"We have a profound appreciation for the automotive design aesthetic of the 1980s"

- Ash Thorp + Colorsponge

LET'S BEGIN...

It all began with a simple conversation, which gradually evolved into a complete reimagining of the iconic 80’s Toyota Celica. What initially sparked as a "what if" quickly blossomed into a fresh interpretation, staying true to the original essence while crafting a modern vision.

We have a profound appreciation for the automotive design aesthetic of the 1980s—the boxy forms, the classic notchback ratio—it's a style that resonates deeply. This served as our canvas, providing ample space to experiment with new shapes and forms.

Initially, our focus was solely on the Race-spec variant of the car. However, as we delved deeper, each new line we drew led us down a path of redefining the Celica's silhouette and design language entirely. This journey became a four-month design challenge, where we meticulously crafted not only the external contours of the Zelika but also scrutinized the internal components and engineering feasibility.

It's been an immensely rewarding exploration, delving into the intricacies of reinventing what the Celica represents and can achieve in this contemporary context.

HERITAGE

At the heart of the Zelika project's design philosophy was a commitment to preserving the essence of the original Toyota Celica. We aimed to strike a delicate balance, maintaining its iconic forms while infusing fresh elements. Central to this approach was safeguarding the distinctive roofline and window design.

Our strategy involved reimagining the track width and front face of the car, seamlessly integrating new components that exuded a modular, race car-inspired feel. This careful blend of old and new proved to be the winning formula for our concept.

We recognized that technology quickly dates a car, so we set out to modernize without losing sight of the Zelika's heritage. By implementing advanced manufacturing techniques, we replaced outdated elements like lights, giving the Zelika a facelift while preserving its original charm. This approach allows the Zelika to carve out its own identity while remaining rooted in the beloved car that captured our hearts.

"At the heart of the Zelika project's design philosophy was a commitment to preserving the essence of the original Toyota Celica."

- Ash Thorp + Colorsponge

"Our strategy involved reimagining the track width and front face of the car, seamlessly integrating new components that exuded a modular, race car-inspired feel."

- Ash Thorp + Colorsponge

WHY A CELICA?

As we delved into the Zelika project, one question loomed large: How do we breathe new life into a car with a dedicated fanbase yet lacks the timeless status of other 80’s classics? The Toyota Celica, while cherished by enthusiasts, didn't quite achieve the iconic status of some of its peers. This realization made it the ideal canvas for our reimagination—a car with all the makings of greatness but perhaps overlooked or forgotten. 

It became our mission to unlock its full potential, to make the subtle adjustments necessary to elevate it to a new level. The Celica served as our muse, guiding our approach throughout the build process. We sought to infuse it with our own personal tastes and aesthetics, transforming it into a modern masterpiece while honoring its roots. This project wasn't just about redesigning a car; it was about granting it a new lease on life, ensuring that its legacy endures for years to come.

OUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

At Studio “Haste!” we thrive on challenges. Every design project begins with a blank canvas and an open mind. We dive deep into the realm of "what if," exploring every angle with narrative and purpose. There's a certain thrill in reimagining iconic vehicles like the Celica, where wishful thinking drives our creativity.

Each question posed during the design process leads us down a new path, uncovering innovative solutions and sparking fresh ideas. For us, design is not just about creating visuals; it's a way of perceiving the world, a journey of curiosity that leads to new perspectives.

We invite you to peek behind the curtain and witness how we navigate our design philosophy. Explore with us as we blend creativity with curiosity, transforming concepts into reality.

NEW WORK FLOW...

At Haste!, we're in a perpetual state of evolution and learning. Central to our ethos is the continuous exploration and adoption of new workflows and tools to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of our work. By leveraging a diverse array of polygonal modeling programs and CAD-based software, we've achieved machine-precise tolerances in crafting the parts and components of the Zelika.

This relentless pursuit serves as our practice ground, bridging the gap between conceptualization and manufacturing reality. Our passion for curiosity and growth propels us forward, leading to valuable insights about our design approach and tool utilization throughout the Zelika project.

"Central to our ethos is the continuous exploration and adoption of new workflows and tools to enhance the effectiveness of our work"

- Ash Thorp + Colorsponge

OUR MISSION

Ultimately, our collective efforts hold little significance unless they bring us fulfillment and joy. This sense of fulfillment arises from a tapestry of distinct elements that seamlessly intertwine, forming a multidimensional puzzle. 

What truly ignites our passion is the quest to uncover novelty in a world brimming with saturation. It's about unearthing fresh perspectives, turning stones to reveal hidden gems that others may have overlooked. While we deeply respect the past, we revel in the opportunity to collaborate with fellow creatives and builders, each contribution adding to the creation of legacy elements.

Together, we forge a path towards a future where we can reflect proudly on the work we've crafted, honoring the past while embracing the thrill of innovation and collaboration.

"Together, we forge a path towards a future where we can reflect proudly on the work we've crafted."

- Ash Thorp + Colorsponge

CREDITS

Design + Modeling + Rendering - Colorsponge
Design + Modeling + Rendering - Ash Thorp
3D Modeler - Alexey Ryabov
Engine 3D assets provided by - Andreas Ezelius
HDRI assets provided by - CGI Backgrounds
Special thanks - Plasticity, Maxon, Toyota

© 2022 by Make Haste Corp

Ludicrous Speed Science inc 2022
685115888886808576

Creator's
Ash Thorp
Carlos Pecino A.K.A ColorSponge

Incept - 050520

Contact
info@makehastecorp.com