Stellantis’ annual Drive for Design contest is not only an opportunity for high school students to win fabulous prizes but also a chance for them to learn about exciting career opportunities in automotive design. The winners of the contest not only receive gear like a Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 but also become eligible for summer internships in one of Stellantis’ design studios. In the last two years, Rocco Morales emerged as the first prize winner, showcasing his remarkable talent and creativity.
In 2021, Morales impressed the judges with his Jeep Crazy Horse concept, securing a second-place finish. The following year, he outdid himself by claiming first place with his Ram Stadion concept. And in 2022, Morales proved he was a force to be reckoned with by winning the Drive for Design contest once again, this time with his Chrysler Helios concept. However, now that Morales has graduated and aged out of the entry pool, the question arises: who will be the next rising star in the competition?
The answer might lie in Rohan Sieber, a junior from Portola, California, who recently won the 2024 Drive for Design challenge. Sieber showcased his talent with his concept called the Lancia Zero, an electric sports car inspired by Lancia’s legacy of radical design and legendary performance. Drawing inspiration from Lancia’s Stratos HF Zero, Sieber reimagined the philosophy behind it, adding his own unique touches. With his victory, Sieber has a chance to follow in Morales’ footsteps and potentially become a repeat winner if he continues to participate and excel in the contest.
Not far behind Sieber is Ryan Panizzoli, a sophomore from Plymouth, Michigan, who secured second place in this year’s competition. Although the provided image of Panizzoli’s creation does not reveal its name, tiny captions suggest that it features a slide-out module in the rear, housing a cooking station. Panizzoli’s creative approach and attention to detail earned him recognition and placed him among the top contenders in the contest.
Owen Bronson, hailing from Canton, Michigan, clinched third place with his concept called the Lancia Pugnale. Bronson’s design is a modern interpretation of the 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero HF Concept, incorporating elements that pay homage to the original model. Bronson retained key design cues from Lancia’s Pu+Ra Zero and Pu+Ra HPE concepts, such as the Ypsilon lighting signature in the front, the circular aperture on the roof, and the twin taillights. His ability to reinterpret classic designs while infusing them with contemporary elements showcases his talent and creative vision.
Aside from the recognition and accolades, the second and third-place finishers receive additional rewards. They are awarded an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, providing them with the necessary tools to further refine their skills. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to network with the Stellantis Design Team virtually, expanding their professional connections and gaining insights from industry experts. Additionally, they are granted a scholarship for a four-week summer program at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, which will enhance their understanding of automotive design.
As Michigan locals, Panizzoli and Bronson receive a special invitation to be Student Judges at the EyesOn Design at Ford House car show in Grosse Pointe, Michigan in June. This event provides them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the automotive design community by evaluating and appreciating a wide range of automobiles.
The Drive for Design contest continues to inspire and nurture young talent, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and innovation. Stellantis’ commitment to cultivating the next generation of automotive designers is evident in their support for these students. The competition not only serves as a means to identify exceptional talent but also helps to foster an interest in automotive design among high school students.
Congratulations to Rohan Sieber, Ryan Panizzoli, and Owen Bronson for their outstanding achievements in the 2024 Drive for Design contest. Their designs demonstrate a remarkable combination of vision, skill, and passion for automotive design. With their talent and determination, it’s exciting to envision the impact they will have on the future of the industry. We eagerly await their future contributions and anticipate the unveiling of next year’s Drive for Design winners.
