The styling of the next-generation Chevy Volt is one of the automotive world's best-kept secrets, and this I know because that is the exact first line of Chevy's press release concerning the styling of the 2016 Chevy Volt, complete with picture. And they want you to know all about the styling, and how it's camouflaged.
Which sort of defeats the entire purpose. In fact, there's a picture of the camouflage engineer, right up there, in front of the car, the car whose styling is one of the automotive world's truly best-kept secrets, pictured above, there, which is from a photo attached to said press release.
But hey, if you're ever wondering how they actually camouflage a prototype, or why they paint all those swirly things on the body, here's your answer:
Some of the tricks of the trade:
- Black and white patterns – The color scheme creates a shadow that hides vehicle design elements.
- 3D – Layered camouflage throws off onlookers, but has to be applied without interrupting airflow around the car.
- Swirls – In the old days of car camouflage, the design relied mainly on a grid pattern, but over the years engineers discovered that girds are difficult to realign if a piece is removed to make a change to the car. Swirl patterns better hide such developments.
- Bubble wrap – Camouflage can be made from many different materials including plastics, vinyl and foam. Good, old bubble wrap is a lightweight, easily attachable three-dimensional material used to confuse prying eyes.
Just don't tell anyone about it, okay? It's a secret. One of the automotive world's best-kept, in fact.