Name: Micheal Castiglione
Age: 38
Job: Senior design manager, DaimlerChrysler Pacifica, Advanced Product Design Center, Carlsbad, California
Key cars: Dodge Challenger, Jeep Trio, Plymouth Pronto Spyder, Chrysler Atlantic
4Car - What's the most significant design element of your latest concept?
Castiglione - "How we were able to capture the simplicity of the original Dodge Challenger in a real edited form. The overall proportion, image and spirit of the car is so similar to the original - and that was intended. We went in multiple directions but in the end the other two models ended up looking too much like a sports car and less like a muscle car. Those two directions were actually chosen to go full-size but after feedback from diehard fans regarding a previous show concept the Dodge Charger - we realised they were expecting something a little more literal. The feedback said: 'You know what. I really wish your Charger had been more like the original Charger. I really wish it had two doors, I really wish it had a six-speed.' And that was my fuel to help sell the idea to upper management."
4Car - Design influences?
Castiglione - "90% of my work in the Pacifica advanced concept studios in California is really far-reaching stuff. I love that. However, the areas I'm most passionate about in car design are muscle cars and pony cars. I drive an old 70 Rally Sport Camaro to work everyday and I'm rebuilding a '67 Camaro. Giugiaro is also incredible; a lot of Bill Mitchell's stuff for GM; architects Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright; and product designer Marc Newson."
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| Chrylser Atlantic |
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4Car - What attracted you to car design as a career?
Castiglione - "I grew up with a sick passion for cars and another huge passion for art and I was just blessed to be able to combine the two - my interest with my talent."
4Car - What's the next big car design trend?
Castiglione - "I think we're going to see more beauty - from a surface standpoint, a lot more sculpture - in a BMW way and also in an old way like old Ferraris. That whole computer design thing - I don't want to say it's peaked out, but visually the way that affects the design of a car has peaked out a little bit. I think we're going to see a more artistic approach."
4Car - What other car firm/design team do you think would be interesting to work for?
Castiglione - "I've been really intrigued by the recent history of what Nissan's doing. VW has some of the most talented designers but unfortunately it seems like a lot of their stuff doesn't make it all the way through. GM is pretty cool too - I have such an attraction to that company as a kid loving their cars."
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| Bugatti Veyron |
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4Car - What car did you wish you'd designed?
Castiglione - "The Bugatti Veyron - that is the hottest car. I don't think I've stood in front a car for 40 minutes since I was maybe 13 years old, but when I first saw that car I couldn't stop looking at it. Every angle, it's beautiful. I just want to shake the guy's hand that worked on it."
4Car - What car are you glad you didn't design?
Castiglione - "Obviously, the Pontiac Aztek is one right up there."
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| The Aztek also gets the thumbs-down from Micheal |
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4Car - What shoes are you wearing?
Castiglione - "Nunnbush."
4Car - What watch?
Castiglione - "Diesel (the face can be lit up and dimmed down by rotating part of the case)."
