapid prototyping quote from the companies at Mfg.com. They offer a variety of prototyping and machining services, from 3-D drawing to finished prototype. You'll find technicians at Harvard Machinery that excel at creating metal prototypes from your exacting specifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Prototyping is near the end of the car prototype creation process. Be sure to put the time and effort upfront as well. Contact businesses that specialize in idea generation and market research before moving on to the costly prototyping stage.