In a unique mix of virtual reality and traditional car design, Cupra presented its DarkRebel concept car at the recent IAA Mobility show in Munich. The concept was first publicly revealed in April 2023 in Metahype, Cupra’s special space within the Metaverse.
This initial reveal allowed users to interact with the vehicle and customize it in various virtual settings. The platform collected no less than 270,000 configurations, mainly from Spain and Germany.
This method of using virtual platforms to gauge public interest in design choices is indicative of Cupra’s approach to integrating digital technology into its workflows. By showing the concept vehicle to a large, international audience through the Metaverse, the company has actively collected valuable data about customer preferences.
Data-driven decisions
The configurations collected by the virtual platform are more than just numbers; they represent actionable data points that Cupra intends to use in finalizing the physical design of the DarkRebel. The use of virtual platforms for real-world applications shows an increasing trend in how companies perceive and use the digital world for actionable insights.
The company plans to “Hyperconfiguratorfeature opened on Metahype, encouraging more users to adapt the DarkRebel concept. The intention is to continue to collect a wide range of data to further refine the final product. Cupra has essentially turned the design process into a two-way conversation between the brand and potential customers, setting an interesting precedent in the automotive industry.
Future Implications
Cupra’s move is a concrete example of how the automotive industry is slowly but surely embracing digital technology, especially the Metaverse, as a valuable tool in both design and customer engagement. The ability to quickly iterate and collect instant public feedback on various design elements ranging from aerodynamics to color schemes can significantly speed up the development process while maintaining focus on consumer preferences.
By pioneering this approach, Cupra does not limit the integration of digital technology to design alone; it also opens the door for possible improvements in production processes, customer service and even marketing. The long-term impact could sweep across the industry as competitors look to adopt similar digital platforms for their design and manufacturing processes.
In summary, Cupra’s unveiling of the DarkRebel concept car at the IAA Mobility show and its earlier launch in the Metaverse provide intriguing insights into the future of car design and manufacturing. With the merging of virtual and physical spaces and a data-driven design approach, the industry may be on the verge of a major shift enabled by the increasing integration of digital technology.
