While most competitions are based on actual models, one in California called the Design Challenge operates a bit differently.

An article with nytimes.com highlights the Design Challenge, a competition in Southern California “in conjunction” with the L.A. auto show mid-November. This challenge involves digitally produced images, so money (and materials) is no object.

In 2010, participants were dared to dream of a car that weighted less than 1,000 pounds. This light, and the models also had to have four doors.

Another stipulations – the cars had to be, “more comfortable and safe, while delivering satisfactory driving performances, without sacrificing the styling consumers’ demand.” One of the heaviest parts of a car is the engine, so many participants chose to ditch the engine and claimed their cars would run on “compressed air.” A nice thought, but not so practical for cars to go a long distance at a fast rate.

For more realistic ideas, visit our auto shipper companies’ websites.