Paul DeLorean's presentation offers no obvious visual references to the specified national origin, but it's clear upon close examination that the German ethic of using superior design and manufacturing processes is alive and well.

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His proposal, like Gasevski's, is intended for an expensive sporty vehicle, and the form language, detailing and material usage all reinforce this notion. For instance, rather than using the PAX systems plastic support ring inside the tire, Paul's design utilizes a version crafted from titanium that is significantly lighter and provides a better springing medium. The other significant innovation is the use of an external clamping system to attach the wheel and tire. This allows for significantly faster tire changes, without the use of tools, as well as creating a handsome, color-contrasting accent. The spokes on the wheel have a subtle grace while giving the feeling of immense strength, which is contrasted by the more delicate hub sections. The tread pattern on the tires has been kept to a minimal geometric pattern, which may seem perfectly in keeping with the Bauhaus design language but appears suited primarily to strictly dry weather usage. Paul's vehicle design, a front-engine, two-seater, displays voluptuous curves with sharp peaks that contrast well with the more architectural nature of the wheels.

Jimmy Chae appeared to have split his time evenly between the vehicle and wheel design, and was rewarded for his efforts with first place in the vehicle category. His car, looking like a possible Audi TT replacement, is both bold and handsome. Features of the design include a reinterpretation of the current TT's bubbly greenhouse shape, a sweeping line from the base of the door cut into the B pillar, and aggressive front and rear fascia treatments. Aesthetically his wheel design pulls it's inspiration from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The tire tread design draws directly from it while the wheel spokes abstract the Doric columns of the monument. Functionally, Jimmy focused on the need to accomplish quick wheel changes. He facilitated this by a system that decouples the wheel rim and tire from the central part of the wheel through a quick-disconnect at the hub. Part of the system is external, adding fine detailing to the heavier main forms of the wheel.

Judges for the 2004 contest were:
- Dick Ruzzin (Retired, GM Design / Freelance Design Consultant)
- Jim Smithbauer (Design Manager, Truck Design, Ford Motor Company)
- Stewart Reed (Principal - Stewart Reed Design)
- Bob Riggs (Stewart Reed Design)

Participating Students:
Jimmy Chae, Darren Chilton, Dan Cline, Paul DeLorean
Cristian Farcas, Ludovico Ferro, Vince Galante, Lou Gasevski, Michael Gillam, Tome Jovanoski, Min-Young Kang, Jeong Lee, Charles Marzette, Elvir Mesalic, Joel Ness, Kam Redlawsk.


Related stories:
15th Annual Michelin-CSS Design Competition
CCS Transportation Design Degree Show 2004

Related sites:
College for Creative Studies
Michelin
Pax System