The photographer's first show

For most people, the only reason why road samples stand out is the striking camouflage pattern of the body. But why do carmakers go to so much trouble to disguise their bodies? In fact, these camouflage uniforms are not just colorful patterns. The reason why car manufacturers do this is usually to blur people's speculation about road samples, thus playing a protective role.

According to Skoda's data, every time a new car is launched in the world, the prototype will be tested in real environment for 2 million kilometers in advance, and the road test will generally be carried out on conventional roads. Therefore, the camouflage pattern on the car body can make curious onlookers and spy photos sneak shots have visual illusions, thus protecting the design and function of the new car from being leaked in advance.

Before putting into production, the prototype will be tested for a long distance on all continents. Whether it is extremely cold weather at MINUS 30 degrees or extremely hot environment above 40 degrees, the production cars that are finally put into the market need to maintain excellent reliability. Through the challenging comprehensive test project, the vehicle will undergo various tests such as high temperature and high humidity environment, dusty cross-country track, polar temperature, ice and snow conditions, and of course, daily traffic roads.

What are the requirements for design road test run?

The camouflage of the car body should not only achieve the practical purpose of making the road sample car unrecognizable, but also comply with the relevant regulations on the use of road vehicles. This is why no matter how disguised or disguised, every road sample car is equipped with normal turn signals, brake lights and a full set of sensors.

In addition, the work that drivers and engineers need to complete in each road test is also a major factor to be considered in camouflage. Generally speaking, the air intake must not be disturbed and the internal vents must not be covered, so as to ensure that the test results can accurately display the data of the actual production vehicle. In automobiles, it is also very important for drivers to be able to check instruments and access key control elements at any time.

How to keep suspense before the first show?

The camouflage design of road samples is very targeted. In order to protect the prototype from journalists, photographers and competitors, the road prototype will be carefully disguised. Only in this way can we ensure that technological innovation, design features and body details are not leaked in advance. Usually, curious onlookers will focus on the brand logo or text logo on the car body, while people who take pictures with smart phones or cameras are particularly interested in those visually different features, contours and car body elements (such as headlights, water tanks and the rear of the car). Therefore, automobile manufacturers will pay special attention to using temporary means to cover or even disguise the above areas. In addition, camouflage patterns can also hide the lines and contours of the car body, and even the side windows will be partially covered, hiding the design of the window lines.

A similar camouflage principle also applies to the interior of the car body. Because the road sample car occasionally stops outdoors, for example, when refueling at a gas station, photographers should also avoid the cockpit environment close to the final production model. The camouflage materials in the car is mainly made of shading wool fabric, which is made into a protective cover, covering the cockpit, instrument panel, central display, infotainment system, central console, control parts and vents, and can be easily removed before driving on the road. Manufacturers will carefully use various camouflage means to create suspense before the new car is unveiled, so that consumers and the media will always be curious about the new car.

How does camouflage go from road prototype to artwork?

How will camouflage artists design and develop camouflage coats on road sample cars? An artist's imagination and creativity are almost limitless. They can boldly use various patterns, 3D effects and color contrast to "deceive" passers-by's eyes. Sometimes, artists will hide some new car information in camouflage design, and there are related topics on social media for discussion.

Whenever special events are involved, the camouflage artists of the manufacturer will also cooperate with market experts to develop a series of impressive design schemes. For example, in the final stage of the 20 16 Tour de France, Skoda KODIAQ, which has not been officially released, appeared on the Champs Elysé es in Paris wearing a red, black and gray camouflage coat as a test driver, which attracted great attention.

It is understood that the Skoda ENYAQ iV camouflage car consists of green, white and gray gemstone cutting surfaces and three-dimensional element camouflage patterns. Camouflage artists spent 120 hours and used 18 square meters of camouflage film to dress up as Skoda's first road prototype of pure electric SUV.

This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.