Case Study: Jaguar Cars

Alias StudioTools used in visualising new Jaguar R-D6 coupe

London, UK – September 18, 2003 - Alias Systems, a Silicon Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: SGI) company, announced today that its design software family Alias StudioTools™ has been used by Jaguar Design, part of Jaguar Cars Ltd, to aid in the design and visualisation process of the new Jaguar® R-D6 diesel coupe concept car –which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10 September 2003.

The R-D6 designed in Coventry, UK is the smallest four-seater that Jaguar has evercreated. With a lightweight, aluminium structure originally pioneered in the XJ saloon, the styling of the R-D6 marks a new direction in automotive design. As well as visualisation and prototyping, Alias StudioTools was used for sketch modelling, tooling and surfacing. An exterior clay model milled from Alias data aided the design team at Jaguar to visualise the complex design of the car.

With a limited timeline of six months to complete the project, Alias StudioTools helped the Jaguar design team to make the R-D6 a reality. Used for the first line of communication between the engineering and design team at Jaguar, Alias StudioTools enabled capabilities in design that may not have otherwise been viable.

"As the software of choice for most automotive companies, StudioTools provides our customers with a competitive edge. Alias is delighted that Jaguar chose to use StudioTools in the design process of the R-D6," said Peter Mehlstaeubler, Vice President of Product Development, Alias. "Timing was an issue for Jaguar, and we believe that Alias’ software makes a significant contribution to the automotive industry in terms of helping turn ideas into a reality in the fastest time possible."

A range of interior and exterior parts of the R-D6 were designed using StudioTools as part of the process. StudioTools was chosen by Jaguar for its ability to provide fast, accurate freeform modelling, as well as superior visualisation provided by the animation, rendering and shading tools. Using StudioTools at Jaguar Design has led to a reduction in lead times and costs in the process of modelling the R-D6 concept car, enabling the team to produce iterations and designs that would not previously have been possible.

About Alias
As the world's leading innovator of 3D graphics technology, Alias develops award-winning software, custom development and training solutions for the automotive, industrial design and visualization markets and film and video, games, web, interactive media and education markets. Alias also offers a powerful range of services for new to advanced users in the most demanding environments. Learning Tools and Training, Support, and Professional Services help meet rigorous production deadlines. The company’s design customers include AT&T, BMW, Boeing, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Italdesign, Kodak, Kwikset, Mattel, Price Pfister, Renault, Rollerblade, Sharp, Trek Bicycle, Teague and Timex.