Crafting Aerodynamics: The Design and Fabrication of Wind Tunnel Clay Models for Passenger Cars

As automotive competition in China intensifies and customer expectations rise, design validation tools are evolving fast. Among them, full-scale clay models used in wind tunnel testing have emerged as a critical asset for optimizing vehicle aerodynamics and acoustics. These models allow development teams to visualize, refine, and verify design proposals with scientific precision—all before a single production tool is made. This article documents the process of designing and fabricating a full-size wind tunnel clay model developed during the X95 project, revealing the techniques and lessons learned from concept to completion.

Shaping Ideas with Precision: Modern CNC Clay Modeling in Automotive Exterior Design

In the world of automotive design, clay modeling remains an essential step in transforming digital concepts into tangible reality. As the demand for precision and speed grows, modern CNC machining technology has revolutionized the way design studios produce full-scale clay models—making the process faster, cleaner, and far more accurate than ever before.

Precision Meets Performance: The Role of Clay Milling in Automotive Design

Despite its many strengths, clay milling isn't here to replace hand-sculpting. Machines may offer speed and precision, but the creative finesse and design sensibility of human sculptors remain irreplaceable. Subtle refinements, emotional character, and artistic flair are still best realized through manual touches.