Okay, adding a special configuration with rust on my todo list. Poor fifth doors.
Progress: adding detail to the front. Found some repair manuals for accurate suspension and wheel alignment and homologation documents for kit car versions (future work? collaboration?).
Progress: optimized front polygons and shading with gaps. Added rims, a realistic frame, wheel alignment, steering and the first version of suspension.
It is possible, the car was used as a road-trip and expedition vehicle (a biology research) all over Slovakia back in the day. Also, that punk paint-job was little conspicuous. Loved how the car made people smile, but had to scrap it, because of rust and some other mechanical problems.
Progress: tuned wheel alignment and suspension travel according to the service manual, added a realistic center of gravity, completed physics (except dampers, where a more accurate linear approximation is needed to fit values obtained from the service manual). Started modeling the rear. The first test-drive feels surprisingly realistic. The front bumper almost buried itself to the ground and the outer rear wheel lifted above the surface during a sharp cornering. The real car did the same thing, when going too fast through a roundabout (the slower versions did not have an anti-roll bar).
Progress: modeled front seats. Minor shading adjustments. Adjusted seat positions and frame to maintain a correct center of gravity. Tried to contact Škoda Motorsport to allow the IRL car name and logo for both stock and Kit Car versions.
I am working on my mods for more than a year and have learnt a lot about car physics and 3D modeling (yes I am still an amateur but with each iteration it is getting more and more driveable). Modding requires a lot of work and in combination with gained confidence I have decided to push my limits further. Inspired by timdecnoddersSAAB, I have decided to create my first fully licensed detailed replica.
Unfortunately, getting a license from a car manufacturer is much more complicated than expected and can be pretty expensive (especially when creation of mod is a hobby which is done for free). I hope that after more than 50 hours of modeling, technical research and physics tuning I will not be forced to abandon my plans. I am currently pausing this project, my request might be answered next week.
Even if you don't get the permission (or a free license), you can always change the name and logo and upload it, no need to abandon it.
Edit: But indeed this model looks great! It will be a nice mod too, with all that work put into it. The name and the logo doesn't matter that much if you love what you do.
Thanks for your support
Currently it is not about the logo but about the overall design. In my previous mods, there were always some visual changes (slightly altered lights and bumpers), but in this case I have tried to keep visuals accurate. Not going to scrap the mod, in the worst case it will get a fictional facelift. However I need to pause it until the manufacturers reply. Need to know if I am allowed to use the real design or not.
To gain a non-commercial license from the manufacturer to use the IRL design, badges and name I have to finish at least one model first. Currently I have two models in development - a 1997 Škoda Felicia and a 1972 Škoda 110LS. The second one is much easier to finish (the car has much simpler interior) so I will finish it first to gain license for both models. If I will fail to gain the license, both mods will get a fantasy facelift. On the other hand, if I will get the license, I am ready to create a quality licensed rally versions of both mods.
Thanks to nice and cooperative people from Škoda Auto, I have obtained license for both stock and Kit Car version of Škoda Felicia and have returned to this detailed replica project
Progress: added side mirrors + minor shading fixes.
Progress: minor shading optimizations, added mud flaps, places for logos and front fog lights. Started modelling a dashboard and a chassis. Fixed weight.