ABOUT

Concept

The core concept for this series was to take the E30 and splice it with Hookie's Tardigrade project. The goal was to design a moon buggy that would still be recognizable as an E30, ideally keeping as many of the M3 quirks as possible.

Gone is the super panoramic roof, with the body now having a very noticeable slab-like shape. The exaggerated fenders are gone as less is more for lunar vehicles where a wider track may be unnecessary. These two changes allow us to better admire and understand the design of the E30 generation. The strong body lines are brought forward without the distractions and we can observe the rawness behind the shapes.

Other changes include futuristic lightweight doors with clear panes, revised "recycled" bumpers with smoother, more modern lines and the Tardigrade-inspired wheels with an ultra-light construction. Finally, the front light signature has been revised to add to, instead of simplify, the base car's look.

Execution

The first step in this project was to reduce both the E30 M3 and the Hookie's Tardigrade to their bare essentials. Each project having a different era, purpose and style. Marrying both designs requires a careful consideration of what makes them unique and how those aspects translate into a hybrid.

The M3 had to retain its overall body shape, the signature front facia with the kidney grills and the overall stout look of a BMW. The Tardigrade had to preserve its raw and purpose-built look. The result had to carry a very strong shape and yet show lightness everywhere possible. And thus, gone is the roof, hood and classic bumpers. The rear seats are now cargo storage, the sealed engine unit is still visible and the bumpers are now simple and show a purposeful design.

As the design became strangely akin to a 1930's hot rod without its roof, the temptation of adding white walled tires grew. Drastically. The solution was strangely obvious - The Tardigrade wheels present a low profile tire combined with a white outer rim. Using them as a starting point, the final look came naturally. The result is a complex rim with three layers to both spokes and drop center.

Project

This series was a great opportunity to test and practice with experimental techniques, which came to shape the look you see. Perhaps the most drastic being the virtual camera setup which uses forced focus to create an extreme Bokeh effect. These changes also prompted some changes to lens distortion and capture parameters. It was an excuse to brush up on camera gear and photography, as well as on how those translate into the virtual world.

Other techniques are more closely related to materials and lighting. The return to glossy paint for body panels, the revision of metal and plastic, along with a more careful consideration for certain textures. I can't help but feel like the interior Alcantara-like material still fell short as neither the lighting nor rendering technique favour it. A second look into it is in order.

A follow up on this series is almost ready as well and should be published shortly. The rendering has been done for a while and minor editing needs to be done. Expect it very soon. I am also currently working on third series with a far more exotic car as a base. Stay tuned