3D Car Modeling

3D car modeling projects I’ve undertaken are produced in The Foundry’s Modo 3D software application. The 3D modeling process is structured to break down the elements ie. wheels, bumpers, etc. I begin by researching to get quality reference images of the car or vehicle to be modeled. This would include side, front, back, and three-quarter views. If the project is for a concept car or prototype, sculpting a base mesh to determine forms is beneficial.

Several base mesh versions can be explored, and assigned to a separate layer in the 3D application used. The final 3D mesh to be used is firstly re-topologized. Once modeled, the car’s body parts are UV mapped, textured.

3D car or vehicle modeling is complex and care needs to be taken to find accurate information of dimensions for the car’s body, and parts thereof. Blueprints can be of huge assistance for accuracy when modeling an existing commercial model of a vehicle. The car’s wheels, rims, and tires will always require detailed work – depending on the project. Tire treads and variance in rim types will affect the modeling approach.