The Guy Behind The Curvaceous Audi: Walter De Silva

Fiat’s junior designer at the age of 21, in charge of SEAT Design Centre in 1999, managing Audi brand group’s design requirements since March 2002, head of design in the Volkswagen Group and the man behind Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Skoda and VW is no other than Walter Desilva.

De’Silva gained popularity through his 156 sedan and Sportwagon of the late 1990, while his iron is still hot he stroked it by joining the VW Group and from then on his name became even more prevalent with his clever designs from the Salsa and Tango concepts for Seat, adding curves to the Audi, the “emotional design” in 2002, up to his TT, A5, A6 and R8 which all became a success.

He is considered as VW Group’s hit machine due to his consecutive hit car designs since he took over as the head designer for the VW Group. Especially when he transformed the VW brand’s less appealing designs into the Jetta and Scirocco which came out with a bang. De’Silva continued to create astonishing designs, lasting brands, segments, generated consistent sales and has spread his influence to car enthusiasts both internal and external until now making his name a household name in the car industry.

Walter De’Silva’s goal is to achieve the perfect balance between craftsmanship and high-tech which is probably why since he started in his career and even up to now, his staying power in the car world has been unshakable despite the retro 2006 Lamborghini Miura concept flop.

Today, when you hear his name, you know you’re getting both a high-end car and a satisfying one when it comes to the driving experience. He is the kind of designer who definitely knows how to please an investor and a car buyer; undeniably living up to his reputation as the VW’s hit machine.

For a car designer to gain that kind of status, he should know that the best paint protection, though essential, doesn’t make a car high-end but the quality of it as a whole.

Learn more about Car Paint!

Mysterious Black? Hot Red? Calm Gray? Neat White? Whatever your car paint is, it gives the personality of your car.   It wasn’t even invented solely for the enhancement of the appearance of the car but as a protective layer against harmful substance that can ruin your car exterior metal. To achieve a sleek looking car, spray painting is the commonly use method. So, what is more to it that you probably didn’t know?

History

Around late 1800s, when horseless buggy were the primary mode of transportation, they only used varnish system applied by a brush to coat the vehicle with black as the only available color.  In 1920s, lacquer paints were available in different colors. Enamel was used in 1930s for a more durable coat. Then, mixing lacquer and acrylic was discovered in late 1950s which provided an even more durable paint. By 1970s, the method of applying a clear coat over the base coat was practiced for greater shine and protection. During the mid-to late-1980s, primers and overcoats were highly famous and applied. The 1990s introduce more car paint colors and paint manufacturers became more concerned with increasing its protective elements.

Function

Obviously, car paint is used to give hue to your automobile but it is also heat-resistant and has protective elements that can protect your car from corrosive elements. It was created to withstand UV rays, impact from stones, road chippings, damaging effect of rain, oil, petrol, and car washing. Moreover, it prevents rusting and oxidation.

Types

Your car paint is composed of a primer coat, base coat, and clear coat. The primer is the first to be applied that serves as a leveler, protector form corrosion, heat, stone chips, etc. and facilitate the ease of application of other coats. The base coat is the color coat which can be divided into three categories: solid paints, metallic paints, and pearlescent paints. Solid paints don’t have sparkle effects and are commonly employed with heavy transport vehicles and airplanes. Metallic paints create a sparkling effect due to its aluminum flakes. Pearlescent paints give a profound color that is glowing because it contains special iridescent pigments. The final touch is the clear coat which is transparent and glossy applied to resist abrasions and serves as protection from UV rays.

Method

Car painting can be tricky as it can easily be smudge and the best technique to do car painting is spray painting. Do pattern test first and continuously spray the area back and forth for a smooth finish. Car paint dries faster than any other paint.

Tip from Experts!

Applying paint protection is important. Zinc is the primary component of paint protection products; it is a natural anti-corrosive element that protects and prevents your car from rusting and paint erosion. Repair chirping immediately as it causes further damages that may not be visible to eye due to the humid and dirt getting into the car coat.

Welcome the 2014 Porsche Cayman!

Despite the tiny lack of power, which doesn’t really cost you any problem unless you’re planning to make your car fly, the Germans has definitely delivered another drool worthy car in the character of 2014 Porsche Cayman.

This sports car never fails to live up to its reputation, from the view that you get as you relish the comfort of the seat that allows you to see the road clearly plus the beautiful sight, not to mention that you also get to enjoy the best of both front bumper and back bumper. No need to strain for the shifter and pedals because they are exactly positioned where your hands and feet falls.

The engine sitting mid-ship as I mentioned earlier, which by-the-way is really cool, isn’t for the vanity alone, because it lets you turn to corners left and right with ease especially on dry patches.

Enough with the seats, let get on the exterior which along with its great spray painting that definitely highlights it’s low and sharp bodywork, will absolutely earn you and your car praises from people even in the winter.

Not to forget the important details, you should know that my initial warning about its power doesn’t mean you can’t hustle during the rush hour because the Cayman’s 2.7 liter H6 provides just about the right amount of power that you need, though you don’t get to move unless you get to a higher rev. However, the good thing is that whether you’re on a lower rev or higher one when driving, your vehicle will still sound good, but of course who’s surprised, Porsche always sounds good.

Now for the price tag, you know that quality can really come with a price but if it gives you the visceral satisfaction when it comes to the driving experience what’s a little more zeros on that check? It’s Porsche after all.