Carchops.com take on the Aptera
If you're a wiz with image altering software and crazy about cars then chances are you know all about the world of photochopping. Maybe you even have a folder stored on your computer filled with your attempts to improve on the exterior designs of top auto designers. If you think you got skillz and can improve on the design of the Aptera Typ-1 (pictured above) then you should click your bad self on over to Carchops.com and pit your revisionary talent against some of the best car photochoppers teh internets has to offer. That's right, the Aptera has been selected as the subject matter for the Carchops Official Chop Off for May 2008. One entry per customer and you have to post on their forum before the 25th to let them know you're going to unleash.
If you're teh suxors with software and need pointers from your nephew on how to chop Jay Leno's head into a Tesla don't be sad. You can join me in checking out the entries when they appear in the forum on May 31, between 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM. If you want to give some suggestions (please don't add mirrors, for example), join the forum for free and let them know how you would do it if you weren't so
[Source: Carchops]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 6:46PM (5/12/2008)
Should cars be designed by designers or engineers? If the goal is aerodynamic efficiency then the answer is engineers, which is what happened to the Aptera. While I certainly have no objections to having a bunch of people who don't type out whole words draw ducts and fins on an Aptera, I am pretty certain that their results will loose the simplicity and purposefulness of the original. Those are the things that make it beautiful to me.
Reply
rar 7:29PM (5/12/2008)
Maybe someone could make it a real car and put four wheels on it.
Reply
S 7:46PM (5/12/2008)
GoodCheer; "simplicity and purposefulness of the original. Those are the things that make it beautiful to me." Exactly, and they were done with a designer and engineer, not one or the other but together. So, your answer and your question are wrong.
S
Reply
GoodCheer 8:22PM (5/12/2008)
Darn it. I hate it when my question is wrong.
Reply
stevefazek 12:27AM (5/13/2008)
Cars are designed by designers, Engineers just tweak it to make it not a POS. ;-)
Reply
Phil L. 8:56AM (5/13/2008)
This discussion - and the Aptera - will fade to irrelevance unless they actually build it in sufficient numbers to make a difference in how the public views personal transportation.
Reply
A1phaGeek 10:31AM (5/14/2008)
"This discussion - and the Aptera - will fade to irrelevance unless they actually build it in sufficient numbers to make a difference in how the public views personal transportation."
Well over 2,500 people have ponied up the pre-order deposit (myself included). So there is a pretty good amount of interest. The company is owned/funded by IdeaLab which has a pretty impressive resume for getting companies up and running successfully.
Reply
Phil L. 10:19AM (5/21/2008)
A1phGeek -
The interest is there. How many will go beyond the deposit stage if it goes to production? That remains to be seen.
But if those 2500 instead receive refunds with letters of regret, will the interest be there for the next future vehicle developments? This is my frustration with many such ventures that have promised much - but weren't able to deliver.
Reply
John Cowher 10:59AM (6/05/2008)
How can i find out how much one costs and when i might be able to buy one or put some money down on one... i just found this site after a cnn report... I am interested in finding out more I live in Austin, TX and from what I read it seems they are only for sale in Cali?... I would be willing to travel... please let me know where to get some purchasing info and if there are options or what ever... thanks... I for one agree that high gas prices, while unconfortable right now, are a good thing to help steer us down a greener path...
Reply
Wave54 12:00PM (6/05/2008)
Type "Aptera" into Google -- you'll get more information than you can handle. Also, you can click on the name to the right -- under Manufacturers for previous posts about the car.
Reply
Domenick Yoney 2:24PM (6/05/2008)
@John Cowner: The Aptera Forum is an excellent source of Aptera info and you can find folks who can probably answer any questions. http://www.apteraforum.com/
Of course, feel free to click on "Aptera" in the list of auto makers on the right to check out our past posts.
Reply