Whether building a single model for personal pleasure or on a larger scale for commercial production, new automotive model design lays the foundation for every car building project. People looking to design a vehicle usually have two choices: make your specifications and then hire an outside contractor to do the job for you, or design a model independently using car design programs and other computer software.

Though more expensive, using car design services allows you to focus more on the important details of the process while handing over the technical work to professionals. On the other hand, using a program to design prototype cars on your own is a much cheaper alternative, but it's not without the cost of your time and talent. With these points in mind, consider the following when working with new automotive model design:

1. Find online sources of existing auto designs and automobile design information.

2. Locate car design services and concept car designers.

3. Purchase and learn to use car design programs.

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

Keep up-to-date on current car design information

If you can't make it to the car show, a lot of online magazines do the research about new designs for you. Look at current model designs for a good lead at what's hot, and see what car companies use which designers for their prototype cars and designs.

I recommend: Car Design News and Motor Trend have up-to-date information about all the new concept car designs companies have recently revealed. For a simple database of past designs, visit Conceptcarz.com's thorough listing of automobile design information. Also, Roadsters.com has a wealth of race car design information.

Find an automotive design company or car design services

For those looking to hire a service to develop an automobile model design for their business, consider the different types of companies before hiring just anyone. Different companies have different specialties: companies specialize in everything from industrial-grade vehicles to super cars.

I recommend: Transport Design Services will design any sort of vehicle for your company's needs. Paulin Motor Company is a professional concept car designer equipped to create the models of your company's future. Also, Deco Rides builds one-of-a-kind concept car body kits for classic and antique vehicles.

Design your own automotive concepts with computer software

Thanks to car design programs, you also have the option of creating your concept car designs entirely from your computer. While design programs can have a steep learning curve, once you master them you may find your time spent learning them was worth the control you have over your project.

I recommend: Tebis and Bunkspeed are respected car design programs. Digital Car Design has a list of other car design programs and software, as well as tutorials for some. Also, Car Body Design has general tutorials and tips for working with two- and three-dimensional vehicle design.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be warned, many do-it-yourself car design programs are truly for the experts only. Unless you know what you're doing, don't be afraid to call in the professionals and hire a car design service. Do your research so you understand that basics of the car design process, but don't risk quality by not hiring a consultant or specialist and missing out on his insightful knowledge on a technical aspect of your design.